sabbadoo32

Alternative Energy Storage Needs to Take Baby Steps Before It Can Run

I'd be in favor of converting the government's non-security or law envorcment fleet of vehicles to hybrid or PEV. It would be a big order for Detroit, and it would give us a good opportunity to test the effects on the electrical grid.

How Will Temporary Decline in Oil Prices Impact Energy Sector?

I'm interested in what the author is basing his opinion of HEV's on. I see vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid as a godsend to families with 2 or 3 kids. Lots of space and 25-30 mpg in the city. I think the concept of electric-assist is excellent. It may rise to the top. But not before the first round of HEV's and electric cars that will hit American showrooms 2009-2012.

I also am concerned about battery power v. highway speeds. The vehicles that I have seen, HEV, electric, have the same if not better driving characteristics than a Honda Fit, or a base Toyota Corolla. What vehicles is the author referring to?

Lastly is infrastructure. Very problematic. If the market moves to 7-10% adoption of green cars in the next few years, how long will it take before utility companies move toward adjusting the grid? One good thing about utilities having a government partner is that it should (I said should) be easier to prod the electric companies to upgrade the grid.

The big X factor for all of this is the economy, and how Obama structures incentives to buy new cars. If he can shift pent up demand for economical cars (not econoboxes) to what I see coming in 2010-2012, then I believe we'll see oil and utilities reacting to the consumer