Comments on: How Michigan can Save the Mail

By: Dick Caro

Dick Caro — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:32:20 +0000

Great article. I am pleased to see that the USPS can serve as the infrastructure to help commercialize the automotive battery. I have more than a few concerns:
1) The recharging electricity is still not free. It will come from a variety of fossil and nuclear sources.
2) The current postal fleet may be nearing it’s life cycle, but retrofit with electric motors and batteries into existing vehicles is likely to be less expensive than just replacement.
3) Lithium batteries are the perfect solution for portable electronics, but may be the wrong technology for automotive use. In fact, the supercapacitor or ultracapacitor may be a better answer: see http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?ch=specialsections&sc=batteries&id=20105
Then also, consider the hydrogen fuel-cell.

By: Jerry Aiello

Jerry Aiello — Thu, 06 May 2010 00:43:46 +0000

A good idea !

I believe one of the major stumbling blocks to the widespread use of Electric Vehicles is the same one that caused the Gasoline – Powered automobile to experience a slow rate of acceptance at first – the lack of a supporting infrastructure.

It was not until a sufficient number of Gas Stations was built nationwide, that the use of the automobile became practical.

Recharging Stations at the workplace and other stopping points, such as Malls, are needed.

By: Roland Andersen

Roland Andersen — Wed, 05 May 2010 11:54:20 +0000

This is an informative and interesting reading on a number of levels. It does not pose or answer all the related questions, nor should it it be expected to.

But at the very least, it helps as the public is not sufficiently informed regarding the possibilities and practacalities of battery powered transport. The timing couldn’t be better in view of the well known underwater catastrophe swimming everyday towards the gulf shore.

I have a better idea of the mission of NCMS also.

By: charles belenchia

charles belenchia — Wed, 05 May 2010 11:26:30 +0000

A well written article and so sensible. Ideas such as this will put us back into the drivers seat once again. In view of the disaster that’s going on in the Gulf of Mexico, it serves to point out we no longer can afford to dilly-dally. The drivers seat mentioned above needs to be filled with a consortium, such as NCMS, aiming at full speed ahead to an advanced battery technology. The oil industry needs to jump into the back seat and relinquish their grip on the steering wheel. There will always be a need for oil products, but for now we need a workable battery. Charles Belenchia——–Plymouth, Michigan

By: Marie Elwood

Marie Elwood — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:32:10 +0000

A well-written, well-presented case for what could truly be a positive step for the postal service as well as the auto industry. I agree with the author that the USPS must take action like this NOW; excessive rate increases and the elimination of Saturday service would speed the Postal Svc towards becoming less and less relevant to the American public, and once that happens, it will be "too late" for smart solutions like this one.

The only thing I would have liked to have seen from the author is at least a nod to the challenge of what to do with all those batteries once they eventually "die"- – I have read elsewhere that the environmental impact of obsolete batteries could be staggering.

An engaging article… thanks!

Marie Elwood (http://www.avalaunche.com; http://www.speeddialnewsletter.com)

By: Drew Montag

Drew Montag — Wed, 05 May 2010 09:52:31 +0000

Great idea! This is called "synergy’.