New Electric Cars Generate a Lot of Input

The Coalition for Clean Air expresses our thanks to Connie Koenenn for an excellent article about the electric cars of tomorrow. We hope The Times will follow up and provide readers (with) information about the clean-fuels cars available today.

Drivers who might be concerned about electric cars’ sluggish acceleration might want to consider peppy methanol fuel, the choice of race drivers for its superior power. Consumers concerned about the reliability of the new technology might want to look into purchasing a natural gas vehicle. With (more than) 700,000 natural gas vehicles in service worldwide, there is a proven track record of safe, reliable operation. There’s even room for improvement in the traditional gas guzzler: Honda has introduced a 60-m.p.g. car. If Congress passes a hotly debated new mileage requirement for American car manufacturers, Detroit will start producing similar gas “sippers.”

But as we all rush the showroom for a test drive, remember one thing: If you could press a magic button today and turn all the cars in Los Angeles into electric or alternative fuels, you still couldn’t get to work on time tomorrow because of the traffic jam. So, Ready! Set! Car-pool!

TIM LITTLE

Executive Director