California seems to take the lead in the U.S. in alot of innovation, but that's probably because historically they have had many environmental problems that remain unique to their state. Society in general seems to be finally getting serious about the fossil fuel problem (not just in the U.S., but all over the world because of WARS), but industry resists because the status quo economy is built on oil money.

If you look on Yuotube, you'll see that "the people" are finding alternatives, but getting industry to change is a different story (and we can only hope that will change soon).
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About This Video

A Japanese vehicle manufacturer unveiled the prototype of a new electric motorbike carrying a hybrid magnetic motor, which can run almost noiselessly up to 180 kilometres (112 miles) on one charge. Tokyo-based Axle Corporation says that the battery of the next-generation electric vehicle motorbike can be charged at home, in the same way as a cellular phone. It takes a little over 6 hours to fully charge the battery, and the vehicle's maximum speed is capable of reaching 150 kilometres per hour (93 miles per hour).

The company says the futuristic motorbike enjoys high energy efficiency thanks to a state-of-the-art magnetic motor which is a hybrid between a electromagnet and a permanent magnet. The new motor, called SUMO, short for "super motor," is housed inside the bike's rear wheel. The manufacture says the new motor is seven-times more cost efficient than gas-powered scooters.

Daisuke Ito, a professional racer who test rode the EV-X7 prototype, said it could potentially replace machines we now see in motor races. "I just feel that in the near future, we'll be seeing these kinds of electric motorbikes running all around town. And when that happens, conventional vehicles could disappear from motor racing, too, and well be competing only in electric vehicles."


http://www.itnsource.com

Reuters RTV521706 (less)