Increased Fuel Taxes, EVs' Best Chance

What just about everyone out there thought about in their minds was put into words at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show by GM's Bob Lutz. Speaking at a conference at the event, the now advisor for the American manufacturer said that, in order for EVs not to prove to be just a passing mood, they need to be cheaper.

But, since this is not always possible, at least the alternative to EVs, regular internal combustion vehicles, need to get more expensive to buy and operate.

“One of the prime things that has to happen long term for any of the expensive electrically driven technology to have a true commercial success as opposed to a novelty success (or convincing the public to) make a true financial sacrifice in order to protect the environment, so the cost effectiveness of the technology has to improve," Lutz was quoted as saying by GoAuto.

“And a hindrance to doing that is low gasoline prices. Like it or not, they are on a tight budget, and they are not going to pay ten of thousands of dollars more in order to save hundreds of dollars a year on gasoline – they will not."

“So, over time, if the country is serious about cutting back oil consumption and reducing petroleum’s impact on the environment – what we are going to have to do is gradually increase the federal taxation on fuels."

Of course, there are several other problems besides fuel prices to overcome before EVs really become an option for the masses. The punch line is a worldwide electric buzz will not be heard any time soon.