In the last few months people, especially Americans, have had to take a long look at themselves and determine if they are going to continue living a a lifestyle that relies so heavily on oil. The devastation caused by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has consumed the lives and livelihoods of everything it touches.  As the world waits for the spill to end, many realize that this is just the beginning of life-altering changes.

The answer is blindingly clear, yet so hard to accept: People must stop relying on oil as a fuel source.

In accordance with this realization, the demand for electric cars is rising so fast supply can barely keep up. A survey held by Ernst & Young states that 10% to 25% of Americans and Europeans will be purchasing an electric car within the next 2 years. “Even if only a small portion follow through on a purchase, that would be enough to sell out projected 2010 and 2011 production runs”  said Ernst & Young.

Most Americans commute between 20 to 40 miles per day at a speed of 45-55 miles per hour; the challenge is to create an automobile that can accommodate these needs without using gasoline. For years there have been a few vehicles that run purely on electricity, such as the ZAP scooter and newer sedan which average about 40 mph and go up to 25 miles on one charge. Though this type of vehicle is useful for urban dwellers with short drives, it would barely have enough power for the average suburbanite’s trip to the grocery store. The newest line of electric cars due out in 2011 seem to be the answer America has been looking for.

Both the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt boast competitive speeds and longer trips between recharging than their predecessors. The Nissan leaf will be able to go about 100 miles before recharging and up to 90 miles per hour. The Chevrolet Volt will travel 40 miles on electricity up to 100 miles per hour. Their are many similarities between the vehicles. They will both be able to use regular in-home outlets and larger, more powerful stations to charge. They will both have 4-door coupe, styling.  Also they will both cost about the same and be released within the next year. But there is one HUGE difference- the Leaf will run solely on electricity and the Volt will use electricity for 40 miles, then switches to gasoline until it is charged again.

Determining which is better, depends a lot one one’s circumstances and preferences. Either way, they both are the beginning to a future with less reliance on oil.

Make a difference by signing a petition that asks the U.S. Congress and Senate to introduce legislation and for the President to sign into law a bill that will help increase the use of electric cars at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/gulf-oil-spill–electric-car-petition.

Contact Maxie Price Chevrolet about the new Chevy Volt

References:

Ernst & Young
Maxie Price Chevrolet
Chevrolet.com
Nissan.com
ZapWorld.com