05-31-2007, 05:52 AM
What I found strange about your reply was the caveats of current EVs, which to me seemed strange since that was why I put up the 'peak lithium' scenario link in the first place. But if it's not your intent to take it out of context, and it was simply an honest mistake in tone, then no harm no foul. So with that out of the way.
Maybe it's a matter of semantics, but I personally don't count hybrids in the same lot as electric vehicles. I count them as exactly as their name implies, a hybrid system. When I say EVs I usually mean something that uses electricity as their only source of propulsion (barring slave Munkays in a giant wheel generating electricity. That should probably be more appropriately called an Munkay Powered Vehicle.)
Burning dirty fuels in order to get that electricity ie: coal plants is of course an important aspect, but I think the main hurdle is still the car itself right now, ie: does it work, how well does it work, how well does it work in my part of the world, manufacturing methods \ technologies that will make this affordable etc.
Actually I disagree with Kandrathe's cruel(er) ways. If it was under my Empire, -no- Munkays would be forced to run in a wheel, giant sized or otherwise. The richer Munkays can go to a nicely furnished energy generation gymnasium, but they will have to pay a premium for the membership. Much like an exclusive gym\spa.
The Munkays with lesser financial means however, can go to a more spartan but still clean and safe energenerator facilities, but here is where my empire truly shows it's kindness and foresight.
These Munkays don't need to pay to run the wheel, they instead will get paid in both cash (of which I calls Hammersmolians) and food for the energy they generate. (Partially subsidized by the first mentioned rich Munkay gym\spas)
To combat any sort of societal disruption and malcontents with too much time and nothing better to do, the wheel running Munkays will not be regarded as an entry\low level job with no respect. Advertorials will be everywhere and almost constant trumpeting these Munkays who literally powers the energy needs of my empire. (Those who still actively seeks to harm and defy this edict will simply be put into the sugar mines. Let their bitterness turn into sweetness which fuels my empire.)
The exclusive gym\spas will also get advertising to match, it will be the premiere place to get fit, look good, be pampered, even to socialize. The rich and priviliged will be running both literally and figuratively to join the club.
So to sum up.
1) Build empire.
2) Get Munkays and Munkay powered facilities.
3) Profit!