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Electric and Hybrid Cars


Electric and Hybrid Cars could be a part of our low carbon economy.
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles present a great option for a transition to zero carbon transport.

Transport is one of the growing areas of carbon emissions. If we switched all our vehicles to zero emission technology we would be a long way towards a zero carbon economy. But we also need to switch our power generation to carbon free renewable sources.

As our global fleet of vehicles may take decades to convert to carbon free technology, we need other transport solutions such as rail, and bike paths.

Cars also create a range of other problems

  • Uses high levels of energy and creates high levels of waste in manufacture;
  • Causes displacement other forms of transport;
  • Contributes to lower levels of exercise and health;
  • Contributes to high levels of personal isolation and fragmentation of the community.
'Active transport' such as walking, cycling and public transport provide more exercise and a better connection with our community and environment resulting in improvements to the health of all.

Who Killed Electric Car

An Intro to Modern Electric Cars

In the 1990s, modern practical Electric Cars were reborn. The cars were fast and quiet, used no gas/petrol. It turned into a revolution that was started by General Motors and killed by a range of players including General Motors, Chevron (Big Oil) and US Federal Government (Bush Administration). For more info see my review of Who Killed the Electric Car and the synopsis of the movie with links to the movie websites.

Hybrids and Plug In Hybrids now offer the best promise to kick start a transformation of the global vehicle fleet.

Delays in Switching to Ev Technology

Here are some of the factors contributing to the delays in switching to electric vehicles. These obstacles can all be overcome with varying degrees of effort:

Resistance from oil and car companies that stand to lose enormous revenue from reduction in sales of fuel and the maintenance market.

Higher purchase price of a new / young technology that is not being developed. Only committed enthusiasts will pay the extra cost. Increasing public knowledge and demand will enable moving to mass production. Tougher emission laws would force the issue, but note that that battle has been lost before and needs to fought again.

Risk of modifications failing.
Lack of experience in modifications.
Legal and safety constraints of modifications.

Greenwashing of Hybrids

Before you buy a Hybrid Car check out its green credentials.
Some Hybrids have been built to give more power but only negligible improvements in fuel economy. See the following page for an explanation of hybrid drive-train technology.

Green Vehicle Guide

View the Green Vehicle Guide before buying a new car.

DIY Conversion Info

The groups and companies below are a great help, but if you need your own source of info check out the following:

USA Advocates

International Market Evs & Hybrids


Australian Advocates

Australian Evs


Prius 2009

Australian Hybrids


Ev News

06 Mar 2008 Solar Taxi driven around the world
21 Feb 2008 First Production EV in Australia - Ross Blade - BEV
15 Jan 2008 SMH discussion GM believes in Peak Oil and EVs
Sep - Oct 2007 NRMA Magazine Open Road - Green Revolution - Sep/Oct 2007


Updated Mar 2008