MiddleOfRoader

A Radical Solution for U.S. Automakers

Good article conceptually, but no details on a solution are offered other than suggesting that resources be directed to vehicles which are greener than current internal combustion engines.

Let's say the cost of 8 million new vehicles a year are subsidized by the public to the tune of $10,000 each to make them greener than the current models. If my math is right, that is $80 billion a year. An initial investment in refueling infrastructure might be needed as well.

I'm not sure how much of an increase in efficiency can be achieved for that cost.

If the Big 3 do not possess the technology ready to make a decent jump in efficiency right now (maybe they have it but there is no market at the current cost), perhaps it could be licensed from competitors. Otherwise, a bunch of money would be needed for life support until the technology is ready.

Gas prices are getting so low, such an investment might be difficult to justify using conventional cost/benefit analysis.