Are Electric Cars Good for the Environment?
As a reasonable human being I do believe in the need to conserve our natural resources – especially Australia, as we actually still have some. I am sure the movie, “The Day the War Started” has a lot to be said for the world’s need to change its ways. Who wouldn’t want to invade our great land for its resources (something to think about when the new Military budget is handed out!)?
But the electric car is not the way. The cost of the infrastructure alone in a country this small in population and massive in size is overwhelming. Even if it was cost effective, the current range of an electric car is about 200 klms, if driven carefully, so it really does not stack up.
What many people forget is the electricity used to move these ‘green’ vehicles burns more fossil fuels at the power plant than a vehicle moving on petrol and diesel. This seems to be a knee jerk reaction to address complaints from the masses. Unfortunately it has worked to some degree and we are seeing a push from Manufacturers towards electric cars, like the Mitsubishi iMiev, due here soon. Did anyone mention the environmental impact of the disposal of the battery, or the massive distances by fossil fuelled transport to actually put all the components of an electric car together? It really is folly if you think the current electric cars have a positive environmental effect. Maybe they are quiet and have zero emissions when being driven, but the total lifespan impact is enormous.
We need to find an energy source that is renewable or replaceable that does not kill the Ozone layer. Some say, not an easy task. The best answer right now would appear to be to use H2O or at least the Hydrogen component of water, something the German manufacturers are spending billions on. Or Google the’ Honda FCX Clarity’…surely a better option!
As a conspiracy theory lover, I am sure there has been many great advances over the decades to have this right now, but the power and money behind the oil industry have been able to buy it up and ‘shelve’ it every time, until now.
So the reality is right now, buy what you want considering the engine size and its registered emission levels and drive moderately. If you want some speed try for a small 4-cylunder turbo-charged car with a great exhaust system. The key here is really to do the best with what you have and don’t be swayed by the so called ‘environment friendly’ electric car.
Level 2, 9 Help Street