For a politician who professes no interest in running for higher public office, Gov. Mike Easley sure sounded like a candidate with a message and a healthy dose of ambition to move on up in the political world Tuesday.
Easley, who is serving his last year as governor, proposed that N.C. State University develop a powerful new lithium ion battery to power all-electric cars capable of going 150 miles on one 50-cent charge. The battery – which he dubbed the “Wolfpack Powerpack” – and other materials would be developed at the Advanced Transportation Energy Center at N.C. State. Meanwhile, partners Progress Energy and Duke Energy would develop a grid of quick-recharge centers across the state where travelers could recharge their batteries, or even transfer power back into the electricity grid to be resold.
The battery would be developed within two to five years; potential car makers would have vehicles ready just as soon as the power pack could be developed, he suggested. The state has already applied for two hefty grants, while the center would require a $1 million annual appropriation once it gets going to support its research.
“The new energy economy is out there waiting for someone to pluck it from the vine,” Easley said in one of his most animated speeches in recent memory. “Let the word go forth that we are ready to develop the Wolfpack Powerpack.... Let’s get ‘er done.”
Easley’s speech – with its national implications for North Carolina joining the front ranks of green energy research and development as well as practical transportation alternatives – immediately raised the question whether the governor has national ambitions after all. He made his suggestion at N.C. State’s 23rd annual Emerging Issues Forum. Monday, Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr spoke at the first day of the annual event after telling reporters that he would be amenable to considering being U.S. Sen. John McCain’s running mate on the GOP presidential ticket.
