Are
plug-in hybrid vehicles code for nuclear power?
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Will
the move to electric vehicles lead to nuclear power
For the last several years my dream has been a solar
powered home and a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and for years
I've seen nothing but the potential of plug-in
hybrid vehicles. For me one of the greatest
capabilities of plug-in hybrids is the ability to make
solar power more cost effective.
See. I live in Southern California. Every single summer
for the last several years I've been hit by a rolling
black out. Last year my neighbor was without power for
almost two weeks, and I know it's only a matter of time
before I'm dealt the same fate. Therefore, solar power
seems a great hedge against such an outcome, especially if
global warming increases my summer temperatures.
But it isn't just global warming. It's plasma TVs,
computers, etc - the tools of the emerging digital age.
Electricity demand in the next couple of decades, in my
opinion, is going to skyrocket. That means more rolling
blackouts. And god forbid there is an act of terrorism
that attacks the very fragile grid.
For me all of this shouts SOLAR POWER, and a plug-in
hybrid vehicle would be the perfect add-on to that
solution. Thus, I have been greatly anticipating the
advent of plug-in hybrids, and I'm still waiting.
Lately, however, I've been a bit concerned about plug-in
hybrid vehicles and other electrically-driven automobiles
and what effect they might have upon the electric grid.
Now PHEV and BEV advocates will argue, as I have as well,
that the grid has enough excess capacity to power about 75
percent of America's automobile fleet if they were powered
by electricity - as long as those vehicles are charged
between midnight and 4:00 AM.
How realistic is that? Perhaps V2G technology could manage
this timing issue, but it sounds too perfect world for me.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Bob
Lutz of GM whom expressed his belief to me that electric
cars are the future, which didn't surprise me because he
has been the driver of the Chevy
Volt program.
When our discussion turned to the electric grid and fuel
cell vehicles and hydrogen as an option to grid-powered
vehicles, such as the Volt, Bob Lutz essentially dismissed
both hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.
"Do you have any particular political or
environmental agenda against nuclear power," Lutz
asked me.
"No," I told him, which wasn't really true.
"I just think it leads to more problems, such as
Iran," I told Lutz rather than explaining that I
really wasn't sure how I felt about nuclear power.
Even without plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles, the
push towards nuclear power is gaining steam. And, lately,
I cannot help but wonder if utilities, the government,
etc. aren't pushing plug-in hybrids as cover for their
nuclear ambitions. For whatever reason I cannot get over
the lingering feeling that my beloved plug-in hybrids are
being hijacked for an agenda in which I do not necessarily
agree.
For decades, regardless of party, the oil-driven
military-industrial complex has pretty much controlled
American politics - at least in terms of foreign policy.
Oil, however, is a dying fuel, and I can't think of
another fuel, other than nuclear power, that offers as
much potential for maintaining the military-industrial
complex.
Then again, maybe I've watched too many conspiracy movies.
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