Ed Pawlowski wrote:

>
> IMO, the hybrid and electric cars are not quite proven technology. That
> clean electric fuel often comes from dirty generating plants. The expensive
> batteries will have to be recycled to avoid contamination from the
> chemicals. Moving the greenhouse gasses from the car to a powerplant does
> not solve the problems, at least not yet.

The hybrid is an interim technology on the road to electric cars which
seems to be the future of personal transportation. The main importance
of hybrids is that it's preparing us for fully electric cars. It's
something that we have to go through. My guess is that it will take
about 25 years until the last gas pump in the US is taken down.

Of course, all the problems with the batteries and power generation and
conduits able to handle the loads will be solved. They don't really seem
that difficult compared the ones we faced building an infrastructure to
support gasoline powered vehicles so 80 years ago.

>
> I'm sure these things are being worked on, but I want to be sure before I
> invest. In my case, I tend to rotate my cars and use them for ten years or
> more replacing the oldest and making the present primary the secondary.
> That could mean two or more sets of expensive batteries.
>
> As for public transportation, there is none at all where I live and work.
> Part of the route used to be covered by train up to about 40 years ago. It
> may improve, but will never become the main method of transportation in most
> areas. It could be better in most cities though and has been making some
> progress.
>
>