Why wait For Detroit? [antikvár]

Preface to the Second Edition To the Reader: The first édition of Why Wait For Detroit? contained the essence of two books: 1) a général introduction to electric vehicles (EVs), the basics for the new EV owncr and a list of resources for EV components and supplies; and 2) technical information and in-depth information on electric cars, including an extensive chaptcr honoring today's EV pioneers. Book A is presented here in its second édition. Book B is scheduled for release in December 1993, and will cover 400 pages of the most comprehensivc material ever collected on electric cars. It will celebrate all types of alternative-fuel vehicles and anyone who owns an electric car. If you own an electric car, send a photo. You'll be listed as an environmental and balance-of-trade patriot. If you were driving electric cars before the Exxon Valdez oil spill of March 1989, you're an EV pioneer, and you should send a short biography for inclusion in the "Big Book." Book B ("the Big Book") will cover every conceivable aspect of owning an electric car; it will be called The EV Encyclopedia: A Guide to Electric Vehicles, retailing for $19.95 (add $1.00 for postage if ordering directly from SFEAA). Net proceeds from the sale of all books published by the South Florida Electric Auto Association are supporting the public éducation programs of electric car organizations. There is no deadline for being included in "the Big Book" because a supplement will be assembled annually to keep the EV Encyclopedia up-to-date. A Word About This Book Thanks to the volunteered suggestions of a number of manuscript readers, this revised version of Why Wait For Detroit? has an improved structure, making it more accessible to the casual reader. The editors made every effort to keep the pace entertaining, eye-appealing, and lively, while stuffing each page with useful information. While we did not aim to produce a comprehensive directory of every Organization concerned with the environment, many groups that are not usually associated with electric cars have been included to suggest two things: 1) the need for EV enthusiasts to expand their focus and note the impact of their EVs on the environment, and 2) the need for a coalition of utilities, environmentalists, nuclear energy supporters, clean coal lobbyists, renewable energy advocates and natural gas suppliers to work together to support electric cars. EVs are not the only answer, but they are part of the solution. Getting ten percent or twenty percent of vehicles converted to battery power is just the beginning. We gain nothing if the highways remain congested (our EVs won't pollute, but we'll still waste time). The EV coalition should support efforts by groups like the Association for Commuter Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation to remove incentives that encourage single-occupant commuting. Let's work to reduce the supply of employer-subsidized parking. The graph on the inside cover of this book cornes from a book called Beyond Oil: The Threat to Food and Fuel in the Coming Decades. Published in 1986, the book has been reissued and is available through Carrying Capacity Network, 1325 G Street, Suite 1003, Washington, D.C. 20005, 202-879-3045. The philosophy of looking at the big picture, which is the central purpose of Carrying Capacity, is part of the philosophy behind Why Wait For Detroit? Where it makes sense to recycle existing cars, we advocate conversion to electric. Where it makes sense to wait for vehicles designed from the ground up, we suggest that you wait for Detroit to produce the car you are seeking. In certain régions, it makes sense to purchase a natural gas or methanol vehicle, so we don't argue against these "alternatives" to EVs. Our common foe is the imported barrel of crude oil. We are looking "beyond oil," and you are invited to join us in making the transition to the post-petroleum era. Steve McCrea (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) and Richard Minner (Sacramento, Calif.)