What's in the News?

I ran across this post and it was (excuse the cliche) like a breath of fresh air:
http://www.twilightearth.com/2009/07/a-word-on-pollution-and-the-electric-vehicle/

If you read the news on the internet you probably see a lot of negative opinions about electric cars. Most just point out common assumptions and repeat them as fact.

An example of this was recently in the Morgan County News. Now I have no idea where Morgan County is, but that's not important. What is important is that when these mis-assumptions get passed off as fact they get into the popular mindset damaging the acceptance of this needed technology.

Here's another fine example - just the headline is inflammatory: Electric Cars - Kinda Stupid
This post just takes a quote from Wired and adds a rant on non-recyclable batteries - as if EVs run on alkaline energizers that can't be recharged!

Now a lot of news posts stay away from benefit statements and just report the facts - Nissan announces a new model, new battery technology, etc. and that's good, but we as EV advocates need to be concerned about popular opinion too. Popular opinion can influence funding and the legislature which can make or break a technology change like we're advocating. Right now popular opinion is on our side, but it seems to me that this position is fragile and we need to do more to defend it.

So, what's my point? It made me think that we as a group need to be more vocal. We need to quickly comment on these postings pointing out the facts and, more importantly, calling out the writer for their ignorance, laziness or their transparent negative agenda. Why do we need to quickly comment? Most blogs and news sites show comments in chronological order. Having your comment on page 3 is not going to influence anyone.

So get out there and post.
What's in the News? Hopefully you.

EV Miata on TV

The local ABC affiliate did a short piece on the electric cars being shown at the Marin County Fair. I'm a little leery of dealing with the media - they don't seem to bother getting all the facts straight and are more concerned about telling a story (any story it seems) than getting the truth out, but figure it was work a shot.
Putting my leeriness aside, I took some time off from work to drive up to the fair for my chance at an interview, and it ended up being well worth it. I had a chance to talk with some of the other car owners/entrepreneurs who were showing their cars (all great people) and the reporter, Wayne Freedman, turned out to be a great guy as well. He asked good questions and seemed to understand the answers, to my surprise. I had about 5 minutes to tell my story and when it was done he asked if later they could take a ride in the car(!) Why my car instead of the Porsche speedster or Shelby Daytona replica, I don't know, but I was happy to oblige.

I hung around as he did a few more interviews then was politely told that time wouldn't allow a ride. Oh well.

The piece aired that night, and I missed it, (of course), but thanks to the internet it can be seen forever (or at least until the take it off their site). Only a few seconds of my interview made it into the final segment - kind of funny - the one line I have is about kitchen appliances...

Anyway, it's a pretty positive overall.

Here's a link to the piece - don't blink or you'll miss me...

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/technology&id=6896777