It’s Electric, Boogie, Woogie, Woogie!

I’ve searched the web to get on a waiting list for an electric car and have been disappointed. Are these manufacturers that far from delivering a working product that they’re not even taking names? Shame on them. If anyone knows how to get in line for any electric cars being developed please let me know.

One reason for the lack of “signupability” on Chevy’s part is indirectly explained in this article, Electro-Shock Therapy, published in July/August 2008 issues of The Atlantic. In the piece, Jonathon Rauch explains how General Motors is reinventing the automobile and itself. He explains that the risky part of this endeavor is that the electric technology and the car itself are being developed in parallel. And, if the technology breakthroughs don’t materialize post haste, GM is going to be in a world of hurt . . . more so than now. In fact, if this gamble does not pay off, it could be the end of days.

I really, really, really hope GM gets it right though. A recent spot on CNN interviewed people who have bought used EV1’s and Toyota’s electric RAV4’s for between $40,000 and $70,000 on eBay Motors. Demand is high and people are starting to gain awareness of the environmental issues associated with driving static technology. In fact, surveys have shown that even if gas prices go down, people are going to continue to find ways to reduce consumption. While intentions are admirable, I’m sure if push came to shove, people would ramp up their mileage again. That’s why it’s important to make available an alternative that removes the temptation to regress. We are creatures of habit, and we’ll continue to get caught in the mousetrap unless the cheese just disappears.