Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Politics of Energy -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TimF who wrote (969)	7/25/2008 4:59:48 PM
From: RetiredNow	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 86355

Did you know that a large portion of the cost of vehicles today is due to government mandated safety features? Do you think those features are valuable? Or do you wish that government had not intervened and forced the issue? At the end of the day, whatever you believe, people must think the features are worth cost, because car makers are now advertising how safe their vehicles are and introducing new safety mechanisms all the time. Ultimately, whether the government helps or not, we know that our fleets will be replaced with electric vehicles only if their is a perceived benefit exceeding the costs. Government can help by setting standards and even speeding up the industries growth through subsidies and advantageous regulations. Which brings me to your statement: And all that ignores the very large cost and difficulty of doubling fleet MPG in the first place. You call it a cost, but the business engaged in this venture call it an investment in the future. The incremental costs to consumers, though, will have to be balanced by benefits. Prius owners will tell you they think the car was well worth it. If subsequent electric vehicles are made right and come in at a decent price point, then consumers will adopt them very quickly. Ultimately, the argument we are having is really about whether or not you believe that will happen. I do. The signs are everywhere that this time it will happen. I believe that you don't and that you think nothing will change during our lifetimes. I think that is really a losers bet. We are staring at a transformation in energy sources the size and scope of which will make the transformation in businesses by the Internet look like small potatoes. Will it cost alot to go through this transformation? Absolutely. Consumers, businesses, and governments are literally going to spend trillions on this transformation over the next few decades. Those countries which spend wisely and do it with a vision and strategy in place crafted by a collaboration between business and government will be those who get the lion's share of the profits. I sincerely hope this country is one of those. We managed to do that with the oil industry. I hope we're smart enough to do it with the new energy sources to come.