Of course, there’s no reason a tow truck couldn’t carry batteries to give you enough charge to go as far as you can on the gallon or two of gas they’ll bring you if you run out.
We have a hybrid (Toyota Highlander), which generally we are very happy with, but because the gasoline engine is small it does not produce as much heat as a normal engine, which does not affect its performance but does affect the ability to warm the interior. Given the incredibly cold weather this winter in Boston, we have come to see this as a drawback!
The Chevrolet Volt has an interesting system.
The wheels are driven by electric motors.
When necessary, the gas engine starts and generates electricity when the batteries are low.
It took years and years for the infrastructure to be developed to support today’s gas-driven mobility. When automobiles first appeared on city and country roads, drivers had to carry extra fuel, oil and water with them because gas stations were non-existent.
You can bet it won’t take nearly as long to develop the support infrastucture for electric cars if they achieve a significant portion of the car market. Many northern cities already provide electric outlets at parking meters so drivers can plug in their car’s engine heater.
The electrical generating plant that is charging the electric car is creating more pollution to charge it than the car would have created using it’s gas engine to begin with.
Rockngolfer, many states have had programs to provide a tax credit if you buy a hybrid or electric car which brings it back to the same price as the regular gas version.
And kreole, that’s not true. Cite your study. I know there has been a false study claiming hybrids are worse for the environment than Hummers which has been thoroughly exploded.
It’s in the 70s here, but it looks like a wet Chinese New Year is coming, with 5 days of rain predicted.
I remember how cold it was in Blacksburg, VA 40 years ago, and don’t want any part of it.
Well, señor, we actually DO have blankets in both our cars! Especially as we prepare to get another pounding of snow starting tomorrow…another foot…sigh…and we’ve had five feet this season so far, over three of it in January…
mike.jones over 13 years ago
Of course, there’s no reason a tow truck couldn’t carry batteries to give you enough charge to go as far as you can on the gallon or two of gas they’ll bring you if you run out.
Motivemagus over 13 years ago
We have a hybrid (Toyota Highlander), which generally we are very happy with, but because the gasoline engine is small it does not produce as much heat as a normal engine, which does not affect its performance but does affect the ability to warm the interior. Given the incredibly cold weather this winter in Boston, we have come to see this as a drawback!
rockngolfer over 13 years ago
The Chevrolet Volt has an interesting system. The wheels are driven by electric motors. When necessary, the gas engine starts and generates electricity when the batteries are low.
How about lending me $41,000 so I can buy one?
Loco80 over 13 years ago
I love those coal-burners. All domestic energy. Yes. I just wish that I could afford one.
Bluejayz over 13 years ago
It took years and years for the infrastructure to be developed to support today’s gas-driven mobility. When automobiles first appeared on city and country roads, drivers had to carry extra fuel, oil and water with them because gas stations were non-existent.
You can bet it won’t take nearly as long to develop the support infrastucture for electric cars if they achieve a significant portion of the car market. Many northern cities already provide electric outlets at parking meters so drivers can plug in their car’s engine heater.
kreole over 13 years ago
The electrical generating plant that is charging the electric car is creating more pollution to charge it than the car would have created using it’s gas engine to begin with.
Unless we go to nuclear power plants…..hmmmm…
Motivemagus over 13 years ago
Rockngolfer, many states have had programs to provide a tax credit if you buy a hybrid or electric car which brings it back to the same price as the regular gas version. And kreole, that’s not true. Cite your study. I know there has been a false study claiming hybrids are worse for the environment than Hummers which has been thoroughly exploded.
babka Premium Member over 13 years ago
The Amish have it down.
IAMTHELAW Premium Member over 13 years ago
Jeff, this ranks up there with your cartoon about the Marines’ new landing craft.
Jason Allen over 13 years ago
“Many northern cities already provide electric outlets at parking meters so drivers can plug in their car’s engine heater. ”
I live in the North, but my city did away with parking meters before I was born.
jessie d. Premium Member over 13 years ago
Hey, that light pole is alot closer than those gas stations. Being out of petrol is a stark fear during a blizzard for all of us gas-guzzlers!
rockngolfer over 13 years ago
It’s in the 70s here, but it looks like a wet Chinese New Year is coming, with 5 days of rain predicted. I remember how cold it was in Blacksburg, VA 40 years ago, and don’t want any part of it.
Motivemagus over 13 years ago
Well, señor, we actually DO have blankets in both our cars! Especially as we prepare to get another pounding of snow starting tomorrow…another foot…sigh…and we’ve had five feet this season so far, over three of it in January…