The basis of motoring has changed very little in the last 100 years, basically built around the internal combustion engine.
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But serious and strategic change is happening.
Speed governed cars are on the horizon.
Technology and testing of autonomous cars is well advanced.
Some Scandinavian countries intend banning petrol and diesel cars within a couple of years.
Tesla has led the way with electric cars but all the major manufacturers are now well and truly on board.
Most manufacturers sell electrics and hybrids while some also plug in hybrids.
So what of Australia?
Vast distances and a relatively small population - little electric vehicle infrastructure is in place outside the major cities.
We are probably 10 years behind our European and US cousins.
Current electric cars probably have a true range of no more than 300ks.
They then have to sit at a charging station for up to two hours.
This is totally impractical in Australia.
Imagine the scenario driving Sydney to Perth.
The uptake of electric cars has been small in Australia and will not become viable for other than as city cars until three things happen
- Better battery technology with longer range.
- Faster recharge commiserate with refueling your car with petrol.
- Charging stations throughout the country.
Other technology is being looked, at such as the car being one big solar panel or wirelessly transmitted power to the car from wiring in the road.
But again the tyranny of distance makes it difficult and unaffordable in Australia.
The future awaits.
What that future is, is yet to be determined.
Motoring news locally every Saturday at 5am on 101.5 Great Lakes FM and 10am on 106.5 Rhema FM. Also Sunday 2pm on 103.3 2TLP 2.00pm every Tuesday on 101.5 Great Lakes FM. Road Ramblings can also be heard worldwide on the web by going to www.roadrambs.com. You can now find and listen to Road Ramblings on Facebook. Have a look and give us a like.
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