Climate Change Concerns: The E-car is not the way to help

The following statement about E-cars concerns me.

“...the range of electric vehicles that will soon be on the Canadian market will have something for everyone.” (‘Electric Empire’, London Free Press, Sept. 25)

Why? Does everyone need or want an E-car?


["E-cars for everyone? Don't you believe it"]

Should we continue to focus on the needs of the individual regarding transportation?

(I say, no. As mentioned in an earlier post, the ‘I must have vs We need’ issue requires a serious rethink.)

And if the upcoming offerings of E-cars are anything like the current models then the concept of ‘something for everyone’ needs real work.

Consider the following:

The Mitsubishii-Miev, a four-seater, is 100% electric and has a range of 120 km. Price (estimated) - $30,000 - 40,000.

News flash - it’s definitely not for everyone.

How many Canadians will be attracted by the price tag for what would essentially become a second car or in-town car?

As well:

The Chevy Volt, at $41,000 US, may not be for everyone either based on its price.


["The Volt is definitely short on volts"]

And though it’s called an electric hybrid, the range of 64 km electric plus 400 km with gas makes it more of a gasoline hybrid (86% gas hybrid to be exact).

Next:

The Tesla Roadster, a 100% electric two-seater, has a range of 257 - 483 km range and lots of horsepower (248), but the price tag is $120,000.

For everyone? Not a chance.

Finally:

According to the article, “the Canadian winter will impact both the range and performance of battery-powered electric vehicles. The colder the temperature, the poorer the performance.

“In addition, while gas-powered vehicles use the heat of combustion to provide interior warmth, electric batteries will have to provide additional energy to ensure passenger comfort.”

I’m already uncomfortable enough with the E-car concept.

Not only are current offerings are off the mark, but feeding the appetites of the individual consumer (business as usual, is it not?) isn’t really the way to show real concern for climate change and peak oil prices, though E-car manufacturers would like us to believe that it is.

Their bottom line depends on our naivety.

Don’t plug in for their sake.

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G. Dyer said it best:

“...seven billion human beings cannot all live the current lifestyle of the billion richest without causing an environmental and ecological catastrophe. It is inherently unsustainable.”

Please click here to read more Climate Change Concerns.

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