Thinking about the future, and getting a charge out of it

Driven by the desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions--and dependence on foreign oil--the world seems more than ready for the electric car. We’re not just talking about the supplemental electric motor (aka “hybrid”) that kicks in to make a combustion engine more efficient. We’re talking about the completely electric car.

The key is in the battery, of course. Research and development teams are focused on building batteries that have the capacity and stamina to handle the job, as well as weight and heat characteristics that make the power plant feasible. (Notice how hot a mobile phone or laptop gets while the battery is discharging? Consider the heat generated by a battery that powers a 3,000 pound car.)

But we’re getting closer. A recent CNNMoney/Fortune online story shed light on the significant investments in battery power made by folks like Warren Buffet. And yet another story about how Ford is trying to power ahead with development of an electric car. (The video versions of these stories are offered under the implications segment below.)

Implications: The current economic climate should not keep us from considering the landscape that is just around the corner. In that spirit, I have a couple of questions for you:

In a world where roads are populated with electric cars, what does a gas station look like?

What will my garage look like?

Will there be “premium” parking ramps… equipped with plug-ins?

In what ways will “the grid” need to be upgraded to handle the increase demand for electricity/charging sources?

The electric car is a fascinating thing to think about. But the chain reaction effects that wait “just down the road” are no less interesting. From gas stations to quick-lube stores, a lot of money is spent on aftermarket products and the “traditional” automotive culture as we now know it.

Once in a while, it’s fun to wonder... because often, one innovation demands another.
Mike Anderson

Here’s the CNN Money/Fortune online story about Warren Buffet’s commitment to battery power (commercial pre-roll required):

Here’s the CNN Money/Fortune story about Ford’s progress in electric car development (commercial pre-roll required):