thoughts on plug-in hybrids, electricity source, v.s. alternatives

D: the two maps show:
1) location of coal plants (purple dots) and
2) the potential for wind power.

Notice anything? That's right- we have coal plants where the wind is best. ?!?
Now, many folks suggest hybrids and plug-in cars are always more green. Not really.
If the electricity comes from coal plants, then the co2 and pollution is roughly comparable to just using a standard gasoline vehicle.
Here's where it gets interesting. Plug-in hybrid/electric battery cars, when connected to the power grid, can address a limitation of wind power. Wind power is not reliable. Sometimes there is wind but sometimes not.
So:
1) build wind generators
2) a policy (see below) of incenting use of plug-in hybrids/electrics is implemented
3) 2) offsets a limit of 1)
4) we minimize the use of coal.

Another aside: electric discharge does create ground-level ozone. We don't have any perfect solutions.

There is a problem with automatically handing out rebates for a hybrid car. Just like the tech of the last few decades, hybrid cars can be a performance booster v.s. a way to gain efficiency.
Well, if we used the innovations in car performance since the 1970s to improve efficiency, we'd have vehicles 25% better on gas.
Instead, we now have sedans that rival the performance of many 70s sports cars.
Well, hybrids can be used the same way.
I expect to see drag-racers availing themselves of 'green' rebates in the name of performance.
That's right - your tax dollars at work!

Slapping hybrid (and H2) power trains in full-size sedans and SUVs ignores a fact. Most families choose not to use a scooter, moped, motorbike, subcompact or microcar in lieu of a larger vehicle.
We are attached to the idea of a box-on-wheels that can hold 5 adults for one commuter.
THAT is the problem.
Just using an efficient diesel subcompact matches a hybrid sedan's performance sans all the high-tech wizardry.

A rectangular car chassis precludes adoption of a teardrop shape which would be low drag.
See the Isetta for some ideas about this.

So long as we are trapped in a mindset which requires a full-size sedan that can match an old sports car for acceleration, all the nods to being green are nothing short of laughable!


http://www.hybridcars.com/local-incentives/region-by-region.html

" Ontario...

Residents of these three provinces are eligible for partial sales tax rebate on all hybrid vehicles. In British Columbia, residents can get a rebate of up to $2,000, in Ontario up to $1,000 and in PEI up to $3,000. These rebate are apparently for all hybrids, regardless of make or model. Check with regional tax authorities or a tax professional."