Sidecars On Line 46

The Online Mini Magazine for Sidecar Enthusiasts

Sidecars On Line

Available Bi-Monthly

Issue 46 – April 2020

Brough Superior Austin Four at Mallory Park 1972

UK Importer for Tripteq Sidecars, Parts, & Accessories

Sales, Service, Build

• Scotia Sidecars offers the complete sidecar service.

• The Tripteq Heeler range can be supplied in DIY kit form with comprehensive build manual, complete, or partial build.

• The 'Heeler' has been developed and manufactured by Tripteq in the Netherlands with over 250 units sold throughout Europe since 2005.

• The left hand version was developed in conjunction with Scotia Sidecars to bring affordable technical innovation qualities of European sidecars and conversion parts to the UK sidecar market.

• Options on bodies, screens, & accessories • Chassis option for BMW 'K' and Guzzi motorcycles Telephone: 01333 429451

Mobile: 0773 468 3429

email: info@scotiasidecars.com http://scotiasidecars.com/index If you contact Scotia Sidecars for information, or to make a purchase, please acknowledge Sidecars On Line

2

Contents this Issue Editorial – Not quite what was expected in 2020.

The Apex Sports Light Shines Again – Triumph T100 meets Velorex Oscar's Odyssey – A Tale of Two Rallies – Same club, but what a difference.

“What MAG Also Does for Us – 11”- MAG makes initial comments on the Transport Decarbonisation Plan Busmar – a typically British sidecar – 60 year old catalogues from the renowned coachbuilt sidecar manufacturer Sidelines – Electric Motorcycle Running Costs – One Man's Test - The hard sell of liquid fuel against the electric alternative ?

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is for general information only. Whilst we try to keep information up to date and correct, we make no representations of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the publication, or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the publication for any purpose.

Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this publication.

Through this publication you may be able to link to websites. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

3

If you contact Anson Classic for information, or to make a purchase, please acknowledge Sidecars On Line

4

Editorial The cover image of this issue is of a Brough Superior Austin Four, a limited-production motorcycle and sidecar outfit designed and manufactured by Brough Superior in 1932. Listed in the 1932 catalogue as the 'Straight Four' it was commonly known as the Austin Four.

Powered by a modified Austin 7 automobile engine and gearbox unit, a driveshaft emerged on the centre-line of the motor. Rather than design a new gearbox, George Brough kept the central driveshaft, and used a pair of close-couple rear wheels driven by a central final drive box. It was legally considered a motorcycle as the wheel centres were within 24 inches and was the sensation of the 1931 Olympia Motorcycle Show in London. Only ten were built.

As well as the “discovered” rare Brough Superior image, this issue features another treasure of small catalogues for Busmar sidecars, manufactured for 15 years in Blackpool. Different times, different needs, and very much a different world. In addition, Oscar's latest tale recounts two sidecar rallies that achieved the title of “Best” in different decades, and different circumstances. SideLines features the results of a test by the US owner of an electric powered motorcycle emphasising operating costs. Finally, another new sidecar outfit out of the Apex Sports workshop.

It has been easy to find time for this issue of Sidecars On Line. Indeed, the greatest challenge has been to find things to do with the time available. No prizes for why as the current situation in the UK and elsewhere is more than well known. The Covid19 pandemic has changed the way our country functions with significant restrictions on daily life.

For ourselves favourite events have been cancelled, or postponed, including the South Yorkshire Sidecar Club's popular Easter rally. This has been the first Easter we can recall being at home for years. Other important misses are the three big Motorcycle Action Group events in Yorkshire. At the time of writing only one has been formally abandoned, but the other two are unlikely to take place as scheduled. These MAG events are significant as they represent major income generators for operating the organisation.

Then the news that the Belgian Jumbo Run, which has provided great days out for folk with various special needs since 1970, has been cancelled. This has been a firm favourite for us since we first attended in 1977 with our four year old daughter and Pat providing in house transport for what turned out to be our son. Many happy, memorable experiences, both for our children and the two of us. The bonus has been developing many wonderful relationships, some that have continued to be very close. However, the view has to be that with everyone else involved it's simply a case of waiting for things to normalise in due course.

It's not all negative as no doubt like others the restrictions that currently apply have provided ther opportunity to get some things done that would have otherwise remained on a wish list. Importantly, much needed progress on the sidecar, which is intended for attachment to a GL1500 Goldwing. Progress despite the setbacks.

SidecarJohn

5

The Apex Sports Light Shines Again Apex Sports in Colorado Springs, USA, is a rarity amongst mainstream motorcycle dealers.

Indeed, the “rarity” tag probably extends beyond the state of Colorado, even beyond the borders of the United States. Rarity being that Apex are seriously into sidecars, both in terms of promotion and truning out sidecar rigs/ outfits.

It's no coincidence that Apex is involved with the religion of the third wheel (trikes are also on offer). Proprietor, Doyne Bruner, is a long time sidecar enthusiast, as is wife, Darlene.

Several sidecar outfits are part of Doyne's personal collection, mainly ones he has created over the years. Some might be seen as standard fare, but others feature his undoubted engineering skills and sense of innovation. Some have featured in previous editions of Sidecars On Line.

An Apex take on the “adventure” style came with a Triumph 995i triple, plus a Doyne made sidecar (Issues 26 and 31). The other, probably something of a first, a Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer connected to a Champion Daytona sidecar. The sidecar something of a family favourite (Issues 30 and 32). The latter bike with the excellent DCT automatic type transmission.

Realistically, judging these outfits at a distance, i.e. through images on the internet can only convey some aspects such as quality and performance. In both these cases I was fortunate to be able to ride both when visiting Colorado. The Triumph for a brief ride, but sufficient to comment favourably on how it rides. The sidecar suspension ranks as exceptional, both from a rider point of view, but crucially from my resident, long time sidecar passenger. What can be said is that when following the Triumph at speeds ranging from urban acceptable to interstate “let's get a move on”, the rig was stable, quick and clearly easy to handle.

The VFR experience was different with several rides totalling nearly 500 miles. The opportunity to assess the DCT transmission was a factor that required some brain tuning, but the package is so well set up didn't detract from the pleasure of riding Doyne's creation.

6

Of course, the Apex Sports approach means that customers looking for a well constructed sidecar outfit/ rig can be assured by the experience and skill that will be applied to suit their requirements. It isn't always about the high end of performance and features, sometimes an old school style, practical choice is the best. Apex can supply.

So, an older customer with some stability issues when riding a two wheeler approached Doyne regarding building a suitable outfit. The bike is a new 2018 T100 900cc Triumph, which has great torque. A good choice for sidecar work. The sub frame is pretty basic and easy on a double down tube frame.

There is an issue with Velorex mounts, which is used for the lower rear fitting. They tend to rotate on the frame tube after a time, or if suffering a big pothole hit. Doyne built a strut to allow adjustment, and fabricated a strap running from the pivot bolt to the top of the next frame tube to help keep the whole bracket from rotating. This was done in preference to the alternative method of tack welding the bracket to the frame.

Reports suggest the Triumph Velorex is a very nice ride. For sure, it looks great in black with a splash of chrome. The handling is said to have been inproved by fitting an aftermarket damper. Apparently the damper is from “long ago”, which suggests Doyne is no different from many long term sidecar enthusiasts. You know, “don't let those fittings go”, “keep that part it might be useful one day”, and the inevitable “where did I put that ….... ?”.

The finished product looks good, although from a personal perspective that doesn't come as a surprise. The choice of motorcycle and colour, along with the matching Velorex Sport sidecar provides a real classic look, plus represents a starting point for what should hopefully provide its owner many enjoyable miles.

Thanks to Doyne Bruner at Apex Sports for providing the images of the build.

The various aspects of connecting the Triumph and Velorex together:

7

8

9

Further information; https://apexsportsinc.com

327, South Weber Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 USA

10

The finished article;

11

Apex Sports in Colorado Springs, has been family owned and operated since 1960.

As the areas full service dealership, we can service and repair most makes and models. See the latest ATV, scooter, motorcycles, and utility vehicles from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, KTM, Triumph in our online showroom.

If you need any aftermarket gear, like a new jacket or helmet, save time and money with our online store. We also have a large parts section, so if you need anything for your motorcycle, atv, scooter, utv view our online parts store for blue prints, parts, and more.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call us or email us via our website. http://www.apexsportsinc.com If you contact Apex Sports for information, or to make a purchase, please acknowledge Sidecars On Line.

12

A Tale of Two Rallies If you remember back to November 2019, lots of the U.K. and South Yorkshire were inundated by floods. Also last November, at the Federation of Sidecar Clubs AGM the South Yorkshire Sidecar Club won “Best Rally” award. Totally unexpected, although totally deserved (who’s biased ?), this got me thinking. What do the two occasions have in common ? Here’s what. Floodwater and rally trophies.

Back in 1983 the year of the SYSC’s “Silver Jubilee” the club held a jubilee rally. This was held at a campsite near Doncaster, just outside the village of Askern. The campsite was called the “Hacienda”.

The rally was held on the Spring bank Holiday weekend.

Normally fine weather prevails for this time of the year, except for this year there had been nearly a month of rain. In fact, if the SYSC hadn’t gone to enormous expense in hiring a marquee, disco, and a hodown, we just might have called the whole thing off.

So, in preparation for the rally, we acquired an old caravan fitted out with 4 flushing toilets. This was achieved by fitting a large storage tank on the roof of the caravan to give a good head of water, then plumbing all this into the drains. All of this was due to the generosity of one of our members, Roy Hansford, who ran his own company. A jack of all trades was Roy. The marquee arrived on the Thursday before the rally, and one man came along with it. Club members already there had to get stuck in and helped put up the marquee. Just like “Billy Smart’s Circus”.

On the Friday, rallyists started to arrive. Some took one look at the conditions on the field, and immediately turned around and headed back home (later to regret the decision). The problem was only one gate onto the camp field, which soon got really boggy and deep. We piled loads of stone into the ground, but this was soon swallowed up. Some wire fencing was found and put down, which did help things.

Every sidecar rig had to be manhandled into and out of the field. Hard work. Most outfits parked on the road. The camp soon adopted a slogan, which was “Don’t be a pillock, camp on a hillock”

13

We managed to get loads of hay to put down on the Saturday in order to soak up some of the water in the ground, and in order to make sure that the ho-down went ahead. The “Caller”, that’s the guy that does the ho-down calling out, took one look at the conditions and immediately tried to back out of performing. When it was pointed out to him that it was the rally goers that were doing the performing, he reluctantly decided to give it a half hour, to see how things went. A tail gate from a lorry was put down so as to give his equipment a dry base. Three hours later the party was still in full swing. Nobody wanted the night to end. Eventually, at the end of the evening, the “Caller” admitted that it was one of the best gigs he had ever done.

For thode of us organising the rally we were hard at work making things OK for the Sunday evening disco.

This meant cleaning mud off almost everything and putting fresh hay down in the marquee. The local trading estate also did a roaring trade in wellies.

The kids at that time were, how shall I put it, numerous. Most of the time they were kept entertained by “Skippy”, the “SYSC’s” BSA Bantam. This had eccentrically spoked wheels, which made the bike like a bucking bronco if you tried to go at any great speed. Many tried and were thrown off. At this time Health and safety was a long way off. “Skippy” was judged as the tops for fun.

Disco time on the Sunday evening was a hoot. Once the party got started, the D.J. soon cottoned on to what was required. Plenty of tunes like “Chicago” and “New York, New York”. The sound of music filled the air. So did the mud, it was flying all over the place with the high kicking. Almost everyone had a mud pie on them in some place or another. This carried on until around 01.00 Monday morning. A fine, crazy time was had by all.

I might add that my entourage consisted of 4 children. This included our next door neighbours' two children. How did we cope ? We took 3 tents and 2 bicycles. The 4 kids were transported by train to Stainforth about 3 miles away from the camp. Ann my wife kept all of us fed and watered the whole weekend.

The 1983 SYSC Silver Jubilee rally has now gone down in FED history as the “Mud Rally” It is one of those “ I was there” moments in time. At the Federation of Sidecar Clubs' AGM of that year the SYSC won the award for “Best Rally”.

The floods around South Yorkshire in 2019 were very near where we had our camp. In fact the whole of the area is on a flood plain. One of the places to be flooded is called “Fishlake”. I wonder how it came to be called ? Squirrel Wood, a site in the same area we have used for a number of our Easter Egg rallies is also prone to flooding, as those attending have noticed over the years.

14

Memorable machinery at the SYSC rally back in 1983;

15

Now, jump forward 36 years. The SYSC rally is now a regular Easter event on the sidecar calendar.

Easter being a moveable holiday, so can be a pain in the neck for organising. You never know just what “Mother Nature” is going to throw at you. Over the years we have coped rather well with just one postponement in 2013. This was due to flooding at the “Squirrel Wood” scout campsite.

So, in 2019 where were we ? Crow Edge, high up on the moors, near Holmfirth in West Yorkshire. Not much chance of flooding here. We were camped at the local community hall, which stands alone high on the moors with only 3, or 4 giant wind turbines for company. The chances were that being so high up, winds were a distinct possibility. This time, we were blessed with glorious weather. The location also gave rallyists a wide choice of places to visit. Most folk took the chance with both hands.

The main run-out was to Marsden from where the Standedge Tunnel passes through the Pennine hills to Lancashire. At the mouth of the canal tunnel is a museum and café, with some great walks to be had, if you feel the urge. Great place when the weather is fine.

16

The run to Tunnel End at the Yorkshire side of the Standedge Canal Tunnel;

Another ride out, unfortunately on the same day, was to the Sheffield Childrens Hospital. Every Easter Sunday James Toseland, the former Superbike World Champion leads a mass ride to the hospital.

Literally hundreds join in the ride. Half dozen from our rally made the charity ride and donated a sizeable amount to the charity made up of proceeds from the rally raffle and other donations.

17

The other ride on the Sunday was to join the annual Easter Run in aid of the Sheffield Childrens' Hospital charity;

Great day, Great cause

James Toseland receives cheque for £261

The rally was well attended and everyone thought the venue tops, no doubt helped by excellent weather.

To win the 2019 “Best Rally” award was a vindication for our efforts to stage a good event. The Pennines provides a great choice of rides. As they say, “Location, Location, Location.” I think this, and the great welcome that the SYSC provide, makes our rally one of the best.

The black and white photos from 1983 are in black and white and taken by a good friend of mine, who came along for the day.

Oscar

18

Global Motorbike Tours – Adventure Tours Worldwide Global Motorbike Tours takes you on an adventure of lifetime across Asia on the back of vintage motorbikes. Our tours can take you to The Himalayas, South India or Vietnam, where will your curiosity take you?

All of our trips are led by our experienced Tour Director, Ron Boulton, who has over 15 years experience leading motorbike trips across the globe. Taking bookings now for Himalayas July 2019, South India 2020, Vietnam 2020 and our South India Challenge 2021

Contact: 17, Millfield Road, Chorley, PR7 1RF Tel: 01257 410686 Mobile: 07731 986502 Email: Info@globalmotorcycletours.co.uk https://www.globalmotorcycletours.co.uk/

If you contact Global Motorbike Tours for information, please acknowledge Sidecars On Line.

19

“Whatever did MAG Do for Us ?” - 11 The Motorcycle Action Group continues to be active despite the restrictions on life in the UK. Whilst it might seem a negative stance by some, the advice is that motorcyclists should avoid riding other than if a journey is essential such as travelling to and from work. The reasoning is that the powered two wheel fraternity should be seen to be cooperative with national measures to contain the Covid19 virus, and consequently remove unnecessary presure on a beleagured National Health Service. Such advice might contradict the essence of freedom available to motorcyclists, but does reinforce the concept that motorcyclists are still part of broader society.

Perhaps a clear example of this “being part of society” is reflected in representing motorcyclists as beeing positive factors in the “big picture”. See below.

31st March 2020 - MAG makes initial comments on the Transport Decarbonisation Plan The Motorcycle Action Group has given its initial reaction to the lowkey launch of Grant Shapps’ Transport Decarbonisation Plan, asking why the Department for Transport continues to ignore motorcycles as a separate and crucial mode of transport.

On 26th March the Government quietly published a document stating the current challenges and steps to be taken when developing a transport decarbonisation plan.

In the Ministerial Foreword, Grant Shapps stated “Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that we need to take action, and doing so is a clear priority for the Government.”

The Government will publish the final plan in Autumn 2020.

MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, and Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Lembit Opik, were asked for their initial reactions to the “Setting the Challenge” document.

Colin said, “Once again we see a policy document that singularly fails to recognise the fact that motorcycles are not cars. This continued blind spot exhibited by policy makers is something that MAG unfailingly points out at every opportunity. It is hard to grasp why this message is not sinking in. Opportunities are being missed by failing to properly consider the benefits that motorcycles and scooters have to offer. It is time for the Government to properly consider the role of what is undeniably the most sustainable form of private motorised transport that exists.”

Lembit said “MAG has repeatedly called for proof from environmentalists to explain the rationale behind ignoring motorbikes and pinning all hopes on electric motive power.

Electrification only cuts emissions with a ‘clean power grid.’ Wind can’t do it, and the last UK nuclear power station to open was in 1995. So electricity does pollute - even ignoring the ecological damage from batteries. We know efficient petrol machines, like motorbikes, create few emissions. Either the Government backs modal shift to lighter vehicles like motorbikes, or they’re doomed to make things worse.”

20

There will be a program of engagement with stakeholders and the public over the coming months. The Motorcycle Action Group has immediately expressed its interest to being involved as a stakeholder group in the conversation, and will be repeating the message that motorcycles and scooters are a solution, not the problem.

The Government document can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/creating-the-transport-decarbonisation-plan Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org

21

Bob Spendlove Arts

Bob's Commission Paintings Bob paints a wide variety of commission pieces, including vehicles, houses, landscapes and monuments. If you're interested in having your own personalised original painting.

Contact Bob for more details go to - http://www.bobspendlovearts.co.uk/ Examples of his work;

If you contact Bob for information, please acknowledge Sidecars On Line 22

Busmar – a typically British sidecar As with others in the motorcycle community the passion extends beyond the actual motorcycles owned, maintained, and ridden over the years. In our case, of course, this extends into an additional factor, namely sidecars.

Books, models, toys, imagery of all kinds, clothing and memorabilia are very much part of the obsession. Equally, there's never been any reluctance to inform non believers that we are motorcyclists, or “bikers”, naturally with reference to the vital addition of “sidecars”.

Some years back, when still picking up a monthly cheque for services hopefully rendered in a school, a colleague offered me a small brown envelope. “Thought you might like to take a look at these”, she said. I took a look to find two small booklets with “Busmar Sidecars” on the covers.

Not quite complete stapled catalogues, but a mix of original and photocopies. Having taken a good look I asked if it would be possible to retain them overnight to which she replied that I could keep them. A clear out at home had brought them to light and it bad been recalled that I was into sidecars.

It appears that a family member had been involved with the Busmar some time in the past, which accounted for the lady having them in her possession. The catalogues are not in any way in great, pristine condition, or a rare find, but simply interesting. However, it still seems appropriate to share them. @@@@@@@@@@ Established in 1950, Busmar of Blackpool produced family size sidecars offering ‘saloon car luxury’. They featured sturdy timber frames clad externally with lightweight alloy panels.

With ample headroom and the unique Gregoire spring and damper wheel suspension they promised a comfortable ride for passengers.

Along with a number of other sidecar manufacturers of the time, Busmar was once a familiar sight on UK roads. Fortunes declined drastically in the early 1960s as living standards rose, family car production increased, and perhaps crucially hire purchase became available. Busmar went out of business in 1965 although a few of their sidecars still survive.

Reproduced pages are taken from both the 1959 and 1960 catalogues.

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

SideLines Electric Motorcycle Running Costs - One Man's Test Probably the major selling point of electric powered personal transport vehicles is that of financial running costs. Specifically, when compared with using petrol, or diesel as the source of energy. Yes, there are issues relating to the environment, notably air pollution at a local level, and the bigger picture relating to the negative effects on the state of our planet.

Those that have already bought into the electric revolution could fall into different camps.

Those of a mind that it's all about saving the planet and possibly want others to know their stance. Others whose approach is all about the cost savings, even if the initial cost of the vehicle might be more than comparable fossil fueled models. Some, who needed the attraction of “incentives” to take the plunge. i.e. taxpayer subsidies, or exemption from other charges such as London's congestion charge. Then there's those who go electric for publicity purposes. Many of the pioneer customers for the Toyota Prius hybrid and early Tesla all electric cars were Hollywood and television celebrities.

Now, we are some years down the road from the the early Prius days, the Nissan Leaf, and even the two wheeled world's Zero motorcycles, and traditional manufacturers have joined the fray with their all electric models. The justifications are the same and the hard sell has become a little harder. Celebrity publicity stunts are probably irrelevant. The environment issue has become more widespread, as well as being a business opportunity for “climate celebrities” of all ages. Yet the constant remains. How much does it cost to operate an electric vehicle ?

A full and comprehensive evaluation was undertaken by an owner, which makes the electric route look attractive, at least from an energy cost perspective. The full evaluation can be found at; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbOg6izY2wBaXF6C7VmR6SQ

30

SideLines A summary of the information is as follows; Table 1 Miles rode on Zero SR in one year = 5901 Average Miles per Kwh of charge 120/12.6 = 9.5238 (where 120 is my average range in miles on a full charge) (And 12.6 is the nominal battery capacity in Kwh according to Zero) Average Cost per Kwh I pay in Jacksonville, North Carolina = $0.106 (10.6 cents) Cost to charge or “Fuel” my Zero SR for one year = $65.68 Table 2

Miles rode on Zero SR in one year = 5901

Cost to fuel an equivalent gas(petrol) bike driven same amount of miles = 5901 2018 Honda CB650F Average MPG = 50 Gallons consumed = 118.02 Average price of regular unleaded gas (petrol) in Jacksonville, North Carolina over 1 year = $2.443 Average price of Premium unleaded gas (petrol) in Jacksonville, North Carolina over 1 year = $3.0666 Cost to fuel an equivalent gas (petrol) bike over one year Regular unleaded = $288.32 Premium unleaded = $361.92 Table 3 Miles rode on Zero SR in one year = 5901 “Fuel” cost savings for one year: Regular unleaded = $288.32 - $65.68 = $222.64 Premium unleaded = $361.92 - £65.68 = $296.24 Fuel cost savings after 5 years: Regular unleaded = $1113.22 Premium unleaded = $1481.21

31

SideLines Sidecars On Line Comment

•

The data produced provides a reasonable appraisal by an owner of the economics of

•

The one year evaluation apparently relates to the Zero motorcycle being charged at

• • • • • • •

operating a Zero electric motorcycle. Comparison with a similar petrol engined motorcycle is appropriate and useful. However, issues remain. the rider's home base. The electricity tariff used is a domestic rate, as is always the case in such reports of electric versus petrol.

Zero specifications indicate a standard charge time of 9.8 hours for 100% charged (9.3 hours for 95%). Certainly not quick, although optional items can improve these figures at a cost.

If usage is greater than short distance commuting, or frequent use, Zero offer a modular, quick change battery system. Additional battery $2.895, plus charger unit at $600. Weighty extra costs, which would influence the baseline cost advantages.

There may be issues about battery life and replacement costs. Whilst these may be insignificant, it cannot be assumed that there will be no inherent costs to consider.

Rolling payments for electricity are manageable, one off, big pay outs are not always easy unless these are built into the equation.

The cost of charging at charging points other than at home are usually higher, some being considerably greater. In the UK charges for use, rates, and variance in claimed outputs are issues. In some cases the cost per mile figures for electric vehicles are apparently worse than for comparable petrol vehicles.

Range is an issue influenced by use and highlighted in independent testing. For example, city mileage around 91. On the highway less impressive at 39 miles. Average of both, 54 miles.

Although a motorcycle may not have the same electrical energy requirements as an automobile, variables will influence the range that a motorcycle can travel on a charge.

Lighting and other electronics beyond the power train require energy.

Domestic electricity is convenient and relatively cheap. However, existing fossil fuels incur various taxes such as national/federal, state, or value added tax. Some compensatory taxation, or other charges, by governments are inevitable at some point in the future to make up for the significant loss of taxation revenue from fossil fuels.

Ultimately, the prevailing message of electricity as a “free lunch” will not prevail.

32