Changing power distribution

 If we are to all use electric vehicles, then we should not have protested against those huge power lines that utilities wanted to build back in the 1970's and 1980's. If we would have built them, we would be much closer to be able to transfer power to everyone's charging station in their garage.

But we did not.  

The ability to switch from using energy from liquid fuels, to electric fuel, for our vehicles, at this time is insurmountable.  

To have several electric cars in a community of 2000 people, to having all electric cars, and having them all charge their vehicles overnight, instead of them filling up at the pump, could easily overload the electric system for that town. And that is not taking into effect the added energy transfer to electric, of industry in that city for all their trucks and equipment.  That is simply not a working proposition at this time.

The ability to move energy consumption from fuel stations, to the electric grid, does not exist at this time.

In addition: On another note in Kansas at this time, one of the main suppliers of electric power has kept their main coal station going, and added three others to keep up with the demand of electric power(which includes the increased use of electric vehicles. How green is that?).  

So, to finally end my musings on electric vehicles; they are clean(maybe on the user end), quiet, and easy to operate.  But to pull all that power from the grid, instead of the oil industry, is going to be a huge challenge, if not a fantasy. 

Would I buy an electric vehicle?

 Yes, of course I would buy an  electric vehicle. But I would not buy one for the reasons many are buying them today.

#1  I view them, and have always viewed them, as a utility vehicle.  Something for short errands, as a "yard" truck, or a city commuter vehicle.  This is something I would like to have for use in my business.  

#2  They are clean, quiet, and simpler to maintain, than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.  

Quite a few years ago I had an opportunity to buy an electric car.  I did the math, and found out it would cost more to own and maintain it than a gasoline powered vehicle, so I did not purchase it.  It was a 1980 Comuta-car.  You can look it up.  It was a frumpy looking wedge shaped thing with overly sized bumpers.  It had a range of about 50+ miles on a full charge.  But, it did the job of commuting in the city.

The reason I have not purchased one, is because the numbers do not lie.  Years ago, a relative of ours wanted to save fuel.  He was driving a full sized car of the 1970's that he purchased for $500.  To save fuel he bought a compact Asian car for $5500.  Do the math.  At that time, $5500, went a very long time in fuel cost.  Not sure that was a thought through decision. 

If the numbers worked, I would consider an electric vehicle. 

Next blog:  The reality of available power, applied to electric vehicles with the current, and imagined, power grid.