Yes, but it's not because nobody has ever thought about it _ creating such an automotive chain is highly expensive.
First TCNG-powered Audi to come in 2013.
- Ah, finally somebody is thinking about this...
As you can see in the accompanying graph, Audi's so-called balanced mobility consists of producing renewable energy for cars running on either pure electricity or natural gas.
The e-gas project was recently unveiled in Hamburg, Germany, and Audi expects to begin series production of the TCNG model in 2013.
Such green power will also help operate Audi's future electric cars, which has been showcased frequently in the past two years under the e-tron banner ranging from the A1 hatch up to the R8 supercar.
- Will this calm down electric car cynics?
It should, to a large extent. Despite having no CO2 tailpipe emission, critics have long accused electric cars of not really reducing the carbon footprint by suggesting that the power needed to charge batteries still produces that dirty soot. That explains the recent debacle in the planned tax change for cars in Thailand.
According to past media reports, Nissan thinks that electric cars (like its Leaf) should be taxed less than those with hybrid engines.
Just shortly after, Toyota came out suggesting that EVs shouldn't necessarily be given preferential treatment because the electricity needed to charge them emits CO2.
Back to what's happening in Germany, Audi hopes to make good use of the North Sea's wind to generate power. Of course, renewable energy may also come from other sources like the sun, for instance.
- And has Thailand got such sustainable approach to EVs yet?
Not clearly, as of yet. Even if it did, the cost would be enormous. And we haven't even got to the part where who would bear the investment.
You needn't look that far. Take Nissan and Renault on a global basis, for instance.
Both are keen on selling a wide range of EVs within this decade. But while Nissan has added the cost of batteries to the car's list price, Renault is leasing batteries to buyers.
Obviously, both makers are spreading the business risks, so as to show just how sensitive margins are on EVs.
Now, just imagine building a green well-to-wheel electricity grid ... and still making money in selling cars.
- So why is Audi doing it?
Audi says it is a long-term commitment to achieving CO2-neutral mobility. After years of intensive research, they added that the project is now entering the practical phase.
But that doesn't mean that other brands are just buying green power from other parties.
Several makers _ be it from the East or West _ have started forging alliances or acquiring stakes in the production of batteries and electricity.
- So must we embrace EVs?
Although EVs aren't exactly the solution to totally reducing the carbon footprint, we should give them a chance but, at the same time, be open to other alternatives like natural gas or hydrogen (for cars with fuel-cells).
However, it must be noted that taxing EVs could become more complicated _ if you take into consideration the entire production and usage chain. That's why most countries stick with tail pipe emissions first.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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