Design the future
Out of context: Reply #10
- Started
- Last post
- 24 Responses
- ********0
What would be intresting would be to apply the science of franchise to such ventures.
If someone with enough drive can create a really good product, it can be adapted by other individuals buying into it, rather than waiting for industry itself to adapt (which is reluctant when fossil fuel isn't involved or is being phased out).
Alternative/green fuel sources is one. Something like hydrogen fill stations would most likely not need to be regulated like a gas station. If there is enough demand, independants can buy into it much like someone who helps to ensure a starbucks or McDonalds thrives every mile or so. Or perhaps even a self-serve vending "pod" could be set up for something like hydrogen fuel- this could work similar to the way in which vending machines work.
Part of the beauty of not needing to rely on heavy regulation is the flexibility that comes from it. And when dealing with new sources of clean power I think that the proliferation can occur quite easily granted the same old models aren't followed.
Key is to make the technology easily adaptable and useable. Another instance could be electronic fuel cell stations where you simply pull in and quickly exchange your depleated cartridge or block for a fully charged one (when the stations are always recharging them.) You make this simple machine that any gas station can implement, use, and make money off of simply supplying electricity. Hybrids become more and more popular based on the widespead availability of the recharge stations and soon they appear w/out gas tanks.
Most people are going to be less concerned with the fact that they are using a green source and more intrested in saving money and availablity. The beauty is that these two things can be met quite easily, in fact, these are what green sources naturally provide.
Now will Exxon, Shell, BP and friends jump at the opportunity to purchase an electric fuel cart recharge unit thats easy to use and cheep to boot? No way. Because the cheaper and easier it is to use, the more of a threat it is to them. New franchises would have to be born much like Gas stations themselves origianly came to be. And over time you would need to find sporadic coverage of Eccon stations as opposed to Exxon stations.