Do not underestimate the power of technological structural shift multiplied by industrial scale. In Frankfurt some automakers spent more money on showrooms than was spent on exploration for Lithium and REE by all juniors combined this year. Once automakers start to push Electric Cars for real the ball will be rolling and public will be more accepting with coming incentives all along the Green Theme.
"Rare-Earth Elements along with Lithium and Rare Metals are in high demand as a result of the rapid advancement in technology, including green power generation, nanotechnologies, hybrid and electric cars."
MotorTrend Nissan Leaf Zero Emission Tour Rolling Through 22 North American Cities
If you can't wait to see the Nissan Leaf in showrooms, the Japanese automaker is bringing the all-electric hatchback to 22 cities in an upcoming tour.Called the Nissan Leaf Zero Emission Tour, 11 states will be covered -- the first location is Los Angeles from November 13-17.
No public drives will be offered, but it will be the first chance for the North American public to get up close with the Leaf. Some stops, we're told, will also have an electric Nissan Versa on hand.
The tour ends in New York City from February 9-14. As you might expect, a large chunk of the Nissan's schedule will take place in various cities in California. Along the way from California to New York, the Leaf will roll through Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Detroit, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Middle Tennessee, Washington D.C., Raleigh, Orlando, and Houston.The Leaf is an all-electric five-door hatchback with a claimed 100-mile range, that is scheduled for U.S. import as early as November of next year. If you believe Carlos Ghosn, the Leaf will be priced within reach of other cars its size, though lithium-ion battery packs could be leased separately. It's possible that at some point in the next few years, the Leaf will come standard with a "beautiful and futuristic" soundtrack so that pedestrians know the quiet car is approaching.As we reported earlier this week from the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan plans to recycle old Leaf batteries: they'll be used to power stationary objects. While mass production of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles is still more than a year away, we look forward to seeing how the Leaf will compare to other environmentally friendly automotive choices. Head to www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car to see the actual tour locations as they are finalized. Source: Nissan"
Zero emission battery power is not practical in the USA where people regularly commute 100 miles in one direction, or take a 2,000 mile vacation to visit relatives. I see the 300 miles er gallon Aptera hybrid as the most practical technology. A rock solid safe vehicle of 1,500 pounds total weight is proven with electric wheel motors and composite construction. Thirty horsepower is all you need to drive at seventy miles per hour and accelerate like a Corvette with battery assist. The only downside is no moving parts to wear and repair.
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