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Why
tomorrow's hybrid buyers should support extending Toyota's
hybrid tax credits
Thursday,
February 15, 2007
Today's
hybrid success drives tomorrow's hybrid technology
"I'm not going to buy a new vehicle until I can buy a
plug-in hybrid vehicle," is a statement I often hear.
Of course, I understand this sentiment. Yet, there are
still many potential plug-in hybrid consumers whom need a
car today. For these buyers, it is essential that they buy
one of today's hybrid
cars. Inevitably, the more success today's hybrids
achieve, the faster tomorrow's hybrids - and plug-in
hybrid vehicles - will become reality.
Hybrid tax credits are key to this process.
Consequently, even for those unwilling to buy any vehicle
until plug-in
hybrids are available, it is essential that they
support today's hybrid
vehicle tax credits. In addition, it is especially
important that they also support extending and uncapping
the current tax credit, or lack thereof, for Toyota's
hybrid vehicles.
Without Toyota's hybrid vehicle success, there wouldn't
even be a discussion regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Fuel cells and the hydrogen highway would still dominate
today's alternative energy conversation. Quite frankly,
America just doesn't have time to wait until fuel cell
vehicles are both cost-effective and feasible.
Certainly, some will argue the same can be said of both
hybrid vehicles and, even more so, plug-in hybrid
vehicles. While there is some merit to this argument,
ultimately, I don't buy any of it.
Why hybrids make sense
Make no doubt about it. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are
revolutionary, but only if we invest in the technology.
Since 9/11, the trillions spent on defense to defend our
foreign oil addiction could have completely revolutionized
the automotive industry. To think these problems created
by our oil addiction are getting better is nothing short
of insane. Therefore, we have to be proactive and act now
before our oil problems become even far worse.
Amazingly, plug-in hybrids are not just about ending
foreign oil dependency. Plug-in hybrids could also
significantly reduce the need for any liquid fuel, but
more important, they can utilize every liquid fuel,
including alternative fuels. Therefore, in the Midwest,
flex-fuel hybrids might be the ideal solution. In other
areas, perhaps diesel or bio-diesel hybrids make more
sense. Yet, it doesn't end there.
An American Revolution
The energy revolution that plug-in hybrids can spark
doesn't end with foreign oil dependency, or even oil
dependency. Plug-in hybrids could become energy generators
themselves, serving as backup generators for not only
homes, but for the power grid in general via V2G, or
vehicle to grid technology. Moreover, plug-in hybrids
could dramatically increase the incentives to add solar,
wind, or geothermal energy producing capabilities to every
home in America.
Imagine powering your home and all your vehicles with a
solar roof array. Then, when you drive to work, you
plug-in to your office grid. During the middle of the day,
at peak energy need, your plug-in hybrid pumps some energy
back into the grid - generating some extra cash in your
pocket. Sounds crazy? Well, this concept is already being
studied.
Ultimately, the average commuter might never need liquid
fuel, instead receiving are all of their fuel from their
solar roof. This savings alone could cover the cost of
most solar systems for most home owners - not to mention
the end of any energy bills. In fact, the grid might
actually be paying you, both at home and at work..
Of course this won't work in all geographies, but it will
work in many, and when combined with wind and/or
geothermal, an entirely new energy paradigm can be
envisioned. Yes, this path will require many government
incentives, but these incentives will pay for themselves
simply through the defense savings reduced by ending
foreign oil dependency.
Just as important, the U.S. would become an alternative
technology leader - the leader - a move that could create
numerous companies and high tech jobs. Oh yeah, and we
just might save the environment along the way.
Extend Toyota's Tax Credits
Extending Toyota's tax credits is just another step in
making this revolution happen. Besides, Toyota deserves to
be rewarded for its commitment to hybrid vehicles.
Furthermore, Toyota's success only puts more pressure on
all other automakers to get as serious as possible, as
quickly as possible, about the hybrid vehicle revolution.
Ultimately, what are we waiting for anyway? Do we really
need $5.00 or $10.00 gas before we act? Do we need to wait
until the high cost of energy destroys the American
economy - something Bin Laden has suggested trying to do
with oil? How many Katrinas or 9/11's do we need to force
us to change?
America has an opportunity to shoot for the moon and to
achieve not just foreign energy independence, but an
opportunity to create a new clean and green, totally
distributed, energy revolution. We the people must demand
more from our politicians - far more. And our first demand
should be for more Toyota tax credits.
If we dare to dream, we might just be surprised by how far
our dreams can take us.
posted
by Dahcredyns at
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