As the summer driving season comes to a close, it’s easy to see how far we – as commuters – have changed. The country is on course to two distinct paths: cheap fuel for the masses at the expense of the environment (natural gas abound); expensive alternatives for those who can breath rarefied air and preach to the masses. The later is putting their emphasis on a frail electrical grid that currently connects their homes. The same group tends to be highly educated, urbanites who love their elitism. Yet the masses are those who major motor companies want to – and continue to attract to their show rooms. Tesla vs. Ford should be the new automotive paradigm. Yet old habits die hard.
Telsa has the possibility of producing more cars a year that are clean, fast and furious than most of it’s competitors. Ford simply has the embedded driver locked into a belief that independence only can come through gas. The hinterlanders – many who love their country and live in a hood very close to you and me – are blinded by failed back to work promises and pride rather than pure self reliance. There is no question that a truck loving commuter can haul their load in a 9 mile to the gallon rig. But have they actually tried an electric powered truck to do the same commuter job? Likely not – as few are on the road to date.
Certainly, four years from now, like the four that have just past, consumers will see advances in their automobile options. SUVs will certainly be electric and possibly less than $80,000. And pollution controls on the worst offending vehicles will have been reduced because trucks will continue to be made from lighter, stronger materials.
American’s deserve to drive the best their dollar can afford. It still remains up to the consumer to purchase the right vehicle today to influence change. And once that connection occurs, the electric game will be fully charged.