Electric Car Production Gains New Momentum Under the Obama Administration
Posted on 11. Apr, 2010 by keith in Environmental Impact
There are two types of hypothetical automobiles that inspire travelers’ imaginations: automobiles that fly and automobiles that run on electricity. The problem with flying automobiles is that their technology doesn’t exist, at least not in a form that would make them safe and affordable, while the problem with electric automobiles has been that, at least until now, their likelihood of seeing production has been thwarted by big business. But in spite of this traditional obstacle, the Obama administration convened a meeting of automakers on March 25 to explore how the automotive industry can start producing electric vehicles with the aid of utility companies.
The meeting was overseen by Ron Bloom, chief of the Obama administration’s auto industry task force, and included the Detroit automakers, numerous foreign automakers and the electric vehicle companies Fisker and Tesla. Unlike former administrations that seemed content to let the prospect of mass produced electric vehicles get trampled by big business interests, the Obama administration has made electric vehicles one of its environmental priorities concerning the auto industry. During his campaign, President Obama pledged to petition for 1 million plug in hybrid cars on U.S. roadways by 2015.
As one might expect, electric utilities companies have been generally positive about the prospect of widespread electric vehicle ownership, claiming that electric demand would only see a significant rise (projected at roughly 10 percent) if all cars were charged during peak hours. For consumers, the prospect of driving an electric car means two things: more peace of mind in the midst of fluctuating gas prices and the opportunity to do something good for the environment. With any luck, they should have the opportunity to experience both within the next four years.
