Great discussion of the ramifications of electric autos on rest of economy

[kristopher]

http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14362092

It is a long article and posting an excerpt just doesn't capture it.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. I like the comments-- some of those people...

seem to know what they're talking about.

There are a lot of factors that will have to come together before we see a major shift to electric cars. I'm not sure anyone can name them all at this point, but nothing will happen until several million people a year both want and can afford one.

Personally, I think places like Europe and Japan will see them long before we do-- they don't have the long drives we do, and don't have many "Last gas for 150 miles" signs.

[Nihil]

2. And also ...

> Personally, I think places like Europe and Japan will see them long before
> we do-- they don't have the long drives we do, and don't have many "Last gas
> for 150 miles" signs.

... they are used to driving in cars rather than tanks and so will find it
easier to change the powertrain of essentially the same type of vehicle
(from the driver & passenger viewpoint) without the semi-culture shock
that many Americans will encounter.

:hi: