It seems the roll-out of electric cars in California has sparked an energy crisis that many industry pundits had predicted since the increase in sales of zero emission vehicles. U.S. power companies are now warning electric car owners to avoid charging their vehicles as heat wave conditions in South-East California have sparked concerns about the strength of the States electricity grid. The American Public Power Association warning that charging electric vehicles during high demand periods between 4pm and 9pm could lead to power outages. 563,000 electric cars are registered in California making up just 3 percent of the States total vehicle numbers. But expected to increase substantially in coming years after the US Government recently legislated a $US 7,500 rebate for EV’s, but only for those built in North America – excluding around 70 per cent of zero emission vehicles on sale. I’m David Berthon

Download this podcast here