Can you imagine a day when you never again have to pay for gas for your car? Or never pay for a tune up? Or never pay for the electricity that powers your house? Well, with some actual leadership from our elected officials, the days of cheap and clean energy are not some far-off pipe dream. Read this article from the SierraClub and imagine the possibilities.
SierraClub: (h/t Bill W.)
“Five years ago, I spent about $45,000 and got a brand new car (the RAv4EV) and the solar system,” he says. “We’re still driving the car every day, and the solar system will continue to make fuel for whatever EV we drive in the future. For $45,000 we bought a new car and fuel for the rest or our lives.”
Asked how long it will take for the PV system to pay for itself, Dickey replies: “If we think of everything in terms of what it costs us in the short-term, we’re screwed. It’s the same argument people use against the Prius: When will it pay back in gas savings? But that only accounts for the money paid at the pump. What of the billions of dollars that leave our economy for oil, or the billions of our tax dollars that go toward tax incentives for oil companies? What of the cost of the military and the lives lost to protect our oil?”
$45,000 is no doubt a significant amount of money. But if we invest in this now — like we should have been for the past 20+ years — the price will naturally come down. Darrell Dickey hits the nail on the head when he says we need to think of this modest investment in contrast to the billions of dollars that leave our treasury every year for oil.
Here’s my favorite quote:
My wife has not been to a gasoline station in seven years and 70,000 commute miles—not once!”
Imagine the possibilities.
Filed Under: Environment, Government Policy
Tags: Electric Hybrid, Energy Independence, EV Vehicle
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Honestly, when I think of all of the commercials I see even in this economy advertising cars that are $40,000 plus this doesn’t seem that expensive or crazy.
There is no possibility of ongoing profit so it will never be mass produced. IF one is silly enough to think that government works for the benefit of the people, one is naive. Hopeful, optimistic but naieve.
If the government were not in the hands of Big Oil tools we’d already by building the
Solar Grand Plan
Oops!
Somebody said fuck it….I ain’t waiting.
This is the single most pathetic aspect of Senators Tweedledum and TweedleDee…no a squeek out of either of ‘em about this.
Although Big Dog was jawin’ about the high price of Lithim Ion batteries and the mystery of why the price for these suckas wasn’t falling.
Tony @ 1:
The 45k includes the solar system.
45000 not necessary (at least in Cali!)…Oh baby, i’ve got mine reserved http://www.aptera.com/
To Average Joe’s point, there is still upkeep and maintenance, and battery cells. The industry standard is once the battery drops below 80% capacity, it has to be replaced. So, granted, not the same as constant trips to the pump, but still ample opportunity to screw consumers later on.
An Average Joe @ 2:
So?
Yer good with $8.00/gal gas?
Is that right?
While I’m certain that I’m far from the first to concoct this theory, I mentioned to a pal the other day that running out of oil is really a mixed blessing. Sure, we’ll have to adapt (already, I see friends and family members planning around when they have to use the car, due to how expensive it is to fill up now), but the planet will be better off. And while this aspect of it is more far-fetched, I wouldn’t be surprised if getting rid–or reducing the amount–of plastic will lead to improved health - specifically, a dropping cancer rate. But like I said, this is really just wacky armchair speculation.
First of all, pick up the excellent documentary ‘Who Killed the Electric Car?’, which wasnt (for whatever reason) nominated for a Best Documentary Oscar. Seriously…I dont understand this nominating committee…they didnt nominate ‘A Fistful of Quarters’ either (granted, it was not as politically or socially important, but it had a 98% on rottentomatoes, so come on…).
Second of all, consider the price of gas is $4 a gallon and my car get 25 MPG (which is not bad…not outstanding, but not bad). Basic math will tell you thats 16 cents per mile. Since most new cars are $20-25k now, that means that you’ll have saved the other, lets say, $20k in 125,000 miles. Thats not bad…barring accidents, most cars go WAY beyond that, but it gets better….
Finally, one of the big reasons cars die of old age is because the engine block of an internal combustion engine gets, literally, burnt out. So not only have you saved money in gasoline, youve saved a ridiculous amount in replacement parts as well.
The price of this car will come down as the technology improves, but i have to tell you…the price is good right now…
Oh! And I forgot to mention the bit relevant to this post: Whereas few would previously consider investing in automobiles that run on anything but good ol’ gasoline (especially since electric cars, as an example, were incapable of the same speeds that cars running on petroleum were capable of), now we’re all desperate for alternatives. Water? Sure! Compressed air? Fantastic! We’ll end up with slower-moving vehicles because people will prefer that to nothing at all (or a car that costs over two hundred smackers to fill up).
A.Citizen @ 7:
In Canada, I’m already paying $1.40/liter for my diesel - that’s approaching $6 a gallon. You’ll be lucky if it stops at $8…
$45k for a car that never needs gas?? plus the big tax rebate i’ll get in cali? — this is a GREAT investment for myself and the environment. as far as it not being mass produced…if the demand is there, why not? tesla is starting to do it, why won’t someone else? if people buy them, they will build them. the oil companies know this, why do u think they’re gouging us now — to fill up their coffers before it’s time to board up the shop windows. eattheblinds.blogspot.com
If we’d had only started back when Carter gave his Malaise Speech a lot of people would probably be driving these things by now.
I’ve imagined, but my premises and conclusions are a bit different, sorry to say…
A.Citizen @ 7:
No, not at all..you missed my point. My point is, the government looks out for corporations, not the people. I hope to God I’m wrong about this someday but I know I’m not with these clown in there now.
An Average Joe @ 2:
Hey, guess what? That kind of attitude guarantees that you’re right. The fact is, this is the kind of thing we can change merely by making it so. The problem is that most Americans are (metaphorically) fat and lazy. We’re too happy with an economy that doesn’t force us (yet) to live in grass huts and caves and drink from the same stream we use as a toilet. So we don’t rise up against the rampant injustice all around us. If only we would get off our fat asses and start demanding our government govern properly, it would have no choice but to do that. If they refused, we’d just vote them out and replace them with people who knew which side their bread was buttered on.
In other words, the problem isn’t that the government refuses to work for us. The problem is people who have just given up and accepted the status quo.
Got the solar system. Now waiting for them to bring back the RAVeV.
awesome, driving can become an exclusive luxury for the rich
Too bad YOU CAN’T BUY THAT CAR!
These are wonderful stories, but that’s all they’ll be is stories if the manufacturers continue to refuse to supply the damned vehicles.
When people talk about the “high” price of alterative fuel cars they seem to be speaking from the viewpoint of other cars in the same size class. This almost completely misses the point.
Personally I couldn’t care less about having a “status” car so $45,000 seems well worth it for me regardless of car class.
Shade Tail @ 16:
Spokwn like man of the 60’s, as am I. What are you doing to change the status wuo besides posting on a blog?
Meat @ 10:
Well, if it ran on water, in Georgia, at this point in time, we wouldn’t be driving. Air, sunlight, maybe - but not water.
Travis @ 17:
Oh, any way you look at it, it will, it will…
Boy, I’ve got to start checking my typing. These fat fingers are making me lose face.
its sad that the people who can afford these high priced clean cars are probably people who have stock in oil…
If it doesn’t roar when you hit the pedal, then mainstream America will never buy it. American men need to show off the size of their penis and little green cars won’t do it.
Remember the Dodge Hemi ads?
Matt @ 5:
Electric? I’m no expert, but the solar is true green, baby.
Finally - that free lunch I’ve been waiting for.
Thanks to big oil we’re already 50 years behind where we should be and that’s just in advances in vehicles.
If this solar system was any kind of real threat they would have already suppressed it.
And 45000 may not be a lot to pay for what you are really getting, I agree, but I don’t know a single person who could afford it. On any terms.
Rusty Shackleford @ 27:
LOL. Exactly.
Hmmm,
Okay - sounds great, but……..
Listen , I’m not against this stuff but the power supply isn’t up to it - at least the power storage we use now.
The Rav EV has a range of 80 to 120 miles before another 5 hours of recharge.
I live in northern BC and a 600 mile day trip is a common enough thing.
How about storaging the energy as kinetic (flywheels perhaps).
I hear all this talk about the environment - have you any idea the pollution contributed by batteries?
More money needs to be invested in the technology, we are barely there as far as power storage.
my two cents people
BruceJ @ 18:
They can refuse……………we can DEMAND…….you know, the supply & DEMAND concept. I’ve been depressed for the past seven-plus years. I now know a new age of reason is dawning……………can feel it in my bones. Look out, because there’s going to be a quantum leap in the energy arena.
But where is she going to buy her lottery tickets and junkfood if she never stops for gas?
Michael Avery @ 30:
Good Lord, man. What are you, a trapper…?
Electric cars as they stand for the immediate future are probably locked to urban usage.
Michael Avery @ 30:
Yes sir. The only “eco-friendly” battery we know of (the Earth) is close to being drained of its economically useful stored solar power (oil).
It can happen but my suggestion is don’t be expecting a magic wand or instant gratification solution. The sky’s the limit for young people in post industrial hydro carbon technologies if they would take the initiative. But you must be prepared to swallow the critical opinion of the world in order to succeed.
watch who killed the electric car, that docu was very frustrating to watch! but very informative.
$45,000 initial investment………..
and how much are we spending per person per year to stay in Iraq????
Boy, such an inspiring story.
Too bad several things get kind of a passing mention and not much discussion. Like not everyone lives in California. The Sacramento area (where Davis is) has sunshine 78% of the time during the average year, and 188 clear days, ranking 6th in the US in terms of sunniest cities (it’s sunnier on average than LA and San Diego).
Now trying that solar-power holier-than-thou attitude in, say Buffalo, Cleveland, Seattle where not only are there a lot fewer days without clouds, the sun is at a lower angle (solar less less efficient), you have to clean snow of the solar panels, the car needs heat (which, if you aren’t using an IC engine, means you aren’t getting it for free) which reduces battery charge, and so on. And don’t even get started on Canada…
This is great, but out of reach from most, myself included. I’d need a raise in the range of $30,000 to be able to buy a $45,000 car (I live just north of Boston, and it is expensive here!). With stagnant wages, I don’t expect that to happen anytime soon.
brokenarrow @ 31:
I’ve been depressed too. Unbareably so, actually. Things are going to get better though, I think. We’ve got a lot of convincing to do to make it happen though, and I think a lot of bad things will happen while we’re doing our convincing. It’s not magic, but there are more of us every day to do the convincing and the work.
For instance, the USDA BioPreferred Program made some progress today by finalizing 27 new categories of biobased products that will be given purchasing priority over petroleum products by the federal government. Sure, we need to fix a few sustainability problems with these products, but we ARE MOVING FORWARD, even if it feels like we’re standing still. (link: http://www.usda.gov/oce/newsro.....obased.doc)
I have never paid for gas or a tune-up for the car I don’t own. My neighbor has solar panels for his home. I buy good food for my body, to fuel and repair. I invest in good gear for staying warm and dry. I walk and bike. I’ll hire a ride when I need too.
I want a sky-car or similar, to stay clear of black-ice and moose. Too many of us lose life or health to these obstacles.
L.A. Confidential @ 13:
As I recall Carter had not only a national energy plan, but also had a national water plan (basically TVA for the nation), and a set of serious election reform proposals — all of which if passed at all were gutted to the point of being ineffective.
If I remember my history correctly the obstruction of Carter’s plans and proposals primarily came not from the Republicans, but rather by way of Tip O’Neill (in the House) and Robert Byrd (in the Senate), who were quite busy stabbing Carter in the back… repeatedly.
Tip O’Neill, some of you may recall, went on to become one of Ronald Reagan’s most dependable ass-kissers.
When oil hits 200 dollars a barrel, as it inevitably will, it will finally dawn on people that Peak Oil has been reached, and the end of the oil-based industrial civilisation is here.
All the technology-fetish wishing in the world will not help then.
Oh my god….
In the wiki page under “Public Availability” it is casally mentioned why this battery driven car can no longer be legally produced.
For the lazy reader … it has something to do with Chevron/Texaco and the patent rights of the battery pack.
Depressing……
John @ 43:
Nobody’s listening to the likes of us. We’re just nattering nabobs of negativism, doncha know…
Screw the hemi ads, heads up kids …
http://www.teslamo