Is General Motors really leasing and/or selling electric vehicles? When their web site was last checked in early 2000, the company was in the process of updating the information (amidst rumors that the EV1 was being canceled). Go to the GM EV1 web site or search on the web for "electric vehicle" (or perhaps "advanced technology vehicle" or "EV1"). This should connect you to the latest information on cars being produced in Detroit.

a. What do EV's now cost to lease or buy?
b. What do their owners say about them?
c. What does the manufacturer say about them?

Other web sites on electric vehicles include: The EV1 Club and the on-line magazine, EV World.

Fuel cells find many applications in the military. Where and how? To find the fuel cell demonstration site nearest you, check out the web site of the Department of Defense (DoD) on fuel cells. Check out several of the demonstration sites across the country in order to find out a. the different uses of these fuel cells, and b. the cost savings reported.

Are lithium-based batteries better than nickel-metal hydride ones? Use the web to find details about these two types of batteries. Then, write a brief summary of your findings and give your conclusion about which battery would be better to use in an electric vehicle.

Earlier in the chapter, you visited GM's web site to check out their electric vehicles and what owners thought of them. Now check out Toyota's "hybrid car". Search for "hybrid car" or "future vehicles" to find the latest information.

a. What information can you find about test driving, leasing or buying hybrid cars?
b. What does the manufacturer say about them?
c. Are they now available in the U.S.?

Other sites describing hybrid vehicles include EV World and Honda's EV+ site.

"The future of energy on earth is the energy of the stars." (U.S. Dept. of Energy). How close are we to this future? What are the latest developments in nuclear fusion? To answer these questions, visit the home page of the U.S. Fusion Energy Sciences Program. Scroll down to see a list of the fusion projects in the U.S. and abroad.

a. Browse through this award-winning web site on nuclear fusion. List three facts or issues about fusion that catch your attention.
b. What other countries are working on nuclear fusion? Select a link to visit a country of your choice. Summarize the types of information that the site offers.

Finally, compare notes from both a. and b. with others in your class. Is "the energy of the stars" likely to meet your energy needs in the near future?