What's your opinion

["HOLLAND,MIKE (HP-USA,ex1)" <mike_holland@hp.com>]

I have believed for a while that California's ZEV sales requirement of 2003
would give large auto manufacturers a significant financial incentive to
pour LOTS of money into battery research (how to make higher capacity
batteries that are cheaper).  These improvements in battery technology I
thought would benefit all EV owners and the world of portable electronics.
Sort of like getting Teflon fry pans and IC chips from the space program :-)

As I read the news lately I wonder if this really will be the big automakers
solution to addressing the ZEV laws of California and other states.  At
times it looks like they will either lobby their way around the law or get
tax incentives for dealers and buyers to make current products look
attractive enough to sell the minimum numbers required. 

I also wonder if they might ask for more time to create fuel cell powered
vehicles. (Then all we'll need is local hydrogen stations to fill up). 

I have found members of this list knowledgeable and insightful and would
really like get your opinion in this matter. 

Thanks, 

Mike
mike_holland@hp.com