RE: Here is the IEA story todayI don't see why people view this transition as being so difficult. After all, this is not the first time in history that we have changes modes of transportation or power. Like animal power to steam, steam to IC engines, this is just another transition along the way. Even if we glorify the past with wistful imaginings, few people would willingly go back to the horse and buggy. There will be a time when we look back at the thought of owning a stinking diesel powered 1/2 ton and gag at the thought of inhaling those noxious fumes. The transition from the horse to the gasoline powered farm tractor took a very short time, and this is where we are today, only its the change from one fuel source to another that seems to be the hurdle.
People can say what they will about electric powered vehicles recharged from the grid, but once the economy bounces back and "industry" needs the electricity, there will be no electricity to spare for charging batteries in vehicles... and I hardly have to say that electric vehicles charged off the grid are NOT zero-emissions vehicles.