I know, you're an intelligent, responsible person who just wants to do the right thing. You recyle, use compact flourscent light bulbs and avoid Wal-Mart like the plague, yet there's still that gnawing feeling something isn't right..."I know that I should buy a more fuel efficient vehicle, yet the best are Japanese imports! What's a responsible Canadian consumer to do?"
Well, imagine that there existed a vehicle that produce zero emissions and was made right here in Canada. Yes, a truly responsible vehicle for those who must drive and it would support your Canadian economy. It exists.
But you can't buy one.
Rick Mercer doesn't understand either
Huh? "But Stephen Harper says that we can't meet our Kyoto obligations. Why on earth would he deny a zero emissions vehicle the right to Canadian roads? Wouldn't promoting vehicles like the Zenn move us in a direction of saving Canadian automotive jobs?"
Good question indeed. And one that you should personally ask the Ministry of Transportation if you want to see the Zenn car, and others like it, on our roads. (of course, you will do this after demanding more walkable, pedestrian friendly communities, therefore decreasing your need for a car in the first place, right?)
11 comments:
Vehicles like the Zenn are great. However, I think many consumers, politicians and people in the automotive industry are following the logic that the market system will make vehicles like the Zenn affordable for everyone and feasible in terms of mass-production.
I haven't read much about the maintenance costs of vehicles like the Zenn. Ideally, the market system will affect the cost/price of vehicles like the Zenn in the same way it affected the electronics industry, insofar as significantly reducing prices. Remember when PCs/laptops used to cost like $3000 dollars (some still do)? Virtually anyone who knows how to assemble a PC can do so for less than $500.
I think this is a great car, but it's biggest drawback for Canada right now is a top speed of only 40 kmh. That's just not practical for use in the city. I think the biggest users in the States are most likely within gated communities and retirement communities.
This is certainly an industry that would benefit from government support to quickly develop a 60 to 80 kmh vehicle. Now you have a practical city car for virtually anywhere in Canada
I actually heard something about Pelee island has submitted to being a case study for this car. That would see the entire island go electric vehicle.
That be just be way too cool. Could you imagine the press and the publicity. Tourism opportunities etc....
Yes, it would be great but we aren't totally helpless in the meantime. While we are waiting for a zero emissions vehicle, there ARE things we can do - change our personal driving habits. [gasp] If it's walkable, walk it. If it's not, try to chose a place to live that is. If you need to go somewhere that's car congested or lacks parking, take the bus. Downtown Windsor is easily accessible by bus for many. Gas guzzlers like Ford Excursions, Hummers, F-150's, etc. should not be used for personal transportation. It's just ridiculous. There are safe, comfortable alternatives that get 25-35 mpg (city) or better. There is no need to idle at railway crossings for 10 minutes. There is a counter where one can order fast food at if the drive thru is lined up. It's not necessary to warm up your vehicle for 20 minutes on winter mornings or hot summer days (whoever invented the remote vehicle starter should be drawn and quartered). Shopping trips can be combined, ie. try to get most of what you need at once, not on multiple trips on separate occasions. The list goes on and on. At $1.00/litre (or more) you aren't just saving the environment by driving responsibly...
This car is designed for short trips and can be plunged into any outlet. No special hookups. However I can just imagine here in Windsor as soon as they hit the streets Enwin will raise our electricity rates.
Both Walmart and MacDonalds will let you plug in for free!
Anon, Enwin has already asked to raise the rates and were granted. It will now cost another 25$/yr (I know big deal) to be hooked up to Enwin. I think it is ridiculous when it is a city owned entity. Why it is making profits off of the backs of those it is supposed to serve? It is the taxpayer who is footing the bill after all.
The Zenn is available for sale. They responded to another area blogger about the vehicle. Sorry I do not remember which blog (gee, can't stand that word "blog" isn't there a way to change it?).
Other piece was titled "20 cases of beer and no noise" at Mayor of Monmouth.
One question still outstanding. It sounds like this vehicle is set up for "opportunity charging" which literally destroys batteries in short order. How does that company address this?
These are deep cycle batteries designed for renewable power, not the unreliable ni-cads from the 1970s that people form their opinions from. Their charging requirements are totally different than those nicads and mimh batteries you use for home electronics. Frequent charging and floating is normal.
India could just start shipping their $2500 car here. Sorry, GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Taxes help pay for the plants that generate the electricity for the cars.
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