2GreenEnergy Hits the Road–Yet Once Again
Headed out tonight for New York City; New Bedford, MA (ex-whaling capital of the US — pictured); Syracuse, NY; and Washington, DC. All are exciting appointments, including a kick-off meeting with a new client (New Bedford).
I try never to miss the ARPA-E show in Washington; great opportunity to meet sharp people and explore new technologies.
Craig,
I hope you have a great trip. Just out of curiosity, is it possible for you to rent a Tesla S for your road trip ? With Tesla’s “super highway” available for all that distance it would be a great experience.
I’m also curious that as a native Californian, what type of automobile do you drive for personal transport ?
I have fond memories of (some years ago) driving from NY to Baltimore, to visit my oldest son, who spent a year at Johns Hopkins University as part of his medical studies.
I had BMWs all my life, but when I aspired to become Mr. 2GreenEnergy, I thought it was wrong to drive an 8-cylinder 4-liter engine based car. So a few years ago I got a Volkswagen turbo diesel, which gets 43 miles to the gallon.
I was feeling pretty good about my choice until the revelation of the VW scandal. There is a certain irony there; I made a sacrifice only to learn that my new car puts out 40 times the EPA standard for nitrogen oxide.
Graig,
Thank for your reply.
I used to be a dedicated Mercedes owner, until I discovered the Lexus GS (and RX) 450 Hybrid range.
In Australia, I was an early adopter of the Toyota Prius as company city cars, and even purchased two of the Australian made, Blade Electric cars (these small cars are still running).
In the UK I bought a Liberty Electric Range Rover as personal transport. This excellent vehicle with the same off road capacity, and 200 mile + range, completely replaces my previous gasoline Range Rover.
I encouraged our executives to select the UK version of the GM Volt, the ill-fated Vauxhall Ampera, as a better alternative to the BMW 3 series.
We purchased a Tesla model S P85 a a replacement for an aging BMW 7 series for use as a London courtesy car.
Given the higher price of US diesel, and knowing there’s no such thing as “clean diesel” , I’m curious if you ever considered buying a Nissan Leaf, Toyota hybrid, GM volt or even supported the Californian made Tesla ?
The Tesla and supercharging network, almost makes me wish I lived in the US. My younger son who lives in New York owns a Model S and last year we drove to Washington and back, creating zero emissions.
I would imagine that living in California with the advantage of domestic solar power, EV ownership would be a very attractive option. Especially since California (unlike Australia) has very generous State and federal incentives, subsidies,etc along with lots of sunshine (unlike the UK).
If need an SUV, would you consider the Mitsubishi Overlander PIEV ?
Sorry, I forgot to include the excellent range of Lexus hybrids, although the Toyota Camry hybrid is a great, if a little dull, vehicle.
If you feel sporty, there’s always the stunning BMW i8 !
( I’m just trying to justify the purchase of such a vehicle although my daughter reasons it would make great replacement for her Lexus CT 200 h. )
For me, an EV really isn’t practical, insofar as I work out of my home, but often take trips of 300 miles or more. If I commuted short distances, I would get one in a heartbeat.
Hi Craig,
Please excuse me for being nosy, but I’m always fascinated by why people still drive diesel in preference to EREV’s PIEV’s or Hybrid vehicles.
In the US you are spoiled for choice and aided by very generous government subsidies. In the case of Tesla, it would be difficult to find a place 300 miles outside of Tesla’s super charging network, or at least suitable facilities. Surely after driving 300 miles a 25 minute break to recharge can’t be too much delay ?
Elon Musk and his team at Tesla would appear to have solved your range problem !?
Alternatively, the GM Volt provides an excellent compromise, as do the hybrids in the Toyota/Lexus hybrid range. All these vehicles have lower carbon emissions than turbo-charged diesels.
(Oh, and too be really impertinently nosy, what sort of lawn mower do you own ? )
I ask everyone I meet these questions, which probably annoys some people, but the answers are make for very interesting research :).
I made a huge mistake in my choice of cars, to be sure.
To rent a Tesla, check this link:
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1091917_want-to-rent-a-tesla-model-s-p85-itll-cost-you-900-a-day
The cost is only $900 per day.
Thanks Frank,
I guess at $900 per day, Craig could be forgiven for renting a hybrid ! That rate seems very expensive for a relatively low maintenance car. Comparison value vehicles rent for 30% of the Tesla’s rental fee.
Ha! I rent “intermediate” sized cars.
How about renting a GM Volt, or Lexus CT 200 H ?