A worker asks Obama: Why isn’t the presidential limousine electric?

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While President Obama was touring a factory Friday in Charlotte, N.C., he was asked why he did not use an electric limousine.

Obama, who had made his customary case for renewable energy sources, said there’s not much he can do to wring more fuel efficiency from the armored limousines that drive him around. He had asked the Secret Service about converting to hybrid vehicles, the president said, but was told that it’s not possible.

“It’s because the cars that I’m in are like tanks,” Obama said.

But he noted he has ordered a tripling of the number of hybrid vehicles in the federal government’s massive fleet.

The same questioner asked Obama if the same fuel-guzzling presidential motorcade might give him a lift to the Charlotte airport. Obama had mentioned earlier that his personal aide, Reggie Love, is a Charlotte native who would be staying behind for the weekend. The man asked if he could have Love’s place in the motorcade.

“You know, come on, let’s go,” the president said, smiling. He was joking.

-- Peter Nicholas