On 6/24/12 4:07 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Sun, 24 Jun 2012 10:50:38 -0700, "Califbill"
wrote:

How did we generate the electricity to charge the
batteries?

Most likely natural gas at this point in time. New driling technology
has enabled the domestic production of more natural gas than we can
currently use. Many power plants have already converted from oil or
coal and most of the rest will convert within 5 to 10 years.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is also becoming a transportation fuel
but the distribution and retail infrastructure will take a lot of work
and investment.

What is the efficiency of the charging process?

Depends on the battery technology and the charger. On balance I
don't view it as being all that important.

Most of us are not against electric cars, we are against stupid subsidies.

I think it's safe to say that everyone is against stupid subsidies.
It is not at all clear however whether or not that is the case with
electric autos. Everyone agrees that battery technology is critical
to long term success. If subsidies can hurry along better battery
production, I view that as a good thing that will also have positive
fallout in other areas like off grid energy storage.

It is a huge mistake to politicize this issue in my opinion.


I wonder what could be better for long-term improvement of the US
economy than to take the lead in the development of battery and other
alternative energy technology. Our daily auto transportation needs here
are pretty limited during the work week...about 15 miles each way to the
commuter bus twice a day, and then maybe another 10 miles round trip to
the commercial (supermarkets, restaurants, et cetera) district.
Add in some reserve, and an inexpensive but sturdy car that'll do
125-150 miles a day on a charge from a household charger would be very
attractive.