Electric Cars

Today was the USC Environment Fair 2011. One of the companies represented was Enterprise Rent-A-Car, who brought the Chevy Volt - one of the newest electric cars in the US.

Coincidentally, after I left the Environment Fair, I saw this article on the Honolulu Star Advertiser website:

Charge!

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser

The article discusses the introduction of Nissan Leafs to Enterprise's Hawai'i fleet, as well as a "charge-spot" project planned for Oahu.

It's exciting to hear about these new electric cars, especially at a time when gas prices are through the roof and awareness about the negative effects of fossil fuels is spreading.

Of course, integration of electric cars will take a while, as new infrastructure (for example, the charging stations) is built, consumers are educated, and companies sort out new problems/issues.

But I am eagerly awaiting the new era of electric vehicles - something I think would be perfect for Hawai'i for several reasons, including the following:

• Oahu is an island - people typically don't drive very far (compared to driving on the mainland), so one charge would probably be enough for one round trip (to and from work/school)
• Hawai'i is a paradise - and people must keep it this way by taking care of the environment. A significant contributor to destruction of the environment is fossil fuel, so it is important that Hawai'i find alternatives to fossil fuel usage
• Gas prices in Hawai'i are the most expensive in the country - Hawai'i residents must find gas-alternatives for financial reasons, too

I am interested to see how these new electric cars perform, and I look forward to the development of more and better electric vehicles in the near future!