More Reasons Electric Cars Are a No Go in Idaho

At the risk of annoying the granola gobbling left once more, another update on the futility of electric automobiles.  The latest comes from a story I read over the weekend in the Wall Street Journal.  If you may not be able to get past the paywall, let me offer a summary.  The United States doesn’t have the battery capacity.  Some companies are making some investments, but these pale in comparison to battery production from China.  A hostile power.  As retired General Jack Keane says, our two nations are at war all but for the shooting.

We Simply Don't Have the Resources

I’ve reviewed numerous scenarios in recent weeks and none are pretty.  We’re short the rare earth minerals needed for batteries.  We don’t have an environmentally friendly method for generating electricity for the conversion of the domestic fleet.  I’ve mentioned people have been telling me for three decades that we’re on the cusp of long-range batteries.  It doesn’t matter how much you love your Tesla or Leaf.  At the moment these vehicles are novelties.

Wishing Doesn't Make it Happen

You can sputter and say, “Yes, but we need to make these changes now in order to save the planet and before we run out of oil!”  O.K., then wave your magic wand and make it happen.

There’s also a reason corporate investment in technology lags.  The people in charge of research and development are responsible to shareholders.  Investors are looking for returns.  The majority plan to someday retire on more than bread and water.

Focus on Good Roads and Bridges

The left then demands that our bankrupt government fill the void.  At the same time, bridges are falling down.  Hasn’t anyone considered we still need roads no matter what powers our vehicles?