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Automotive News & Views How The 35 mpg Law By 2020 Will Affect The Cars We Will Drive
538 messages, Last post on Jul 31, 2008 at 6:28 AM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
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Replying to: nippononly (Dec 19, 2007 7:49 pm) Regulating interstate commerce,which the manufacture and sale of automobiles falls under IS an enumerated power of the Federal Gov't. The fact that the Feds have allowed CARB to set their own standards does not mean that the Federal Gov't has surrendered those rights to the states. Personally, I think that one of the resons the automakers didn't fight this new law more vigorously is that they got assurances that the Feds would slap down CARB. Carmakers have NEVER liked CARB and have never liked having to make 2 different types of cars for the same country. |
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Replying to: 1stpik (Dec 19, 2007 2:57 pm) Actually, once upon a time, the gasoline engine was not the engine of choice. Back in the experimentation stages, companies played around with steam, gasoline, electric, and probably other sources as well. Back in the early days of the automobile, there were plenty of electric cars around. The problem is that then, just like now, the battery technology was just not there yet. Gasoline engines have come a long way in terms of advancement, but with electric motors still have that same achilles heel...the battery. Battery technology is getting better, but not in leaps and bounds like the internal combustion engine did. |
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Replying to: gagrice (Dec 19, 2007 9:08 pm) 
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Replying to: greenmachines (Dec 20, 2007 11:35 pm) |
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Replying to: greenmachines (Dec 20, 2007 11:35 pm) I assume you're referring to Tesla. Tesla's upcoming roadster is certainly impressive, but according to their website the peak range is 267 miles and a full charge takes at least 3.5 hours on the home charging system. Still good numbers, but not nearly as impressive as what you mentioned. Add in the fact that it seats only 2 and costs about 6 figures and you get a vehicle that's designed to be more of a toy than a mass market vehicle. Of course, there's nothing wrong with any of that - if I had the means to acquire one, I know I would. Hopefully this is just the start of mass-market EVs and a practical model will come out in the not-too-distant future. That said, what do we do about people who actually need a heavier-duty vehicle? There are tons of businesses that use 1/2-ton full size trucks for hauling and towing things that a car simply can't do. And with current technology, 35 mpg is not a reasonable expectation - it takes a sturdy chassis and powerful engine to do a lot of everyday tasks. |
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Replying to: greenmachines (Dec 20, 2007 11:39 pm)
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Replying to: greenmachines (Dec 20, 2007 11:35 pm) Fat chance that will happen. It is just another way for attorneys to milk this country for all it is worth. In the end the Supreme Court will give the EPA control of GHG regulations. We have in the Silicon Valley car production with battery technology NOW capable of 500 miles on a charge, and a full charge from a 110V outlet in 3 hrs. Bring em on. I have wanted an Electric car since the 1960s. It is still just "Pie in the Sky". The Tesla is on its way into the history books with all the wrangling going on in that company. Is there some other prototype that can come close to your very optimistic figures? So far the only vehicle that is on the market TODAY that can legally go faster than a golf cart is the Xebra. And it is hardly worth mentioning. apparently the California standard is do able. Detroit just can't make itself green (that's a pun). It is not just Detroit fighting this silly lawsuit. It is also Toyota as they know more what the buyers want than the likes of Jerry Brown and associates. You would think that CA would have learned their lesson after botching up the EV-1 with their ZEV mandate. I guess the attorneys needed a new cow to milk. Welcome to the Forum, we look forward to any EVs you can send us in Southern CA. PS Cows put out more nasty GHG than cars...... So getting rid of cars is first and cows next... 
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have a problem with the cows...  I am quite sure the federal EPA has enough resources to fight this lawsuit without asking Toyota GM and Ford to chip in. It will be the plaintiffs that could use some extra help. A friend of mine is interested in the Xebra. I am intrigued by most of the info I got, but there's a sticking point - is it true it's not freeway-legal? Was watching the news last night and there was a piece on some major breakthrough they just made in Li-Ion technology which can increase energy density by a factor of 10 while reducing operating temps. I wonder if this was the breakthrough that will finally get a fleet of electric vehicles on the road and get us all some cars and trucks with really decent mileage. Finally.
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Replying to: greenmachines (Dec 20, 2007 11:39 pm) That's more or less what the Volt is, though being its timid self GM is building the Volt as a parallel hybrid (which makes it more of a Green Goat).
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Replying to: nippononly (Dec 21, 2007 7:20 am) I test drove one and it is clearly not designed for anything over 35-40 MPH. I think the very top speed is 41 MPH. I was somewhat tempted by the PU model with the solar panels on the rack over the PU bed. I think they can be had for around $11k. Biggest downside is I would have to trailer it home. It is a city vehicle only.
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