It would be better for the air and the environment if this governor made sure that a CANDU reactor was bought from Canada or at least built near the state in canada ..HG..

Sadly, every time the government gets a look in the right direction, nuk-shills jump up claiming they deserve attention. (Note, Wind energy is now much cheaper per kWh than nuks).

Electric cars are a fabulous idea, and the infrastructure should be put into place for them NOW. If this follows Project Better Place then the world will be a better place.

John:

Agree with ypu with regards to more wind energy and e-vehicles support but USA will need more base electrical energy and Nuclear may be better (but not cheaper) than more dirty coal fired power plants.

However, wind combined with hydro would be a better solution yet, specially where you have enough hydro reservoirs and high quality winds.

Many parts of Canada have that and could sell clean affordable power to USA.

Hello Green Car Congress Readers,

You can follow us on Twitter @bpcommunity to get the latest updates and letting us know what you think about the electric car industry. We like to hear from you. See you there :)

I suggest they try this out in Ann Arbor.

PBP is only one idea for infrastructure and not a good one while it remains fixed on the idea of battery swapping. EV charge station infrastructure is a major area for innovation, jobs and new business and need not be co-oped by a single idea.

From PBP's web site: "The batteries of a zero-emission vehicle need three things in place in for optimum functionality: charging spots, battery switching stations, and software that automates the experience."

1) Except that 80% average daily commutes are under 40 miles and charging points are A)home B)work.

2) Battery switching is an Agassi fantasy - impractical, unnecessary and inhospitable.

3) Charge software is built into every new PHEV already - another unnecessary claim.

Municipal and private sectors will each implement charge pedestals at parking lots and on city streets. Fast charge is not warranted in these applications so nothing more than a metered 120V 20A outlet is needed. In the case of fast-charge stations once the battery technology is certified safe (only Altair so far) any number of players can build these relatively simple 330-440V 50-100A platforms. Most likely utilities and O&O gas stations to start with.

The idea of one manufacturer grabbing a whole infrastructure design is just as idiotic as an oil monopoly.

Sulleny,

some good points to which I would like to add something:

1. Many people live in appartments and not everyones house circuit can take the constant load. Charging at work will be standard only far in the future.
True that when it does, pbp will lose revenue.
Then there will not be a monopoly, as you will always have a choice.

2. pbp is not fixed on battery swapping. The amount swapping stations will be way lower than charging spots.
It maybe a fantasy, but it will be helpful to many traveling long distances who will not have the time to charge. And it is a service which you can choose to use -or not.

3. The software in different cars may not be mutually compatible, causing problems in billing.
That is probably not too bad: I do not like the idea of someone being able to track my movements by where I charge my car.

It would be better, like at gas stations since the beginning, if you could fuel your car anonimously by paying in cash.

David:

Apartment dwellers without an assigned space with a secure outlet - are not good candidates to purchase a PHEV. People who do plug in at home with typical 20A circuits have plenty of capacity to handle the 8 hour trickle charge needed by PHEVs.

If some manufacturer wants to build a vehicle with a swappable battery - good luck. Right now, people who want to travel long distances plan to spend $$ on gasoline - not hauling batteries in and out of their vehicle.

A charge pedestal at a gas station will operate the same as a gas pump. Pay by cash for a fixed number of kWh or by credit/debit.

While Agassi appears to have good intent - his best idea is the name (which is still a bit too cute.)