Electric Plug Ins

[NismoZ]

I understand the US Taxpayers will subsidize me to the tune $6,500 to buy an electric vehicle. So, FREE if I can get one for 6,500? The best space in my berg's parking deck at the rec centre is "reserved for plug-in vehicles only." That sign alone leaves a little opening for interpretation (plus there is not ONE such vehicle in town) but I have another question for the city council (and it's one VERY green member) that has gone unanswered so far. WHERE is the source of the electrical power for the outlet at that parking space? Pretty sure it's a coal-fired plant along a big river, but nobody wants to talk about it. COULD be nuclear, but I don't think so. What is the message I'm supposed to be getting from all this?

[Napoleon]

Pretty sure it's a coal-fired plant along a big river, but nobody wants to talk about it.

That is why so called green technology is really a system wide change and not just one "silver bullet" (as put by Datachicane in several other threads).

But you have to start somewhere.

[cameraman]

Well we have been getting phone calls from the electric company begging us to turn off everything possible because the grid is about to collapse because it is cold outside and everybody is running their space heaters. So yeah, lets get everybody to try to plug their cars in at night:saywhat:

[Steve99]

The best space in my berg's parking deck at the rec centre is "reserved for plug-in vehicles only." That sign alone leaves a little opening for interpretation (plus there is not ONE such vehicle in town)

Bring an extension cord, run it out your car window, and start using that spot. :laugh:

[miatanut]

Well we have been getting phone calls from the electric company begging us to turn off everything possible because the grid is about to collapse because it is cold outside and everybody is running their space heaters. So yeah, lets get everybody to try to plug their cars in at night:saywhat:

I would say the problem there is electric space heaters.

Use a really high quality form of energy, which can do things like run computers, make light, provide mechanical power in a confined space without creating exhaust, and use it to make heat, the lowest form of energy. Great idea! :rolleyes:

[NismoZ]

*Yup, already thought of that cord idea. I'm just too chicken to actually do it.

[cameraman]

I would say the problem there is electric space heaters.

Use a really high quality form of energy, which can do things like run computers, make light, provide mechanical power in a confined space without creating exhaust, and use it to make heat, the lowest form of energy. Great idea! :rolleyes:


Yeah well it is 5°F and Salt Lake is full of uninsulated brick bungalows with single pane windows dating from the 20s-50s. There's lots of space heating going on right now:shakehead

[NismoZ]

PS...there are also 2 new solar-powered trash compactors at the entrance to The Centre. I understand they only cost us $6,000 each...unless the council negotiated some kind of deal. I wonder where the break even point is with those?

[Heeltoe]

is "reserved for plug-in vehicles only."

So I can park my diesel there? (and i mean conventional, not a hybrid)

[oddlycalm]

Honda's CEO says plug in electrics are too heavy, high tech diesels are too hard to make (unless you are European) and fuel cells rock but there is no infrastructure.

Honda CEO holds forth (http://www.dailytech.com/Honda+CEO+Says+Clean+Diesel+Too+Tough+Salespeople+ to+Blame+for+Image+Problems/article17101.htm)

oc

PS - Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year was the Audi A3 clean diesel.

[Gnam]

Not a new car, but maybe a way to charge them up.
"Power plant in a box"

story:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/25/MNIO1C6M96.DTL
graphic:
http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2010/02/24/ba-bloom0225_gr_SFCG1267067071.jpg

Maybe they could market them as Energon Cubes. ;)

[SteveH]

Not a new car, but maybe a way to charge them up.
"Power plant in a box"

story:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/25/MNIO1C6M96.DTL
graphic:
http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2010/02/24/ba-bloom0225_gr_SFCG1267067071.jpg

Maybe they could market them as Energon Cubes. ;)

This was on 60 Minutes last Sunday. Very interesting concept, a fuel cell that seems to be affordable. Link includes video of the 60 Minutes segment.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/22/the-bloom-box-a-power-plant-for-the-home-video/

[chop456]

Honda's CEO says plug in electrics are too heavy, high tech diesels are too hard to make (unless you are European)

Who makes Honda's 2.2 ctdi, then? That thing's a peach. :thumbup:

[Michaelhatesfans]

*Yup, already thought of that cord idea. I'm just too chicken to actually do it.

Just leave it in the blow up doll's lap as you're cruising down the carpool lane.:thumbup: