Plugin Hybrids the econ cost

[Q45tech]

"Plug-in hybrids get far better mileage than standard cars or regular hybrids--and emit far less pollution.

But they are also tough to justify economically at the moment with existing technology, according to the first several months of data from RechargeIT.org, which is studying how well plug-in hybrids work in real-world circumstances.

Plug-ins, in fact, only cut gas consumption by about 88 gallons a year over regular Priuses in urban driving. That comes to an annual savings of $158 to $250 (when you factor in the cost of electricity too). With the conversion running around $15,000, the payoff would take decades."http://www.news.com/8301-11128....lede

Another useful site to keep up:http://earth2tech.com/

[maxnix]

Emissions and costs for generating and transmission of electricity are seldom accounted.

Who wants to be the first to traverse Death Valley in the summer with one?

[Q45tech]

Plug in still have a tiny petrol/diesel engine..................now TOTAL Electric might be a challenge for the average non MSEE owner who forgets to bring his $30,000 in rollup solar panels.

What cell and satellite phones are for, to call for a tow....... 2nd mortgage.

[Jesda]

Who wants to be the first to traverse Death Valley in the summer with one?

I'd do it in a solar car.

[lino]

I'm very interested in seeing how well this car does:

http://automobiles.honda.com/fcx-clarity/

[maxnix]

You'd be crispier than a pakora half way across.

[Q45tech]

The point was economics and for members to study the cost of electricity, new powerlines, new substations, new generators to recharge all these electric cars.

It takes roughly 1.3 kilowatt hours to make 1 horsepower hour correcting for inefficiencies. But $3 per hour is sure better than $10.00 per hour for gasoline............$100 extra elec vs $300 gasoline per month

Currently coal fired generators are number 2 in CO2 pollution in US, so the switch will have to be nuclear if the short term [under 20 years] is necessary.

Just like ethanol has raised the price of food, using electric cars will raise the price of electricity to those that don't have one to pay for infrastructure.

[maxnix]

The point was economics and for members to study the cost of electricity, new powerlines, new substations, new generators to recharge all these electric cars.

Why T. Boone Pickens is advocating and investing in wind power in the great Central plains states, what he calls America's wind tunnel.
Modified by maxnix at 12:13 PM 3/26/2008

[qship96]

Funny with all the hybrid and high MPG talk, most modern cars seem to be being produced and marketed with ever increasing engine sizes and horsepower.The v6 Altima , Camry, and Accord while just average bread and butter family sedans now are quicker accelerating than the G50Q, 300zx,and other performance cars from a decade ago- do we really need the average camry,etc to go 0-60 in less than 6 seconds with todays price of fuel?

[maxnix]

Do we need a fake Camry in Nascar?