This week I watched an outstanding video titled “Who Killed the Electric Car?”. Released in 2006 this documentary was an eye opener to me as to the possibilities of electric motors in transportation. And more specifically, how easy it would be to convert to electric powered vehicles in the near future.
I have always been fascinated with alternative energy sources for automobiles. I remember when people started making their own bio diesel out of french fry grease. That was cool. And then around the same time the Hydrogen powered engines started to be explored and discussed. But neither of these options were good enough. They still left people dependent on someone else for the fuel source.
So then this week I see this (now 4 year old) video and I was just blown away by the potential of pure electric engines. I’m thinking… where have I been the past 1/2 decade? I’ve been thinking in the wrong direction. Why not put a solar panel on my house and charge my car while it sits in the driveway? Why are we paying Billions (CAPITAL “B”) per day on oil to middle east nations, who want us dead by the way, when we could be driving around for FREE? and pollutant free at that.
The intent for this video was to expose the cover-up by GM and other auto makers who want to keep us dependent on oil and the combustible engine. The producer does a great job and I’m sold. I’m realizing that not only is it the auto makers who are to blame, but also the government and the oil companies are in on it. It’s a mess.
The problem with this movie is that the video ends with really no answer or solution. You’re sort of left with the feeling that there’s no hope in site. The government is too big, the oil and car companies are too strong. It’s a lost battle. But not to fear… A lot has happened in the past 4 years. Here is a website dedicated to following up with people who want to switch to electric locomotion. http://revengeoftheelectriccar.com You’ll see inspiring stories and see actual examples of people converting their gas powered engines to pure electric. All is not lost and there is hope!
In the midst of all the horrible political and economic news that we see on a minute by minute basis, this is one of the most exciting developments I have heard in a while For the first time in a long time I’m actually hopeful for the future of transportation.
Side note: I read in the paper this week that Portland just installed 2 new FREE electric charging stations in the past couple of months. I think this is a good sign that we are headed in the right direction (for a change).
I wish I had time to list all the benefits of changing from gas to electric. But I don’t. Just watch the movie and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Watch the Movie: Website | Amazon.com | Netflix
The whole movie is also available on YouTube if you don’t mind clicking through all 9 parts individually.
