Reply #2: There are some electric cars out there.... [View All]

India has a manufacturer, China's coming along and the new nano-lithium batteries are vital to increased production. A123Systems claims their new battery technology has a far higher energy density, more power, faster charge/discharge rates and 300K charge/discharge cycles - likely good for 250K miles. The faster charge rate also makes these batteries ideal for regenerative braking. Currently only about 15% of braking energy can be recaptured by NiMh batteries.

Toyota is coming out with a plug-in hybrid and I suspect several other manufacturers are as well. We're hearing nothing about them because the automakers don't want people putting off car buying until they finally begin to market the high mileage cars we've needed since 1973.

Finally, it is the law in Israel that all homes have a solar hot water system.

Thanks much for your energy and environment postings OKIsItJustMe.