Senate Hearing on Advanced Technology Vehicles

Yesterday, the Sentate Finance Committee, subcomittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure heard testimony from some of of the leading people of the electric car/ Chevy Volt movement.  These included David Vieau of A123 systems and Martin Eberhard of Tesla Motors.  All of the transcripts from the meeting can be read in their entirety here.

The main thrust of the testimony was to persuade the committee to continue to give grants and credits to automakers and battery makers to help them continue the inevitable drive towards electric vehicle adoption.  Also on the agenda was to support continuing tax credits for consumers who choose to purchase these cars.  David Vieau specifically mentioned the cost of $10,000 for the 40 mile Volt battery pack, the prototype of which can be currently installed into Prius’s.

Tax credits remain an important tool in promoting widespread consumer adoption of electric cars, considering their increased cost.  They will also help allay certain fears people have about these cars, such as catching fire, EMF’s, etc.  Whenever a new technology arises, fear is a common reaction of the population.

Remember, its always all about the money!

Posted by: Lyle