Who killed the electric car?

Didn't see it...but it was General Motors and Standard Oil. Oh, and it's not dead. Building one myself here soon.
 
really where i am in a Ap earth and Enviromental class and my teacher would love to see it and could score me some browny points

and you should really see it
 
I've seen the show. It details the death of the GM electric car. Doesn't it also mention that one particular inventor that worked on battery technology had accepted venture capital and went public with the company. In the process lost he lost majority ownership - then Exxon or another oil company bought the a majority stake and took the company private and promptly left the automobile battery business. The bigger issue for him was that he put the patents on the batteries into the companies name - so he couldn't take his invention to a new company? IT's not uncommon for the patent to be in the companies name because obviously the company is not worth anything without the patent. I understand he has started a new firm - but I bet he won't make the same mistake. From what I remember - he was extremely interested in electric vehicles. It was an informitive film if you got past the Michael Moore'ish techniques of some of the proponents of the GM car.

I met a guy another Duke employee a few years ago - about 10 years - that had converted a small pickup to electric. The battery bank was placed under a bed. He lost some space in the bed - but he didn't intend the truck for hauling - it was his commuter vehicle. It was nicve clean install. Something that I would consider doing today.

Galen, You'll have to bring the electric vehicle to club meeting.
I's like to see it when it's done.
 
I happen to have bought the issue itself...not sure if it'll be on their website for a few months?

try this-it's probably better than the mag write-up
http://www.driveev.com/jeepev/home.php
 
Just watched this movie. I also highly recommend this movie. It's obvious that the technology is here and will work, but oil and car man. have killed it.

Not only are EV vehicles hard to find, but so was this movie! No retail locations had it in stock, but I was able to find it at the library for free! Looks like the car/oil companies have linked with retail stores also
 
yes i would be suprised if they make it illegal to watch or make it like the redscare and put it on the hollywood blacklist
 
Gmachine said:
This company is right beside us in Mooresville. They have made some cool stuff!
http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/20080204
Click to expand...

Yea, my girlfriend worked there for about a year. She said something about the owner of the company not being allowed in the states. Always did his work via video conferencing, email, or phone. They got some cool cars and ideas.
 
Electric cars are going to be on the rise in the next few years if gas continues on its rise. back in high school we converted a ford ranger to electric for about $5000. it was able to go 115 miles on one charge, and had a top speed of 75mph. It only costs 45cents to charge the truck from a wall outlet, but the school received a grant and had an solar charging station built. they recently converted a fiero. the web site is www.kickngas.org not to bad for a little home town school.
 
The sad part is that cost is what will drive these cars. If the oil industry is smart the will let the price "rollercoaster" which will put the guys that are doing the research, out of business, but then jack the price back up to make more $$!

We need to start looking at what impact we are making on the environment and let that be our compass. It's a sad day that GM, who once built cars like the EV1 are now advertising the Hybrid Tahoe that only gets an estimated 21 MPG highway. Who is dumb enough to applaud that?!?
 
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