Who Killed the Electric Car?

I know what you're thinking: it must be Colonel Mustard in the library with a wrench! Close, but not quite.

So, who did it? Who extinguished what could have been a major asset to society?

The answer: oil companies, the automobile industry, the government, the California Air Resource Board (C.A.R.B.) and even us, the consumers!

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Q: I don't really remember the electric car. When were they first on the market?

A: You may be surprised to know that the electric car was actually invented way back in 1834 by Thomas Davenport. Then, in 1930, the production of electric cars came to a halt shortly after Ford introducted gas-fuelled automobiles. Thirty-seven years after this, the Electric Auto Association was formed in hopes to resurrect the electric car from the grave. In 1996, General Motors launched a whole new electric car line and made them available for consumers to lease. In 2000, the vice-chairman of General Motors declared that all electric cars were to be converted into gasoline powered ones because "there [was] no particular need" to continue building battery operated cars.

Q: I don't get it. Wouldn't electric cars drastically eliminate polution? Why would anyone want to take them away?

A: In the United States, oil companies sell nearly 3 billion gallons of gasoline each week. If electric cars were to dominate the automobile industry, oil companies would flourish. Car companies would suffer as well, for they make most of their money by fixing and replacing engine parts.

Q: Well if these cars were so amazing, how did consumers contribute to their disappearance? Wouldn't everyone want to buy one?

A: You'd think so, wouldn't you? In actuality, consumers were not strongly persuaded to purchase electric cars. This was mainly due to lack of awareness and the fact that the cars were limited in availability. Also, back then, gas prices weren't as ridiculous as they are now.

Q: Are there any electric cars out there still?How can I help with the whole pollution thing?

A: Electric cars haven't been completely killed off. Some cars, such as Hybrids, are partially operated by battery. There are actually a few ways we can help eliminate pollution: plant a tree (they help clean the air), combine trips with your car, unpack any extra weight from your vehicle (this may reduce fuel usage by 1%!), and many others! For more tips on how to reduce emissions visit http://www.greenercars.com/drivinggreen.html .

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FINAL THOUGHT

I think it's deceiving how the media claims that there are no strong solutions for pollution when, in fact, someone has already thought of one. I also think it's a shame that people are so unaware of issues such as these and are too consumed with money and power to help solve such a serious problem. Fortunately, now you know and, believe it or not, knowing does make a difference. After all, "knowledge is power." We, as today's generation, have the power to change the future. :)


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