http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12124895
This isn't the longest article, but it should bring up some great conversation topics. One of Obama's chief concerns of America thinking long-term is alternative energy. Without subsidies electric vehicles still look to be unaffordable for the general public. Reducing carbon emissions and dependency on foreign oil is crucial, but the only way these vehicles will have a significant impact is with a pretty substantial amount of Americans being able to afford one. Opinions?
This is an interesting topic. It's great that we now have 100% electric cars but they aren't going to help the environment until they are affordable. These cars have great externalities but it sounds like it will be awhile until they actually come into play. I am curious as to what sort of subsidies the government would even consider offering to people who purchase these cars.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with these electric cars is the power source. Yes, carbon emissions from burning gas is eliminated, but the cars are A. more expensive to begin with, hence the whole government subsidy idea, and B. require to be plugged in and charged, which will increase your utility bills and cause for pollution somewhere else. This spike in electricity will be a negative externality in a different area, which could still amount for the same amount of pollution. While the idea face value looks promising, people often disregard the whole 'charging' of the car and what effects that spike in power does for the planet.
ReplyDeleteLETS INVEST IN MASS TRANSPORTATION.
ReplyDeleteFormer MN Governor, Tim Paulenty (R), did not see the point in investing in Light Rail Transit, and instead loved to increase suburban freeways.
Investing in transit would decrease dependence on oil.
I'm all for Laura's point, mass transportation as been extremely efficient throughout Europe and in cities like New York. I understand that the automobile as well as the interstate highway system built the US into what we are today, but that infrastructure is falling apart. Aside from that whole issue, I really don't see electric cars playing a major role, if any, for awhile. There must be more technology to make this happen (more affordable, decreasing pollution, etc.). As Brooks pointed out, although electric cars are reducing gas emissions they are creating pollution elsewhere... loose loose situation.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Brooks's comment, the electricity used to charge the car will NOT be nearly as harmful to the environment as burning the gas to fill up a traditional car. Take a look at this link or read the short excerpt below:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=electric-cars-cost-per-charge
Regarding environmental impact, charging up your car with electricity from the grid also wins handily over filling up at the gas station. In the most comprehensive PHEV study to date, released in 2007 by EPRI and the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), results predict that all greenhouse gases will be reduced as PHEVs begin to penetrate the car market. Estimated cumulative greenhouse gas reductions from 2010 to 2050, depending upon how fast PHEVs take hold, range from 3.4 to 10.3 billion tons.
I agree with Laura and Dave. Curbing mass pollution caused by the transportation industry should have a two pronged strategy: electric cars and mass public transport. However, both of these will require massive government spending and therein lies the problem. Hopefully, as predicted, in the next 5 or so years these electric cars will be accessible to the masses so that the govt doesn't necessarily have to subsidize them anymore.
ReplyDeleteYes, Laura! Mass transportation such as high speed rail..that's what I'm talking about! I'm all for a high-speed rail system like in Europe. But, like JJ said, that will require a ton of government spending. Where would that money come from? Also, will the government have to make charging stations all around the country if/when these electric cars become favorable purchases for most citizens? I wonder how much those things cost and how difficult it would be to put those up across the country.
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