Who Will Revive the Electric Car?

From: KQED
Series: QUEST
Length: 08:58

Is the much-maligned electric car poised for a comeback? Read the full description.

Piece Audio

Playing: Who Will Revive the Electric Car?
From: KQED

Radio235electriccars160_small General Motors says it may kill the Hummer. Toyota just sold its 1 millionth Prius. And gas prices are topping $4 a gallon. Has the time finally come for one car technology that needs no gasoline at all? Amy Standen reports. This one has a national angle... and great photos! Download/link to here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/sets/72157605473429921/

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Piece Description

General Motors says it may kill the Hummer. Toyota just sold its 1 millionth Prius. And gas prices are topping $4 a gallon. Has the time finally come for one car technology that needs no gasoline at all? Amy Standen reports. This one has a national angle... and great photos! Download/link to here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/sets/72157605473429921/

Broadcast History

Aired twice locally on KQED/KQEI during B segment of Morning Edition

Transcript

AMBI: So anyway, here we go. (Driving)

Darrel Dickey is doing about 65 out on Highway 80, near Davis, behind the wheel of what he says is one of the rarest cars in the world. Though? it looks pretty normal.

DICKEY: Look, I have electric windows, even a cup holder! It's a complete car! It's exactly like the gas car, only better.

This is an all-electric plug-in Toyota Rav 4. Dickey bought it in 2002, during an 8-month period when all major automakers were required, under California law, to sell electric cars. Dickey paid about $42,000 for his electric Rav4, more than twice the price of the regular gas Rav4. Two weeks ago, one of these cars sold on eBay for $70,000.

DICKEY the convenience of filling it up at home, of not going in for oil changes, tune ups, all that stuff, the convenience is huge.

AMBI: Pulling charger out of wall, inserting in car
When he comes ho...
Read the full transcript

Timing and Cues

Suggested host intro:
In June, General Motors announced it may discontinue the Hummer. Toyota just sold its 1 millionth Prius. And gas prices are topping $4 a gallon. Has the time finally come for one car technology that needs no gasoline at all? From KQED in San Francisco, Amy Standen reports.