Texas has enough electrical capacity to handle its increasing population and economic growth. But when we have record cold days or record hot days, like we are currently having, the network is stressed.
It takes several years to plan, design and construct a new power plant.
It would take several decades, at the current rate, before we matched the potential EV demand with the electrical grid's capacity.
One potential solution is to insist that all new homes be built to zero energy consumption standards. Net zero. Homes constitute about 40 percent of all the energy consumed in the U.S. If they were built to be super insulated, had enough solar panels to produce as much energy as you consume, and possibly storage batteries to store energy to be used at night, we could eliminate 40 percent of the energy consumed. And your EV could be charged 'for free' or even be used as a storage battery as well. A Tesla Solar Roof would be ideal. Theoretically, at least.
But imagine what it would do for the environment if 40 percent of electrical production was eliminated. We could eliminate the use of coal, tear down a few hydroelectrical plants that block migrating fish or encourage flooding, or even eliminate a few nuclear plants.
We can do it, but we have too many political cowards that won't stick their necks out to recommend the changes.
Solar Roof | Tesla
Built with all-weather durability, Solar Roof can consistently generate energy for years, maximizing your solar investment over time. Learn more about Solar Roof.www.tesla.com
Net Zero Homes: Your Guide to the Greenest Housing Option
Net-zero homes produce as much energy as they consume annually. Here's everything you need to know about the environmental and financial benefits.www.homelight.com
Charging a car uses about the same power as an Air Conditioner but usually for a shorter period of time. Is the TX grid able to handle A/Cs?
Don’t forget the energy you need to produce petrol in the first place. As well as the chemicals.
It sounds great, but it is not as simple to achieve, at least economically. Such homes exist in Northern Canada and Alaska (there is one in Fairbanks), but such a home costs a few $millions. Just imagine the amount of energy used to produce the insulation needed for a super-insulated 5,000 ft-square home. Not only the roof and walls require insulating, but the subfloor. Look at the average price of a 4-room family house in Los Angeles, keeping in mind that these aren't super-insulated homes, and multiply that priced x 4 or 6 for a super-insulated home. The average home buyer can't afford a multi-million house.Texas has enough electrical capacity to handle its increasing population and economic growth. But when we have record cold days or record hot days, like we are currently having, the network is stressed.
It takes several years to plan, design and construct a new power plant.
It would take several decades, at the current rate, before we matched the potential EV demand with the electrical grid's capacity.
One potential solution is to insist that all new homes be built to zero energy consumption standards. Net zero. Homes constitute about 40 percent of all the energy consumed in the U.S. If they were built to be super insulated, had enough solar panels to produce as much energy as you consume, and possibly storage batteries to store energy to be used at night, we could eliminate 40 percent of the energy consumed. And your EV could be charged 'for free' or even be used as a storage battery as well. A Tesla Solar Roof would be ideal. Theoretically, at least.
But imagine what it would do for the environment if 40 percent of electrical production was eliminated. We could eliminate the use of coal, tear down a few hydroelectrical plants that block migrating fish or encourage flooding, or even eliminate a few nuclear plants.
We can do it, but we have too many political cowards that won't stick their necks out to recommend the changes.
Solar Roof | Tesla
Built with all-weather durability, Solar Roof can consistently generate energy for years, maximizing your solar investment over time. Learn more about Solar Roof.
Net Zero Homes: Your Guide to the Greenest Housing Option
Net-zero homes produce as much energy as they consume annually. Here's everything you need to know about the environmental and financial benefits.
thegreenwatt.com
The primary reason for people to favor Toyota vehicles relates to reliability. The Helix and some small Toyota trucks have been called "the war truck" for the reason above. The small trucks handle the desert and jungle environments quite well, and can be a relatively inexpensive workhorse.
I recently had a chance to rent a Chevrolet Bolt for a few days. It was a surprisingly pleasant driving experience, mostly because on the Bolt, the controls are familiar enough for most drivers to adjust (this is unfortunately not the case for Tesla Models 3 and Y). Also, Chevrolet did a surprisingly good job quieting the vehicle down, very important since there is no internal combustion engine noise. I'd actually consider buying one if they allowed a DC charging rate higher than 53 kW.
As a cheap utility vehicle, they are great, but that is what they are to me. However, give me a Mercedes G-Wagon as a utility vehicle any day. I had one in my army days, and those things are brilliant for that purpose. But as a civilian, give me a full fat Range Rover any day, much nicer experience to going off-road, and on the road.
Sure, if it works for you that is fine, I'm just stating what works for me and what I think of those Toyota 4Runner and Hilux things etc.
I just don’t think the tech is viable for my use and driving style
