[Vision2020] Mega-loads Ultimate Impact: Geological Society of America Oct. 2011 Meeting: Archean to Anthropocene

[Tom Hansen]

Donovan Arnold stated:

"People also forget that most cars that run off electricity are pulling
power from outlets that run off the burning of coal."

My wife drives a Ford Fushion Hybrid.  It is totally electric at speeds
under 45 mph.  For simplicity, we'll jus' call that "in-town driving".

The ol' fossil-fuel (gas-driven) engine kicks in at speeds in excess of 45
mph and at 35 mpg (miles per gallon).  For simplicity, we'll jus' call
that "highway driving".

Most (approximately 70%) of our driving is in-town driving.

A couple things worthy of note . . .

When we drove "the circuit" (Moscow to Winnemucca (NV) to Reno (NV) to San
Francisco (CA) to Monterey (CA) to Montega Bay (CA) to Humboldt Bay (CA)
to Coos Bay (OR) to Astoria (OR) to Pendleton (OR) and home to Moscow)
last year, we averaged 700-800 miles per tank of fossil fuel.  Driving
over the Sierras (via Strawberry, California) at 40 mph was a kick.

The battery has NEVER required recharging, because it is self-charging
(courtesy of a variety of boring techie things that Vern Eide Ford told us
about).

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot oil changes . . . every 10,000 (that's right TEN
THOUSAND) miles, although I'll probably have the oil changed every 5,000.

For a little parting entertainment as I head out the door in a couple
hours.  Crank it up for . . .

"The Hummer"
http://www.tomandrodna.com/Songs/Hummer.mp3

Later, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to
changeand the Realist adjusts his sails."

 - Unknown