Bo Bennett and Ryan Levesque co-host the daily podcast, EVcast.com. We recently had the opportunity to correspond with Bo to learn more:
- What sparked your interest in electric cars? And do you have an interest in other alt fuel vehicles?
- How do you feel about plug-in electric hybrids as a method for extending the range of electric drivetrains?
- What is your main driving force in covering electric vehicles? Oil independence ... Environmental/reducing emissions ...?
- Do you feel that electric drivetrains alone can solve our society’s main transportation/oil issue dilemma?
- Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Bo: “I first developed an interest at age 10, when I traded my gas-powered 'minibike' for an electric bike, which was technically a hybrid (battery and human powered). My interest became renewed about 6 months ago when I started looking for a new car. It became crystal clear to me that an electric vehicle (EV), whether it be a pure EV or plug-in hybrid, is the way to go.”
”I also keep up to date on advances in hydrogen technology. Once a car is built with an electric motor, that motor can either be powered by electricity coming from a plug, or from a local hydrogen tank. As it is today, plug-in EVs are being mass-produced; hydrogen vehicles are still in early testing. Whichever technology ultimately is adopted, we all win.”
Bo: “I think plug-in hybrids are exactly what we need until the “problem” of the shorter range / long 'refuel' time with pure EVs can be solved. However, I hope we do not become content with plug-in hybrids -- that is, settle for the MPG improvement and no longer desire to be free from our dependence on oil for transportation.”
Bo: “I am really not the political type. I am not an environmentalist, activist, or a 'greenie.' In 1994 I realized that the world would be changed by the Internet, and I made a career out of it. Today, in 2008, it is even more clear to me that EVs are about to change the world, and in a much more significant way. I want to be a part of it.”
Bo: "'Alone,' no. Electric drive trains are actually one of the more simple pieces of the puzzle. The energy storage, or the battery, is the real challenge. However, major progress is being made in this field thanks to the huge recent investments in R&D in this area. It is ironic, also a bit sad, to think that the EVs on the road over 100 years ago were powered by virtually the same batteries used in most EVs today – lead-acid batteries. But this is rapidly changing. I do believe that the adoption of the electric vehicle by the people, not the vehicle itself, will indeed free us from our dependency on oil. As for the transportation dilemma, smaller cars will help, but this will continue to be an issue until we start using teleportation (one can dream!)”
Bo: “Special interest groups can protest and lobby. Governments can regulate and mandate. But unless electric vehicles are seen as a practical alternative to what people currently drive, they will not be accepted. People have to see and experience the benefits for themselves.”
”We want people to realize that there are EVs out there that can be used by some as their primary vehicle. There are also many cars due out in 2009/2010 that can virtually replace any existing all-gas vehicle. With our daily podcast, EVcast.com, we are keeping the American people up to date on their options, while offering both education and entertainment.”