It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
originally posted by: Edumakated
If green energy is viable, then the free market will develop it. The reason it hasn't taken off is because the cost relative to the effectiveness is simply not there for the vast majority of folks.
originally posted by: gladtobehere
Are electric cars really "better for the environment"? Do they help to reduce our "dependency" on "foreign oil"?
Errrr, no.
originally posted by: Wildbob77
I have a rechargeable hybrid car.
My house has solar panels for electricity
When I charge at my house it is energy from the sun
Did you take that into account? How many households that have plug in cars have solar panels? My friend down the block does as well as me.
Just saying
originally posted by: Irishhaf
As other members have said they are nice as long as the metals used to make those batteries are not being mined in your area.
But I guess as long as thats not in your country that is OK.
originally posted by: hopenotfeariswhatweneed
originally posted by: Irishhaf
As other members have said they are nice as long as the metals used to make those batteries are not being mined in your area.
But I guess as long as thats not in your country that is OK.
The technology will improve, it will become far cleaner than it is now, investment is the only barrier to this happening on a global scale.
originally posted by: Irishhaf
a reply to: hopenotfeariswhatweneed
Dont get me wrong, I am in favor of green energy and think more research should go into it to speed the process along.
But the electric car is a turd sandwich they are trying to pass off as steak at this point.
We are no where near ready to do away with coal and oil (especially oil) and we may not be ready in our life time.
originally posted by: Irishhaf
a reply to: Edumakated
Also my main point is the environmental wreckage left behind when it comes to mining the metals needed for the batteries.
originally posted by: ScepticScot
a reply to: Edumakated
The styling I agree with you on. Tesla have shown that electric cars can have real visual appeal.
if anything the structure of electric cars allows for more creative styling potential. The problem seems that for some manufacturers making the car look green seems to involve looking like a squashed bug.
Range however is still an issue. Best case ranges remain significantly less than petrol equivalent.
However this is less of an issue recharge time. Best technology at the moment still takes many times longer than the getting the same range a petrol pump.
The normal counter to this is for long journeys you would want a break anyway. This ignores two important points 1) I want to pick my break schedule not have my car do it 2) if I turn up at a petrol station and it's busy I only have to wait minutes at a charge station it could take hours.
For me renting a car is not a solution for multiple reasons. Don't live near rental place. Need kids seats etc.
Personally love electric cars but still a lot of technology limits to overcome to see really wide adoption.