It's not GM this time.
Instead, it's that usual group of suspects including the Cato Institute, Fox News, the Washington Times, CNN, and the clueless stenographers who pick up their disinformation.
So it's great that Media Matters has done an extensive debunking of the disinformation about electric vehicles that is being spread by the VRWC. But I also think that it's important to add a personal perspective to the mix.
As the proud owner of a solar-powered All Electric Nissan LEAF, I have become active in the EV community, including the vibrant user community at mynissanleaf.com.
Owning a LEAF is pretty cool. During the day, the new solar panels on my roof generate electricity and sent it into the grid when it is most needed. At night, my car fills itself up with juice starting at midnight, when my local utility needs it least. And SCE pays me hefty interest for loaning them the electrons through Time of Use rates.
Every time I drive out of my garage, I feel like I have somehow beat the system because my car is powered by pure, fresh California sunshine and I have already purchased my automotive fuel for the rest of my life with a one-time investment.
When I park, especially at a charging station, ordinary people are fascinated and eager to learn about the newest generation of electric cars.
But then there are the HATERS.
By all means, go read the Media Matters article, as it lays out in detail the way that the usual suspects funded by right-wing ceonistas are pushing a crescendo of lies out into the media.
And that FUD is being picked up by an army of angry commentors who fill any on-line discussion of EV's with the official talking points.
CONSERVATIVE MEDIA OUTLETS ARE CAMPAIGNING AGAINST THE ELECTRIC CAR BY:
Denying That EVs Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Downplaying EV Sales
Misleading About EV Distance Range
Distorting Volt Safety
Feigning Concern About Battery Disposal
Spinning Consumer Tax Credits
Fearmongering About The Electric Grid
Overstating Subsidies For Volt
The Media Matters article is most excellent, but it misses something I've discovered in the Nissan LEAF community.
A substantial percentage of new EV owners are doing what I did, and completing the loop by investing in solar panels on their homes. Reports show that approximately 40% of California EV owners are also PV / EV folks
The economics to combine both roof top solar and electric vehicles are compelling.
When I've looked at solar before, I couldn't get any reasonable return.
But now, after four young adults have moved back home indefinitely, and with the added usage of the Nissan LEAF, rooftop solar turns into a fantastic investment, and an important part of our retirement planning.
The value of my home increased by the amount of my investment in solar.
And I'm getting the equivalent of a 15% tax free return on my investment, protected against inflation.
Part of this benefit comes from Time of Use rates, where I sell the power I generate to SCE for up to 53 cents a Kilowatt Hour (during the summer months on weekdays), while I buy the electrons back for as low as 10 cents a KWH in the darkest hours just before dawn.
And in California, incentives and competition have created a vibrant industry installing solar systems so the price has come down recently, while the reliability of the components has increased. Our monthly nut for retirement is now reduced because we don't have to pay for electricity or gasoline.
But beyond the economics, the LEAF is an incredibly fun car to drive, peppy, quiet, perfectly suited for my needs whether it's driving with traffic on the 405 South at 75 or noodling around town. It has plenty of room for four adults, plenty of storage space, and it's crash tested against the monster SUV's.
And every morning, I walk out to the garage where I have a full tank ready to go, generated by pure, fresh California sunshine, no matter what the scum at Fox are saying.