The Electric Horizon: Shai Agassi on Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Tue, 13/10/2009 - 11:21
The Electric Horizon: Shai Agassi Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Shai Agassi deliveres the 2009 Alfred Deakin Eco-Innovation Lecture, outlining how through smart business, improving technology and changing public policy, the electric car revolution can commence.
Quote:
Shai Agassi - Shai Agassi is the founder and chief executive of Better Place, the leading electric vehicle services provider. He is focused on one of this century's biggest challenges, moving the world from oil-based to sustainable transportation. Agassi works with government leaders, auto manufacturers, energy companies and others to make his vision "zero-emission vehicles powered by electricity from renewable sources" a reality in countries around the globe.
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Agassi's visionary leadership with the Better Place model has been recognized widely. TIME Magazine named him to the 2009 TIME 100, the world's 100 most influential people, and one of TIME's "Heroes of the Environment 2008." Fast Company placed him third on its "100 Most Creative People in Business" list. Most recently, Scientific American Magazine named him to the 2009 Scientific American 10, a select group of 10 people who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to assuring the benefits of new technologies and knowledge will accrue to humanity.
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Before founding Better Place, Agassi was president of the Products and Technology Group at SAP AG and a member of the software company's executive board. He led global development of SAP's product line and portfolio of industry-specific solutions.
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Agassi remains an active member of the Forum of Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, where he focuses on climate change, transportation and other key issues. He is also a member of the Copenhagen Climate Council and the advisory board of the Corporate Eco Forum.
The full set of videos is available here:
Tue, 13/10/2009 - 19:31
#2
Yeah, I always wondered where
Yeah, I always wondered where they would put all the nuclear power stations required to charge all the electric cars....imagine 25 million electric cars needing an overnight charge....sheeesh!! 
Wed, 14/10/2009 - 05:19
#3
As always, these issues are
As always, these issues are not quite as black and white as many people see them.
There are some interesting interviews on Robert Llewellyn's Car Pool vodcast about electric cars, including with some big industry insiders. Well worth watching if you're interested in such things.
Wed, 14/10/2009 - 07:28
#4
Thanks Iain - a great
Thanks Iain - a great site.
The sales 'pitch' is focussed on the 'cost' of doing your normal running around, not actually on the total environmental costs.
Many in the industry have deliberately obscured that simple fact of life, as it would make the arguments for the electric car very difficult indeed.
Just my perspective
Owen
Wed, 14/10/2009 - 09:39
#5
Watch the one with Dr Brian
Watch the one with Dr Brian Cox - nothing to do with electric cars, but a cool guy to listen to.
Wed, 14/10/2009 - 09:45
#6
Lisa Rogers
Must start with this one 
Wed, 14/10/2009 - 09:47
#7
Brian Cox
Am I the only one to find that website very difficult to read ?!
Before the electric car can be of any practical benefit, the energy of production needs to be slashed.
The Pius mk 2 is still worse in overall energy of manufacture and operate over 100k miles than a hummer.
Electric car = MORE oil dependant, more rare-earth element dependant, and generally worse all round for the planet.
Compressed air on the other hand, will win eventually - the technology is very, very simple and the waste product of the compression process is heat... a really useful byproduct for local generatiobn
(Warm house anyone?)
Most domestic appliances (vacuums, washing machines, dishwashers etc) can also be powered with compressed air
Whenever some-one mentions electric cars, I inadvertantly think 'betamax'
Do not be fooled.
Owen
I'd rather be in Otaki