Is Arnold Hyped Up or Amped Up?

You might recall the media frenzy surrounding Gov. Schwarzenegger's prototype hydrogen Hummer a few years ago. Californians listened with open minds and hopeful hearts as their Governor enthusiastically hyped the many virtues of the Hydrogen Highway and his cutting edge Hummer. What happened?

Given the fact that Schwarzenegger is slated to take delivery of an all-electric Tesla Roadster in late 2007, let's contrast his Tesla-charging experience with the fueling fiasco he faces plowing the H2 Hummer down that Hydrogen Highway.

Roughly the same amount of energy would be required to fuel this Hummer as it would to fully charge at least four Teslas. And, if Schwarzenegger insisted on taking the Hummer for a spin anyway, he would doubtlessly set out on a "Where's Waldo" search for one of California's measly 23 hydrogen fueling stations. Given the Hummer's purported 50-mile range, this adventure might prove a bit daunting.

If he chose, instead, to pilot his flashy new Tesla Roadster, Schwarzenegger would turn the key in an aerodynamic, lightning-bolt of a car, a car that can be plugged into any 110 electrical outlet. He would be effortlessly able to take advantage of endless charging possibilities at the far end of his Tesla's 245-mile range. Perhaps these stark contrasts will inspire the Governor to take a detour off the Hydrogen Highway and zoom powerfully and decisively onto the Electric Expressway. www.teslamotors.com

Hasta la vista, Baby!