Once again, the President urged Americans last week to wean ourselves off of the evil God of Oil. So in a quest to cut down on our gas guzzling cars and trucks, electric cars once again pop to the forefront of our minds.
Electric cars and hybrids have been quietly in the background gaining sales (although slowly), as new models become available and more mainstream. Several new models will hit the market soon, and perhaps the public will be enticed to try them.
Two of the biggest reasons why these cars have not taken hold of the market, though, are their expensive batteries, and the fact that drivers worry about being able to plug in when they’re away from home.
One million electric vehicles by 2014?
According to BusinessWeek, “President Barack Obama aims to get a million electric cars and plug-in hybrids on U.S. roads by 2015 to ease U.S. reliance on imported oil and cut carbon emissions. The first two mass-market electrics, Nissan’s Leaf and the Chevy Volt, are set to hit the streets this fall.”
Shopping centers and building landlords across the country might consider adding charging stations in their parking lots, to accommodate future demand. But the units are not cheap, costing $2000 to 5000 each.
Bring it on … more tax credits
There is legislation underway hoping to expand tax credits for the installation of charging equipment as well as electric vehicle purchases. The administration is hoping with financial incentives, landlords will keep the nation’s fleet of electric cars and hybrids charged and ready to roll.
That is, if they ever really take off to start.
Oh and one more thought: has anyone thought about how all this demand will affect utility companies? Demand? Are they ready for this?
