Too many things are stacked against the E-car.
- price (e.g., the Volt is $41,000 US)
- limited range (e.g., the Volt runs only 64 kms or 40 miles before requiring a recharge)
- limited numbers (e.g., battery technology lags behind)
The future lies elsewhere.
GM and other car builders will likely be the last to admit that fuel scarcity and rising fuel prices will end our love affair with the car - and sooner than later. They’ll keep trying to whet peoples’ appetites for toys for boys (and girls) and the desire for convenience and comfort for each and every individual on the planet long after personal transportation vehicles lose their cool factor.
["The Thrift Bank in Sidney, Ohio"]
This old economist says that as personal and national debt loads mount, the common bicycle may squeeze the car out of the hallowed place in our hearts that cars have ruled for so long.
Highways may be the site of future suburbs to cities. (See back issues of DWELL magazine)
Some may already have switched allegiance to rail or buses, hardy, sensible transportation systems that are jeopardized as well by rapid climate change and our growing demands for clean fuel, any fuel.
And as an aging economist I would say that as money and fuel grow more scarce, people will see walking shoes and running shoes in their future. (They both have great benefits attached, do they not?)
But E-cars, dependent upon coal (to a large degree) and expensive infrastructure, will not be seen in a growing, positive light for long.
Look elsewhere.
***
I recommend the 850 series of New Balance running shoes.
More from This Old Economist here.
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