Bruce L.

Impact of GM Destroying the EV1

The EV1 was an interesting engineering experiment for it's time. But it was just that, an experiment. It was launched with great fanfare to a lot of the Hollywood "beautiful people." (Anybody remember the interviews with such great engineering minds as Suzanne Summers?) I think the EV1 served it's purpose. GM gained knowledge that is likely being applied to the upcoming Evolt.

The mainstream press is overlooking the big picture. If these pure electric cars are coming, and I think they eventually are, when are we going to begin the massive expansion of our electric power infrastructure that will be needed to recharge these things? I can just hear the news reports that will be broadcasts a few years from now:

"Thousands of commuters were unable to get to work this morning after a massive power black out caused by high user demand swept through many parts of the nation. Hardest hit were the residents of Southern California as power grid officials struggled to meet the demands caused by the unrelenting heat wave and recent increased demands places on the grid by commuters needing to recharge their cars."

Additionally, we will probably hear people complaining about their high power bills, much the same way they currently complain about their high gasoline bills.

How Gas Price is Affecting Pickup Trucks

Just to clarify, I wasn't referring to electric powered pickup in my earlier post. I was referring to electric powered commuter cars. HP and torque are still required in the pickup truck market for those of us that tow or haul really heavy loads. Just don't over buy. I used to drive diesels, but my towing requirements changed when I dropped to a smaller fifth wheel. I bought gas truck that gives up two mpg to my last two diesels. At nearly a dollar a gallon difference in the price of fuel, I'm comfortable with the choice, but someone else may have different needs.

Pick-ups have come a long ways since the 70's and 80's. More power and better economy. I too used to get around 12 mpg in my 85 Chevy. I now get 15 to 17 when not towing anything on highway trips with my gas power GMC, which has 120 more H.P. than that '85 truck.

If my boat was a twelve footer, I'd tow with something compact. My boat weighs in at over 8000 pounds so, I still use a large truck.

Once again, buy smart and drive smart if you can. Plan your trips and use the most appropriate vehicle for your needs. I do really have a lot of empathy for folks that must commute, put kids thru college, pay the mortgage in decreasing housing market and don't have the present ability to own multiple vehicles for specific uses. I have been there and done that (I even lived in a 26 ft RV for awhile after a really pricey divorce!) I'm extremely thankful that life has been good. But, even with "disposable income" as one poster wrote, common sense can still goes a long way in cutting your personal fuel usage.

How Gas Price is Affecting Pickup Trucks

You have got to use some common sense. I have a GMC 2500 HD that I use for towing my fifth wheel and boat. It stays in the garage unless I need to use it for the purpose in which it was designed. We take the Hyundai Azera when we run errands or head back to our Colorado house. I have found when towing my fifth wheel, if I lift a bit and average 61 mph instead of 65, gain about 1.5 mpg. Funny if I go a little slower, I actually lose 1 mpg because the truck can't hold it's speed in 6th gear as often.

I do agree with fg, some form of electric power for our daily drivers seems to be the short term solution. Bottom line, plan your trips, drive smart and, if you have the option, use the vehicle that is the most appropriate for the task at hand. You overall reduction in the amount of fuel purchased will surprise you.