Tesla vs. Clean Energy Fuels Corp.

An article comparing several aspects (including financial) Tesla Motors electric vehicles and Clean Energy Fuels plan for nationwide natural gas infrastructure for transportation.

• Tesla's stock price has more than doubled since it went public in 2010.
• Clean Energy Fuel's stock price has had peaks and valleys, but is at about the same price now as it was in 2008.

• In 2011 Tesla lost $2.53/share. In 2012 the loss was $3.69/share.
• In 2011 Clean Energy lost $0.68/share. In 2012 the loss was $1.16/share.

• 4,750 Tesla S models have been sold through the end of March 2013.
• Clean Energy Fuel deliveries in the 4th quarter of 2012 were up 25% from deliveries in the same quarter in 2011.

• The U.S. government has been pouring billions into EV manufacturers and battery research.
• The "Nat Gs Act" remains stuck in Congress.

• In today's market, the Tesla is dirty. 40% of grid electricity in the U.S. is generated by burning coal. Manufacturing the batteries for EVs requires the use of electricity as well.
• Natural gas is cheap, emits half as much CO2 as coal when burned, 30% less CO2 than gasoline or diesel, and none of the toxic particulate emissions of coal, gas or diesel.

The article recommends the natural gas/electric hybrid as the best engine architecture. Toyota produced just such a concept vehicle in 2008. It had a range of 250 miles, emitted zero toxic particulates, no plug-in, the car itself is affordable, and the fuel is cheap and domestic.