Quote:
Originally Posted by AJC
The point is that we have the technology now to mass produce electric cars that will serve most peoples needs and what is the delay?
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First of all, there have been lots of breakthroughs recently in battery technology (not surprising since money is being thrown at battery technology like crazy). However breakthroughs and readiness to 'mass produce' are not the same.
So the batteries that are probably effective enough to go pure electric are still expensive, large, and heavy (but that is improving all the time).
Secondly, even though the batteries are better now than ever, the recharge times still aren't good enough to satisfy most Americans. Although some cars are talking about 90% charges in just a couple of hours, if you intend to recharge anywhere other than home that means infrastructure that is common, fast (220-250 voltage conveniently located), and entertaining enough that you don't mind leaving your car plugged in while you go goof around for an hour or 2.
Right now, battery technology is good enough for a pure city car (meaning you still have to have a gas car for when you intend to leave town). This means that people have to be able to afford to not only own, but store and insure 'extra' cars in the worst most expensive areas to store and insure cars-> Cities.
I don't think you've thought this through. Although I think it's clear that the Government is pushing an electric transportation economy in the future, I think it would be clear to ANY observer that it isn't there yet. My crystal ball says electric is truly viable alternative in 2020.