Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Recharge America
category: Electric Cars
Product Description
A politically polarized America is coming together over a new kind of car—the plug-in hybrid that will save drivers money, reduce pollution, and increase US security by reducing dependence on imported oil.
Plug-in Hybrids points out that, where hydrogen fuel-cell cars won’t be ready for decades, the technology for plug-in hybrids exists today. Unlike conventional hybrid cars that can’t run without gasoline, plug-in hybrids use gasoline or cheaper, cleaner, domestic electricity—or both. Although plug-in hybrids are not yet for sale, demand for them is widespread, coming from characters across the political spectrum, such as:
• Chelsea Sexton, the automotive insider: working for General Motors, Sexton fought attempts to destroy the all-electric EV1 car and describes how car companies are resisting plug-in hybrids—and why they’ll make them -anyway.
• Felix Kramer and the tech squad: Kramer started a nonprofit organization using the Internet to tap into a small army of engineers who built the first plug-in Prius hybrids.
• R. James Woolsey, former CIA director and national security hawk: seeing the end of oil supplies looming, Woolsey is demanding plug-in hybrids to wean us from petroleum.
Cautioning that the oil and auto companies know how to undermine the success of plug-in car programs to protect their interests, the book gives readers tools to ensure that plug-in hybrids get to market—and stay here.
I like this printer cartridge, I think it actually prints better than the original. I was not sure it was going to fit, it looked different from the original cartridge. When I inserted it it locked right into place.
Definitely would recommend these, and will probably buy another one to keep as a spare.
Rating: 4 / 5
In “Plug-in Hybrids” (New Society, 2006), Sherry Boschert writes about recent electric vehicles, charged from commercial power lines, with gasoline engine backup. See also Michael Schiffer, “Taking Charge” (Smithsonian Books, 1994), on the early history of electric vehicles, about 1880 to 1930.
Main merits of Boschert’s book: wide-ranging account of many starts and slips from about 1990 to the present; engaging style, focused on charismatic individuals; deconstruction of hydrogen-powered transportation myths.
Main defects of Boschert’s book: inability to relate vehicle speed to operating range performance, cavalier approach to environmental and conservation issues, lack of concern about long-range marketing appeal.
Boschert says plug-in hybrid vehicles can reduce petroleum use and air pollution but does not prove the case. In order to do both, widespread use of plug-in hybrids must somehow avoid stimulating new coal-fired, oil-fired and gas-fired power plants. Boschert shows no way to assure that such an outcome would actually occur.
Rating: 4 / 5
This book gives an unbiased view of what our options are as Americans on reducing and virtually eliminating our dependence on foreign oil. It also gives the pros and cons of alternative fuel sources as well as the great advantage of plug in hybrids over hybrids currently being sold.
Rating: 4 / 5
This book exposes American car companies indifference towards environment and national energy security. A must read for every American who cares about environment and terrorism.
Rating: 5 / 5
I think that hybrids and electric cars will be the new car generation in the next 10 years.
My husband and I strongly considering to buy a car like this.
This book helped us even more to make our decision.
Less pollution, great gas mileage and a big reduce of dependence on imported oil and the way the author described it, makes this book even more interesting.
Rating: 4 / 5