Paul Killinger

Auto Industry Recovery Once Again Postponed

Sting,

Fair enough. NGV's may not be a panacea for everyone, but nothing else is either. The problem is we're importing half a TRILLION dollars worth of foreign oil each year, and NG is the only viable substitute available. (Indeed, we have a proven 100 year supply!) .

But just because it's been around a long time, doesn't mean it isn't a superior product to gasoline. The EPA says the Civic GX tested cleaner than the Prius Hybrid. (I don't have a problem with modern 60+ mpg diesels by the way. Bring 'em on, too!)

I would question your notion that NG isn't cost competitive with gasoline, however. (Even if it weren't, of course, it's still DOMESTIC.) On an eqivalency basis you burn a bit more to go the same distance, but it costs 40% or more less to start with. In fact, NGV owners in OK and UT (who live in proximity to NG production, granted) fill up today for less than $1 per gallon.

It's interesting to note that the only other alternative, EV's, have actually existed for quite awhile themselves. The only difference being they have NEVER WORKED, and they can't operate heavy duty vehicles in the first place. That's probably why 7 MILLION NGV's exist worldwide, compared to a handful of electrics.

It is also true that the new Hybrids may be different. Great! Between them and NGV's, we can survive quite nicely. But at a cost of $45K (including its $15K REPLACEABLE battery pack, the Volt and its ilk are destined to be "boutique" vehicles throughout our lifetimes.

And even without our present financial squeeze, TIME is one luxury not currently on our side when it comes to resolving our transportation dilemma. NGV's are ready to go, and the alternatives are only dreams in laboratories somewhere.

In truth, I like it ALL. Drilling for oil, NGV's, hybrids, sugar (NOT corn) and switchgrass ethanol for transport. Along with wind, solar, hydro, nuclear and clean coal for electricity. Longer term, gas hydrates can do it all.

But we've got to still be alive and kicking (which is now perhaps in doubt) just to get there!




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