Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, MPG, GM, Tesla Motors, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Legislation and Policy, Phoenix
Editorial: Analyzing President Bush's short speech on electric cars and cellulosic ethanol
An earlier post here on ABG brought attention to the fact that President Bush viewed the Phoenix Motorcars SUT and a plug-in hybrid version of the Toyota Prius at request of the White House. We discussed the vehicles and why they were there, which was in an effort to promote alternative fuels and the technology required for their use to meet the goals outlined by the President in his State of the Union Speech. Now, we will analyze what the President said regarding the vehicles and the goals as set forth.
First, the President viewed a Toyota Prius which had been converted to plug-in capability. This was accomplished with the help of an extended battery pack with the necessary electronics and hardware to plug into an outlet. The presenter mentions that the vehicle returns about 45 mpg in hybrid mode and can run solely off electricity for about 40 miles. As pointed out in the video, 78 percent of the population could use this car for their commute running solely on electric power. President Bush said, "So, this is becoming a reality." The presenter answered, "It IS a reality, we drove this car here."
Please click through the break to continue reading this posting.
[Source: The White House]
The President then moved to the Phoenix SUT, a four door pickup truck. The presenter of this vehicle highlights the Altairnano lithium battery pack, which allows 130 miles of driving and is capable of charging through a 220-volt outlet or through an off-board charger in 10 minutes. The President asked if people are "out driving these things?" The answer was that they begin production in June, but there are currently seven of the vehicles on the road now as testing finishes.
President Bush then goes to speak to the reporters in attendance, and highlights the fact that he just met with some entrepreneurs who believe that "a market is developing for automobiles powered by high-tech batteries for people to be able to motor back and forth to work". I believe that they are correct, and as a matter of fact, the market exists already - people are just waiting for the vehicles to hit the market at a price point that they can afford. He then seemed to just finally recognize that scientists are creating "ethanols from produce other than corn. In other words, "I am talking with people on the leading-edge of change." He says next that he invited them to the White House to be sure that the goal of reducing our oil consumption by 20 percent over a ten-year period is a realistic goal - although being necessary, he wanted to be sure that it was possible. For national security purposes, for economic security purposes, and "to be good stewards of the environment."
He answered that question with an "Absolutely". He called upon Congress to fulfill his request for research dollars on the technology required. Also, he said that it is necessary for our "brightest scientists to understand that this is a national priority." He pointed to the plug-in Prius and the Phoenix SUT as proof that we will get there. He says that Americans should be optimistic about our future and what we will be driving - in "vehicles that do not have to look like golf-carts."
All right... now that the transcribing is over... let's discuss this. Is the President right? No mention was made of hydrogen (sigh of relief). So, are these the vehicles that will bring America into a new age of transportation, using alternatives other than gasoline? I answer, for my part, Yes... plus many more. I actually am leaning towards the Phoenix SUT as the replacement for my current truck, assuming that they are available for purchase by normal consumers by that time. I noticed at least one more person who left a comment on ABG the other day that he is on the waiting list for his SUT. Also, the Tesla Roadster has a long, long list of early adopters waiting to get theirs. I anxiously await the Tesla sedan, codenamed WhiteStar, to make it's debut. And, there are thousands of people waiting for a vehicle such as the Chevrolet Volt to come to market.
So, how about you? What are you waiting for personally? Do one of the current or very soon-to-be-released vehicles meet your needs? If not, what would it take for you to consider one? Please, discuss.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
spydrmn 8:39AM (2/25/2007)
I currently drive a late 90's Saturn Wagon. When I finish driving that into the ground I'll want to replace it with something that has an all electric drivetrain but still can move a few people and some stuff on medium range trips. Renting something bigger with longer range for big trips is fine with me.
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Travis Rassat 9:13AM (2/25/2007)
For me personally, I think the plug-in hybrid concept is the next evolutionary step for the big auto manufacturers. It meets my needs, and ideally I would love it as a mid-size truck, such as a Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon, etc.
I think I fit a pretty good target demographic, too - pretty much your standard issue suburbanite family guy who commutes to work by myself (about 20 miles each way), owns a home, and has a lot of projects around the house that need to get done. My wife and I have a Camry hybrid, which we love, but I can't haul much in it. It would be nice to have a truck without the guilt.
I personally think the auto companies could sell a lot of those. I hope to see some hybrid trucks come out soon, and plug-ins follow shortly thereafter.
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Tony Belding 10:08AM (2/25/2007)
I'm optimistic that the stars are aligned for a rebirth of electric vehicles. I'm also fortunate to be on the Tesla waiting list. The Tesla Roadster is really the flagship of this movement, in terms of raising awareness and changing attitudes toward EVs, but I'm also glad to see more utilitarian vehicles like the Phoenix SUT coming to market. EVs can't do everything, but they can fill large roles in our society, much larger than most people would imagine.
Martin Eberhard said something I thought was astute. He said the ideal time to introduce a new product is when the technology makes it just barely feasible. If you get in too early, like GM did with the EV1, then you can't make a viable and competitive product. If you try to wait until the technology is mature and all the problems are solved (which GM may be doing with the Chevy Volt) then your competitors will get there first.
With today's AC motors and controllers, and li-ion batteries, it's just barely feasible to make a viable and competitive electric car. By Mr. Eberhard's logic, the time is right for it -- and from what I've seen, 2007 is shaping up to be a watershed year for EVs.
As for President Bush. . . I think in the beginning he was pretty clueless (as so many people are) about this subject, and the first people who grabbed his ear were those with the most money and influence -- the hydrogen promoters. Since then he's obviously been doing his homework and has progressed in his understanding, and I have to give him some credit for that.
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Joseph 1:05PM (2/25/2007)
I hope Bush has learned now that hydrogen is hopelessly expensive, relatively inefficient, and decades away from reality. I would love to see any of these cars come to the market. And as long as I can afford it, I'd buy it. I don't need the space of the electric SUT, but if it's all that's there, I'll but it. I personally would like to either go for the Chevy Volt or the Whitestar. I just find it hard to choose. The grand Tesla Motors emerging on cutting edge technology. Or the Chevy Volt that would make life easier buy not needing to rent a second car for long trips. I'm kinda leaning toward the Whitestar. I'll "suffer" the renting of cars. Then again...
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rick 1:56PM (2/25/2007)
What I'm waiting for is somebody to buy Altair/Phoenix. Why?
Here's their claim;
1) Phoenix SUT top speed--95mph
2) Range--135 miles
3) Recharge time--10 minutes on 440 electric
4) Battery life--12 years. Actually 15,000 inhouse labtest cycles with 85% capacity left at the end.
So basically IT is here. The only thing left is for somebody(a real manufacturer) to buy Altairnano and hammer the production cost down, efficiency up somewhat. They produce this battery in a 30000sf converted warehouse. They've never manufactured anything beffore this. Conclusion: Altairnano has THE PREMIER FORMAT for battery technology and manufacturing rampup.
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kert 3:35PM (2/25/2007)
notably absent from that meeting: Tesla Motorcars. That would have made even more of an impact. But not to worry, Tesla is going to get some burning spotlights on it soon.
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Bizzle 3:50PM (2/25/2007)
I'll buy an electric car if they are widely available when I graduate from school, assuming that they are safe and still have some go to them. I am hopeful, the Tesla proves electric cars don't have to be slow. My only reservations are that I'm not sure the car companies are going to adopt this fast enough...a lot of people don't care what they drive as long as it's cheap.
Another concern I have is, great electric cars aren't burning gas...but most of us still get electricity from coal plants..is that any better? I think the solar and wind power industry has to come into it's own fr this electric car thing to take off.
My dram is in XX years that houses have their own solar panels and plugins...
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Chris M 5:07PM (2/25/2007)
It must have come as quite a shock to that former Texas oilman to realize that the end of the oil era had already begun. He was probably hoping it would take a few more years.
I haven't yet decided which will be my next vehicle, to go next to my 03 Prius. Maybe a Phoenix SUV or AC Propulsion E-Box Or Zap-X to haul larger items? Maybe a Tesla Sedan? If I get rich soon, then I'll go for the Tesla Roadster (I can dream, can't I?)
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Jim 8:39AM (2/26/2007)
The presenter answered, "It IS a reality, we drove this car here."
Sorry, but the PHEV isn't a 'reality' until you and I can buy one. That day is coming, but it isn't here yet.
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Tim 11:40AM (2/26/2007)
Here is an excellent update direct from President GW Bush. President Bush Participates in Panel on Cellulosic Ethanol. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/02/print/20070222-5.html# This includes a 45 minute video chocked full of info on cellilosic ethanol.
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len simpson 1:25PM (2/26/2007)
if not for the batteries, i would have (crudely)built a personal SUT w/onboard gen yrs ago
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abreak 9:44PM (2/26/2007)
Who gives a flying (whatever) what this asshole has to say
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had 7:51AM (2/27/2007)
As a mother of 3, I need a PHEV SUV or minivan format. I don't drive that many miles and could make it to work and the school trips on a single charge. My geologist husband just bought a used truck but probably would have sprung for a new plug-in.
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