by Neil Young
The Secaucus Holiday Inn, where Miss Pegi’s mobile garage truck was parked, was only a couple of miles away. She headed right for it and up the ramp into her safe spot. Secure at last! A one-of-a-kind prototype vehicle of this kind needed a safe home on the road for maintenance and security, and I was never more thankful for Miss Pegi’s mobile garage than I was that day.
As I sat there composing myself, gathering my things from the front seat and console, I thought what a great experience the trip had been—all of the people, the problems we overcame, the scenery and beauty of North America—and I felt good. Then I looked at the dashboard one more time. The keys were hanging there in the ignition. The car was like a drug. I wanted more. I wanted to try the key again. I could still drive back to California! What would happen? I turned the key.
Click Click. CLICK. No go. I tried a few more times. Nope. She was not staying on. Each time she just said no. She had given up. We had to find the problem now. It was up to us to figure out what was haunting this car. It was our time to solve this and she was going to go back to the right place: AVL and Bruce Falls, where we could find it once and for all.
After we loaded her into the garage and locked her down with straps, someone showed me a magazine with a picture of a highway patrolman and me. Miss Pegi was behind us on the side of the road, looking good. The story was all about our breakdown back in California. There was no mention of driving across the country free of fossil fuels.
We still had a lot of work left to do to spread the word, what we had accomplished and why.
As for Miss Pegi’s mystery, we would find out the answer.
It was water.
There was a small hole where some outside moisture made its way inside the battery pack from the windshield cowling. Just a small opening, but any amount of moisture in her battery compartment would trip her sensors and make her shut down to protect her passengers. The problem had always happened after a rainy trip or a wash. Moisture would slowly make its way through the small opening and into the battery compartment. Water and electricity don’t mix.
I think she was grateful. She was a one-of-a-kind prototype doing what she had been designed to do, protecting herself from malfunction and keeping her passengers safe. Miss Pegi was just doing her job. It occurred to me that that was all she had ever done.
After going back to Orange County and getting into the car again, ready for the road, I drove home on Highway 101 through a torrential rainstorm and we had no problems. What a ride! I loved every minute of it; even the part where the windshield wipers stopped working. Miss Pegi was not done with me yet. We continued north with the rain falling intermittently and the wind blowing beads of water off the windshield.
• • •
WHEN WE VISITED CANADA AGAIN, supporting First Nations people with the Honour the Treaties tour, raising both legal defense money and awareness, we played a part in bringing light to the situation in Canada. Environmental abuse in the name of commerce had been slipping by Canadians unnoticed under the careful stewardship of the oil companies and the Canadian government.
On the last night of the Honour the Treaties tour, a young man stood protesting against me, holding his NEIL YOUNG LIES sign. Never shy about asking questions, my friend Snowbear walked up to the guy and asked, “What lies?”
“Well, that electric car for one,” said the young Canadian. “He never drove across the country in an electric car with no gasoline.”
On February 12, just three weeks after the Honour the Treaties tour ended in Calgary, Royal Dutch Shell PLC told regulators it was halting work on its mine in Northern Alberta’s oil sands and that it had no idea when it would revive the blueprints. To us this was welcome news, a battle won. First Nations treaties protected the native people, but they also protected the planet. We had maintained that Canada had to honor the treaties and keep her word.
As of this writing, President Obama has not revealed his final judgment on the Keystone XL pipeline, but oil interests are reasonably sure he will back them, and environmentalists are worried. The Keystone XL pipeline approval would enable strong pressure on Canada to break her ancient treaties and proceed with tar sands expansion. The jury is still out for me about what the president’s decision will be, but it will be his defining moment, the moment his legacy will be built on.
• • •
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, a boy growing up in Omemee with my family and my dog, the seasons came and went with rhythm, like clockwork. I have seen the changes over the years. Things are not the same now. They are losing the beat. I am doing what I can to hold on to it, preserve it. I didn’t know the damage I was doing with my cars, neither did anyone else, but now I do. I had my love relationship with big gas-guzzling cars for a lifetime, yet even I can see the writing on the wall. I am listening to the heartbeat of the earth.
Global warming is a threat like no other, slow-moving and deadly. Miss Pegi needs all the help she can get. This is the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel age. We have a long way to go, but we’re going to make it. Henry Ford had wanted to build both electric cars and cars powered by American farmers. That was a dream he started. I am still living that dream, behind the wheel of the unpredictable Miss Pegi, on the Road to Tomorrow.
A few weeks ago, a big rain had just brought welcome relief and green to California’s drought-ravaged landscape. I was driving silently through the forest with the top down, listening to some beautiful-sounding classical music. As we broke out of the redwoods and into open farmland, I felt good.
Heading into the sun, I was thankful to be alive and on my way home.
1951 Monarch Sedan “My Dad’s Car”
1947 Buick Roadmaster Convertible
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
JACK HARPER
Jack supplied much of the backup and research for the early days with the Squires in Winnipeg.
PAUL WILLIAMSON
Paul was always there to help with my cars in the beginning, both as a driver/mechanic and as a friend.
JON MCKEIG
Jon’s bodywork and detailing on my special cars have made them stand on their own. The unique care he applies to his body, paint, and upholstery work is unmatched.
ROY BRIZIO
Roy’s support and friendship at Brizio Street Rods, where much of the fine work on Lincvolt and other cars was accomplished, as well as his understanding of the relationship between owners and their machines, has made him a close friend and key figure in my life as it relates to cars and people.
BRUCE FERRARIO
Bruce’s expertise and the perfection, organization, and ongoing support he brings to every project, from Lincvolt to many other cars and trucks I have owned, have made him a valued friend and greatly appreciated mechanic, my “go-to guy” whenever I am in trouble on the road. He is always there to serve and help with the highest professional standards.
BRUCE FALLS
Bruce, the man behind Lincvolt’s power train design and a tireless campaigner for system safety, brought the Lincvolt project to a successful and rewarding victory along the road to acceptance of electric transportation. As the designer of Lincvolt’s elegant series hybrid system, Bruce Falls and the team at AVL played a pioneering role in electric car history, providing an example that has been followed by the largest carmakers in the world.
CREDITS
“After the Gold Rush”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1970 by Broken Arrow Music Corporation. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Are You Ready for the Country?”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1971 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“A White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation)”: Words and Music by Marty Robbins. Copyright © 1957 (Renewed 1985) Mariposa Music, Inc. (BMI).Rights for Mariposa Music
, Inc. Administered by BMG Rights Management (US) LLC in the U.S. only. Rights for Mariposa Music, Inc. Administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 424 Church Street, Suite 1200, Nashville, TN 37219 outside the U.S. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Baby, What You Want Me to Do”: Words and Music by Jimmy Reed. Copyright © 1959 (Renewed) Conrad Music (BMI) and Seeds of Reed Music (BMI). Conrad Music and Seeds of Reed Music Administered by BMG Chrysalis. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Barstool Blues”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1975 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Be-Bop-a-Lula”: Words and Music by Gene Vincent and Sheriff Tex Davis. © 1956 (Renewed) Lowery Music Co., Inc. All Rights in the U.S. Controlled and Administered by Three Wise Boys Music, LLC and SONY/ATV SONGS, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.
“Be-Bop-a-Lula”: Written by Gene Vincent and Tex Davis. © 1956 Sony/ATV Songs LLC & Three Boys Music. All rights on behalf of Sony/ATV Songs LLC administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 424 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219. Canadian Rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 424 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
“Born to Run”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1990 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Casting Me Away from You”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1968 by Broken Arrow Music Corporation. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Changing Highways”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1996 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Cortez the Killer”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1975 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Country Home”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1990 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Dangerbird”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1971 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Daughters”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1985 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Do I Have to Come Right Out and Say It”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1969 by Broken Arrow Music Corporation. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Don’t Be Denied”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1973 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Drive Back”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1975 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Expecting to Fly”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1968 by Broken Arrow Music Corporation. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Flying on the Ground Is Wrong”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1966 by Broken Arrow Music Corporation. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“For the Love of Man”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 2012 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“For What It’s Worth”: Words and Music by Stephen Stills. © 1967 (Renewed) Cotillion Music Inc., Ten East Music, Springalo Toones and Richie Furay Music. All Rights Administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. All Rights Reserved.
“Four Strong Winds”: Words and Music by Ian Tyson. © Ian Tyson.
“Frozen Man”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1974 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Harvest”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1971 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Hawaiian Sunrise”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1974 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Hello Lonely Woman”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1987 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Hippie Dream”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1986 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Hung Upside Down”: Words and Music by Stephen Stills. © 1968 (Renewed) Cotillion Music Inc. (BMI), Rickie Furay Music (BMI), Springalo Toones (BMI) and Ten East Music (BMI). All Rights Administered by Cotillion Music Inc. All Rights Reserved.
“I Believe in You”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1970 by Broken Arrow Music Corporation. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“If You Don’t Know Me by Now”: Words and Music by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. © 1973 (Renewed) Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. and Mijac Music. All Rights Administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. All Rights Reserved.
“I Wonder”: Courtesy of Neil Young.
“I’ll Love You Forever”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1964 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Johnny Magic”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 2009 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Journey Through the Past”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1973 by Broken Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Like a Hurricane”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1976 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Long May You Run”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1976 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Look Out for My Love”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1977 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Lookin’ for a Love”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1968 by Silver Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Mansion on the Hill”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1990 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Money (That’s What I Want)”: Written by Berry Gordy Jr. and Janie Bradford. © Jobete Music Co. Inc. All rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC on behalf of Stone Agate Music (a division of Jobete Music Co., Inc.) and Jobete Music Co. Inc., 424 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
“Motor City”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1981 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Mr. Soul”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1967 by Broken Arrow Music Corporation. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“My Boy”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1983 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Old King”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1992 by Silver Fiddle Music. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Old Man”: Words and Music by Neil Young. © 1971 by Broken Fiddle Music. Copyright Renewed. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)”: Written by Joe Melson and Roy Orbison. © 1960 Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music & Universal Songs of Polygram. All rights on behalf of Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC., 424 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
“Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)”: Words and Music by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. Copyright © 1960 (Renewed 1988) Roy Orbison Music Company, Barbara Orbison Music Company and SONY/ATV Music Publishing LLC. All Rights on behalf of Roy Orbison Music Company, Barbara Orbison Music Company Administered by Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing. All Rights on behalf of SONY/ATV Music Publishing LLC Administered by SONY/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 424 Church Street, Suite 1200, Nashville, TN 37219. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Corporation.