McSame offers $300 million car battery prize

[hokies4ever]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080623/ap_on_el_pr/mccain_energy

"Sen. McCain offers $300 million prize for new auto battery"

"The Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting is proposing a $300 million government prize to whomever can develop an automobile battery that far surpasses existing technology."

I guess this is McCain's counter-proposal to Obama's proposal to crack down on oil speculation. McCain's idea just sounds dumb. A government philanthropy program offered by a Republican? :rofl:

[liberal N proud]

1. Beyond being a gimmick, what is the catch

You know there is a catch in a republicon is running a contest. Does he have a crony who they will claim has a better battery? LOL

[woodsprite]

2. The catch is they probably will use the 300 million to 'buy' the rights

from whomever can come up with something. Of course, they never said they'd "use" that technology - did they? They'll just keep it in their pocket, for safekeeping.

[hokies4ever]

3. Damn that's a scary conspiracy theory

:scared:

MSNBC is blasting McCain's stupid idea right now. :rofl:

[babylonsister]

4. I'd like to know where he plans on getting the money; he's

offering to give money away he has no access to? And he's an idiot if he doesn't believe people are already working night and day to achieve this. Just another campaign stunt that might explode in his face.

[hokies4ever]

5. On the bright side this proposal seals the deal for Ron Paul to hate McCain even more

No way they'll ever think about backing McCain now. His proposal won't win over Dems or independents and its going to piss off conservatives.

[Phred42]

6. When someone comes up with one of these - they will earn more than $300 mil anyway

[hokies4ever]

7. Exactly. Only someone who knows little about the economy would propose this.

:rofl:

[Phred42]

8. The LArger issue is keeping the Oil Companies from SITTING on the Technology

[atomic-fly]

9. how about this

Suppose car were fitted with a standard sized battery that sits on a mechanism.
This allows the battery to be switched out easily.
Then you have batteries that are charged by solar, wind, whatever available at
stations (just like gas).
You pull up, swipe out your battery get, get credit for the juice left in it, charged for the new battery.

That gives you all the flexability to drive like we do now.
You can also charge at home if you only drive local.

Now give me my 300 million?

[applegrove]

10. Apparently the weakest point in new car technology is the car battery.

That is what is keeping hybrids off the streets. Still - wouldn't a successful battery maker get all sorts of venture capital money?

This seems like corporate welfare once again. Cause whomever invents the needed "new battery" will make money hand over fist anyways.