Re: SC31

I went to the alternative car show in Santa Monica yesterday, a whole hangar of possibilities at the airport.

Interesting exhibitors and attendees, but no clear winners in my mind after viewing all. Battery technology is currently a limiting factor for hybrids. Was told by one exhibitor that the Chevron had purchased the most promising technology and is just sitting on it (because it posed a threat?). Also, the economy advantage of hybrids is exaggerated. Toyota claims 60 mpg in city for Prius, but owners I talked to said to expect 40-45 mpg.

In the near term, we will likely need to shed weight and trade power for economy since price of gasoline has already started its post-election climb.

Of more urgent probability, a disruptive "tipping event" (consequent to climate change) could present a sustainability challenge through loss of mobility.