Climate Protection

The Challenge

We all know we need solutions to slow emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in order to limit further global warming. And we need them now. E-mobility can help, because it saves energy (electric motors are more efficient) and it enables broader use of renewable energies (e.g. through possible storage of energy and better grid-level load balancing).

Electric Cars are Coming

Actually, solutions are already here. As you read this, the first mass-produced electric vehicles are being driven off dealers' lots by proud customers and many more are going to be available in 2010. Practically every large car company will offer several models within 2-3 years. By 2015, the US government predicts that over one million electric vehicles will be on US roads. Within 10 years, forecasts anticipate several million electric vehicles (EV's) being driven in the US, and many believe these numbers could be reached even sooner.

Clear Benefits Inevitably Drive Acceptance

EV's have clear benefits over conventional vehicles and, as a result, are already enjoying broad acceptance among progressive, modern consumers. EV's use significantly less overall primary energy (proven in "well-to-wheel" comparisons with gas or diesel vehicles) and accordingly, they produce less CO2. During operation on the streets, they emit nothing, thus helping to keep the air clean, especially in cities and metropolitan areas. They can improve the economics for renewable energies (e.g. wind and solar) and are government-sponsored. Those who are forward-thinking and are conscious of our impact on the climate want to and will drive EV's as soon as they can.

Their Disadvantage is Your Chance

EV's have one main disadvantage, but this can be your opportunity to secure your share of ROI from E-Mobility's growth. Batteries for EV's are expensive. To sell significant numbers of EV's, carmakers are forced to equip them with relatively small batteries and drivers are forced to either switch to their conventional engines frequently (hybrid vehicles do this automatically, but at the expense of higher fuel cost and emissions) or recharge their batteries when away from home. This is where you come in. Where customers have a need, you can supply. A classic win-win.

We're Just Missing One Small Detail

The service model of the conventional gas station does not work well for EV's because they require typical charging times from half an hour to several hours. They need parking. Your customers, of course, park on your lots anyway. Ample electricity is also already available at your business location. What's missing is a robust, safe, user-friendly and economical charging system (software and hardware), installed on your lots. A system where you are in charge (pun intended), so you can configure it to best meet your customers' needs and maximize your business potential. At reasonable cost and with an attractive upside.

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For a listing of new electric car models coming see: http://www.pluginamerica.org/plug-in-vehicle-tracker.html