By Susan Kraemer •
September 22, 2009
Image Dave Otsubo
Ever imagine scenarios of possible futures based on different trajectories we seem to be on?
One such scenario is a Mad Max America in the 2200’s. The Southwest has succumbed to desertification from climate change. Peak oil peaked centuries ago. The US was too late to transition to the post oil age. What’s left of us compile hand-cranked vehicles from ancient industrial scraps.
To get around in the 23rd century, we would put together the kind of mutant makeshift creations you see at Burning Man. Simple tech vehicles for a Mad Max future.
By Jennifer Lance •
January 12, 2009
I live in a very remote region of far Northern California. I have always dreamed of owning an electric car or plug-in hybrid, as we live off-the-grid with energy to spare to charge a car’s batteries. The problem is I do most of my driving on dirt roads, and four wheel drive is required at times. Some of my neighbors have cars, in addition to their 4WDs, so I have dreamed that I could drive a Prius. Last week, while getting my 4WD repaired in town, I was given a Prius for the day. This was my chance to test it out and see if it would hold up to my mountain life.
One of the inconveniences of having your car repaired when you live in the country is it is an all day event. Stuck in town, there is nothing to do but shop and/or see a movie, but I didn’t want to do either of these things. I also didn’t want to drive the two and half hours home to test out the Prius, so I drove to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and went for a seven mile hike.
The drive to Whiskeytown gave me a chance to see how the Prius would handle a little climb at high speeds. It had enough power not to get lapped by a log truck, but it didn’t have the same acceleration I was used to with my 4runner. I could live with that for the improved gas mileage; however, once I got off the highway, it was a different story.
