Will Detroit's cash crisis kill the electric car?

That’s what one headline was asking this week. I hope the answer is “no!”

As you know, we’re big fans of electric cars.

We’d love to see a plug-in hybrid like the Chevy Volt on the road as soon as possible.

Why?

Because the energy these cars run on will have to come from somewhere – and if it is plugged in, odds in this country (and many others) are good that the electricity charging them will be coal generated – greatly increasing America’s energy security.

If that electricity can be produced utilizing carbon capture and sequestration technology, we can also greatly reduce the greenhouse gases that are currently being released into the atmosphere by every car on the highway without increasing emissions in the utilities sector.

That’s the definition of a win-win situation.

According to the article, GM is protecting its investment in electric cars like the Chevy Volt even as it cuts funds elsewhere.

Let’s hope that is true, because plug-in electric vehicles may not only be the future of the auto industry, they could mean a brighter future for all of us.

Comments

[Dubbs]

Forget the Volt, Tesla might be the future of electric cars. They already have a production vehicle on the road that's 100% electric. Sure it's a fancy expensive sports car ($100k) but they're working on a passenger car that will cost $60k. Awesome! http://www.teslamotors.com/

[Megan at ACCCE]

Dubbs:

Thanks for your comment!

The Tesla is an impressive car, indeed. Still, I think the Volt could be a more affordable option. I've read it would be priced between $30-$40k. Nonetheless, it's good to have options and I'm optimistic about the future of plug-in electric vehicles.