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Electric And Hybrid Vehicles - A Step In The Right Direction

By
Real Estate Agent with Windermere Real Estate

What is going to be our long term solution to the billions of tons of carbon we are putting into the atmosphere every year? Obviously, we have to do something. Global warming is REAL - it's not just something that we don't need to think about, and a HUGE contributor to global warming is our driving habits.

Electric Technology exists. Cars exist that do not pollute. Cars exist that run solely on electric power, which can be recharged from Solar, Wind, or any other source of electricity. Some of these cars are becoming more and more practical and relevant. The Tesla Roadster, for example, goes 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds! It also goes 400 miles on a single charge!! This technology PREFORMS. It is no longer irrelevant, or impractical, it's just not advertised the way it should be, and most people don't know it exists, or care to pay attention. Here is a site you can visit to see what's available out there RIGHT NOW, and what's coming in the future. http://www.evworld.com/ The technology is there, and with just a little more time, this is going to become the future of driving. While alternative fuel vehicles are BETTER than they typical SUV - it's not a long term forever solution, because the cost to produce these alternative fuels is, while better than petroleum, still costly to the environment.

Soon, instead of receiving tax credits for buying the biggest gas hog you can find, you will receive (better) tax credits for buying hybrids, and electric vehicles. Instead of cursing at the pump every time you fill up with $3.00 - $3.50 + PER GALLON gasoline, you'll breathe easier knowing you are not contributing to the problem. When this technology takes hold, and the car companies start getting on board (some already are - Mitsubishi and Subaru have already announced that they will be manufacturing lithium ion-powered cars before 2010!) the gas guzzling beasts of today will start disappearing, and will continue to do so faster as gasoline becomes more, and more, (and more) expensive.

I'm keeping a very close eye on this technology. I can't WAIT to make pumping gas (and pumping $$$ into Bush's pocket) a thing of the past!

For anyone who is interested, I found this to be a very interesting documentary.

Jennifer Bowman
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Beach Properties of Florida - Panama City, FL

I just bought a Toyota Camry Hybrid and I LOVE IT!!! I was spending 1200 in Gas with my Toyota Sequoia and it was killing me. I have a large family and thought that was the way to go, But the majority of the time I was in it. I was by myself. We never even all went in the Sequoia unless it was on a long trip. So it just made sense. I only fill up about 2 times a month now it is awesome!! I get between 25-45 mpg in town! It is like playing a hands on video game, the better you drive it the better gas mileage you get!

I recommend buying one! I'm saving money and the planet!

Oct 29, 2007 11:40 AM
Kate Elim
Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA
Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a
Jonelle...thank you so much for posting about this subject.  It's close to my heart.  I purchased a Toyota Prius last year and continue to feel so good about my decision.
Oct 29, 2007 11:44 AM
Ryan Martin
Pacific Continental Realty, LLC - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Commercial RE Broker

Jonelle - I think that electric and hybrid cars are great as long as they stay out of the left lane. I am not sure if it is the car or the personality of the driver that makes them drive so slow?

Oct 29, 2007 11:49 AM
Charles Tharp
Prudential California Realty - Fontana, CA
Inland Empire, Real Estate & Short Sale Specialist
Hybrids are going to be a good part of the future, but it will be a while. The cost factor is still playing a huge part as well as the replacement costs of the battery packs.
Oct 29, 2007 12:03 PM
Jonathan Osman
Jonathan and Associates, Inc - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte House Hunter Group

Not sure if you knew it or not but the "who killed the electric car" guy is actually redoing the movie completely since there are many new products coming soon to the market that are much better for the enviroment than an electric car.  After all, while a plug-in doesn't generate as much out the tailpipe, there's a plant somewhere poluting overtime to make up that difference.  Plus, $3 a gallon, adjusted for inflation is still cheap compared to Europe where gas is $7 and diesel's rule. 

Oct 29, 2007 02:11 PM
Dan Tobias
Rodeo Realty - Northridge, CA
Northridge Real Estate Expert
Jonelle - a friend of mine has a hybrid. the cool thing out here in California is that with a hybrid you can drive in the carpool lane
Oct 30, 2007 01:54 PM