New article comparing Volt and 2010 prius

I think we have a few things in the news that just might balance each other out, if we're lucky:

1) Around 4.5 Billion recoverable barrels worth of shale - North
Dakota (discovered in 1995 but the assessment was increased). Very difficult to extract, harder than tar sands. Will start seeing real oil in 5 years.

2) Around 33 Billion recoverable barrels worth of deep well crude - Brazil. Will start seeing real oil in 5 years.

3) Russia seems to have reached peak - last year's 10 mbd should be highest production number reached - Number two world producer of oil.

If Russia starts to fall off now finds 1 and 2 will not help us. If Russia can hold on for 5 more years before falling off finds 1 and 2 will probably not be enough to hold us at current levels, assuming everything else stays the same. Projected max output from the Alberta tar sands is 5 mbd which will be reached around 2015 or later. Same for Ven.

However, as the poster above wrote this oil will be a lot more expensive. Cheap oil is a thing of the past.

hvacman said:

Actually, as a fellow columnist, I thought the article was well-written. The numbers look ball-park right and Paul was pretty balanced on his impartial analysis.

Click to expand...

I have read several of your comments and found them very thoughtful, but I strongly disagree with this assessment. Paul showed a strong bias towards the Prius with much of his analysis (32 AER for life of vehicle, $4/gallon gas for life of vehicle, lowest cost Prius available today, etc). I can't say the Volt looks like it will be a cost positive purchase versus the Prius for many if any early adopters, but it is really too early to draw any strong conclusions. Gripperdon's comments underscore why accuracy in reporting is so important.

As many people on this site realise and hopefully other non-enthusiasts will realize, it is not just about total cost. There are so many other factors why people may be interested in the Volt. Even so, I do know costs will play an important role and one that could prevent many customers from even seriously considering the Volt. Most of those people will get there impressions and understanding from the media. This is why I think it is so important that the media be accurate and unbiased in their reporting.