Electric Cars - The New Triffids
In the mid-20th century, science fiction writer John Wyndham released the first in a series of best-selling thrillers: DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS. Triffids had come from outer space. Their arrival was not immediately obvious because most people had gone blind due to staring at flashing lights in the sky. Then reports emerged of a new phenomenon: plants that could walk. Only gradually was it realised that Triffids were potentially deadly -and by then it was too late. But who was prepared for the DAY OF THE TESLAS?
In the early 21st century, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk released the first in a series of electric vehicles: the Tesla. Electric vehicles were (we were told) the future. Their arrival was not generally noticed, because most people had become hypnotised due to staring at TV sets, computer screens and mobile phones. Then reports emerged of a new phenomenon: electric cars that burst into flames -and electric buses that did likewise. [SEE THIS REPORT] Unfortunately, by then it was too late.
Millions of electric cars, buses, coaches and trucks had already been manufactured -although it was becoming clear that the supply was running far ahead of the demand. Put simply, most people didn't want an electric vehicle. All sorts of explanations were offered: fear of change, suspicion of 'new' technology, ignorance about the terrible dangers of 'climate change' etc.
In reality, the truth was straightforward. When intelligent people are urged to buy a 'new' version of something they already have, they ask why is the new version better? And it was extremely difficult to see anything at all 'better' about electric cars. The average driver saw no advantages at all.
Electric cars are so expensive only a minority of folk can afford to buy one. The plug-in motors cannot travel at high speed for more than a few hours without re-charging, and people like to make long journeys without stopping for long periods. Worst of all, word began to get out that electric cars had a nasty habit of bursting into flames.
In Day of The Triffids, the 'plants that could walk' were -at first- welcomed as entertaining novelties and became trendy additions to those with gardens and/or land. In the 21st century, electric cars were similarly well-received by a similar social group: the wealthy and privileged.
Inevitably, under incessant pressure from the 'climate change' hysterics who infest all governments and all commercial media, the more gullible among the public swallowed the hype and ditched their fuel-consuming vehicles. Social brownie-points were easily claimed by those rich enough to squander money and those young/stupid enough to 'go green'. The illusion of 'saving the planet' was quite enough to warp tiny minds.
But the truth has a habit of asserting itself, as both the Triffid-fanciers and electric-vehicle pushers would learn. As the plug-in vehicles became more widely used, their inferiorities became more widely known. Gradually the salesmen retreated to the one remaining argunent for buying one: STOP THE CLIMATE CATASTROPHE! Alas, the catastrophe in question had been so oversold for decades, it had lost all credibility. Close scrutiny of the manufacturing process also revealed some nasty secrets about the so-called 'eco-friendly' vehicles.
Top of the list is the lithium-ion batteries these vehicles require. Such batteries are so difficult to produce, the vehicles fitted with them have to clock up hundreds of thousands of miles simply to recoup the all-important 'carbon emissions' used to make them in the first place. But as we already know, the vehicles are only good for short journeys. On top of that, if all cars were to be electric (the wet dream of Tesla & co.) the creation and installation of the necessary charging devices would need yet another colossal fossil-fuel consumption.
In other words, the 'green dream' was an eco-fantasy -or, if you prefer, a cynical rip off. Less motoring for more money and more 'carbon damage' wasn't going to send anyone rushing to the nearest Tesla dealer.
In the sci-fi world of John Wyndham, a typically neat 'surprise ending' resolved the Triffid problem. It turned out when these walking plants reached maturity, they developed giant scorpion-like 'stings' which enabled them to lash out and kill humans -something they were clearly eager to do. After a host of failed experiments to find a way of annihilating Triffids, in the final chapter the remaining 'human resistance' discovered the answer was humble sea-water. Sprayed with sea-water, Triffids died at once.
In an irony so rich it prompted this entire article, the same fate has befallen Tesla -this very weekend. As readers may be aware, a much-hyped Hurricane by the name of Idalia has stuck the coast of Florida. Among other -far worse- aspects of the destruction was the astonishing revelation that sea water can destroy Teslas.
As reported by WION (click here for full article)
"... firefighters in Palm Harbor, Florida, citing incidents that involved Tesla took to social media and warned hybrid car owners that their vehicles could combust if exposed to saltwater.
“If you own a hybrid or electric vehicle that has come into contact with saltwater due to recent flooding within the last 24 hours, it is crucial to relocate the vehicle from your garage without delay,” the department said in a Facebook post. “Saltwater exposure can trigger combustion in lithium-ion batteries. If possible, transfer your vehicle to higher ground.”
The warning was also issued for the owners of electric golf carts, scooters and bicycles, with lithium-ion batteries.In Florida, a Tesla car submerged in Pinellas County, unexpectedly went up in flames when the fire crews were towing one of the vehicles, said Palm Harbor Fire Rescue training chief Jason Haynes.
It hardly needs pointing out that electric-car owners living near the sea -on the south-coast of England, for example- might now think twice about parking near the seashore that attracted them to the area to begin with. Alternately, they might have a sudden revelation about the time-tested practicality of fuel-propelled cars. Mainstream media had already begun admitting that sales of electric cars had tanked, with motorists choosing the second-hand market in petrol/diesel cars instead. Hurrican Idalia appears to have added fuel to the Tesla bonfire. The events in Florida slam just one more nail into the coffin of the green-motoring fairy-tale. It's been and it's gone - The Day of the Teslas.
(Further Reading : "The Glorious Fantasy of Motor Cars" CLICK HERE)
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