Hey Man... Can I get some gas money from you?

Etiquette is one of those words that seems to be disappearing from the American lexicon. It seems people are becoming more and more self focused, or callous to what their actions may cause in terms of results to those around them. I don't mean to say people are being mean about it, they are just unaware. How many times have you seen groups of people standing together, but ignoring each other as they are engrossed in their handheld devices? If you put yourself in the role as an observer like I do, it can be an interesting process to watch. More people are labeling themselves as #caring #environmentalists while at the same time they do not have any idea where their food comes from (except that they buy it at the trendy #wholefoods market).

The same might be said for the new ALL ELECTRIC vehicles that are catching on. The feeling is that since you don't have to actually swipe your credit card before you plug in, then the electricity must be free. And since you are such a caring person and environmentally sensitive, the amps being transferred obviously are coming from a pure renewable wind farm or something of the sort.

What I am wondering is, "What is the etiquette involved with plugging in your car at work, or at a friends house?". There are Kw/HRS being transferred that someone is paying for. Is it OK to just assume your employer, or buddy, is going to finance your ALL ELECTRIC fuel costs? If you wanted to pay them back for the juice... how much would it be? Is it allowed to say no, and then have your friend stranded because they need a charge before they can get home? Just some thoughts from my oft cynical thought processes. What do you think?

How do you roll?

Like it or not, most of us really care what other people think of our car. Although it is mainly for transportation, our vehicle can also be representative of our image to the world. Do you agree, or do you think a car should just be to get from point A to point B? And if you don't, what do you drive? Think about it ...

Autopartstomorrow

EV Out of Juice?

One of the biggest issues facing today's current technology plug-in only vehicles is what to do when your charge runs out on the road. This article from Motorcrave.com suggests an interesting option... find an RV park. With nightly rentals running less than a tank of gas or a tow charge, and RV parks much more prevalent than you might expect, it would at least be an option.

It's not a great option because you will be cooling your heels for about four hours, but if you bought the EV car you understand there are going to be inconveniences. Until someone can design a battery with a much greater range, and a very long "limp home" mode, these are going to be issues. That is why I feel the hybrid option that uses gasoline to charge the batteries is a better choice at this time. At least if you "run out" with those vehicles someone can bring you some gas and get you back on the road.

Autopartstomorrow

One Step Beyond the Flux-Capacitor

This story from Fast Company combined with this markup of a very low friction magnetic bearing from UC Berkely highlight a new technology that may leapfrog the current Lithium Ion batteries currently being used for energy storage in electric and hybrid vehicles.

We will continue to highlight new technologies that may be game changers in the automotive economy. It is an exciting time to watch as each of these new designs vie for positioning in the highly profitable auto industry. Sometimes the ideas may be utilized in another field first, but with all of the new pieces floating around surely someone will be able to combine them in just the right construct to bring economical and green tech to the cars we will be driving around every day. It seems the Jetson's may be closer than we might think.

Autopartstomorrow

Two of my Favorite Things...

Canadian Beer manufacturer Steam Whistle is run by several old car aficionados who also strive to be "green" in their manufacturing process. This article shows several of the older vehicles they have added to their delivery fleet, along with the one I have pictured that is 100% Electric. It sounds like it may be a pretty cool place to work !!

autopartstomorrow