Hybrid Cars: A Step, Not a Solution

Hybrid cars are NOT the answer to America's energy problems. Today's cars, including hybrid cars, are TOO EXPENSIVE for drivers, for America, and for earth! Most of the machines we love so much have an internal combustion engine, known in environmental circles as ICE. General Motors Chevy Volt hybrid, which we may see in 2011, offers an exciting alternative to existing hybrids, but still has an internal combustion engine. No matter how clean technology makes them,
and even though they have become very reliable, internal combustion engines are not a good answer for the future. Americans must look to new solutions for
their family cars.

Just for a moment, let's forget Al Gore's controversial documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth." Regardless of "global warming," why should we be driving inefficient vehicles that extend our dependence on foreign oil? Alternatives are possible, practical and just as much fun to own and drive as today's ICE-powered cars. Until recently, I believed my next car would be a hybrid car. Now I have converted my own electric vehicle and am working to convince others that electric cars, not hybrids, are the answer. It is up to us!

Why not a hybrid car? Since hybrids are available now and help with the immediate oil dependence problem, these cars are a good quick fix. But such complex hybrid cars still have internal combustion engines (ICE) with all the expensive qualities of their ancestors. Here is a partial list:

-Poison our air
-Complicated internal parts that wear
-Self-destruction by the dirty explosions at their hearts
-Pollute with imported oil and gas for fuel and lubrication
-Require expensive catalytic converters
-Maintenance-intensive compared with electric machines
-Inefficient

Although I have always loved cars, and they have vastly improved, ICE-powered autos can never reach the efficiency and environmental friendliness of electric vehicles (EV's). Hybrids help with oil consumption and perhaps pollution, but still rely on oil and its unfortunate baggage. A new generation of EV's is as lovable as our old friends without the hybrid downside.

More good news! Some enterprising people are taking matters into their own hands. To see some amazing electrics people are creating themselves, Google "Ev album." These "do it yourself" projects use "donor cars" that would otherwise be headed for the crusher, a big environmental boost. I have also found that
components for EV's are in short supply. This movement is gaining momentum and companies are building electric alternatives.

If you would like to see how excited drivers get about EV's, watch, "Who Killed the Electric Car." This documentary retraces the story of the GM Insight, an all-electric machine that proved the practicality of a modern environmentally friendly car. Even better EV's are on the way. New companies on technology's cutting edge are creating battery powered heartthrobs. Check http://www.teslamotors.com for a treat. Tesla's efforts are the most encouraging I have seen.

Tesla began delivery of their first model in 2008. Production run number one sold out in four months. This sexy sportster will generate a great deal of excitement about clean cars. Tesla has announced plans to produce a hybrid model with a United States factory.

Concerns about electric power plants producing pollution are also unfounded. Recharging plug-in cars from the power grid is much more efficient than ICE cars. Electrical usage for car charging will take place in the evening and overnight during low demand periods. Consumers could recharge their cars from wind or solar generation at home, running their cars with truly zero emissions.

Excitement about hydrogen power is premature. While hydrogen fuel cells may someday provide great benefits in future hybrids, this technology is a distant possibility.

While choices are on the way, everybody should get involved to keep the momentum going. Chevy's Volt hybrid car shows the "Big Three" are getting the message, but we must keep their feet to the fire! Contact your representative to support electric cars. Let your local car dealerships know your next car will be electric! Dollars are the votes that always count!