I understand, and sympathize, with the many people who do not like change. However, the switch to electric vehicles is coming regardless. In the Dec. 27 Gazette, a letter, “Electric vehicles bring slew of changes” implied that EV production and operation, released more carbon into the atmosphere than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. With respect, I must point out this is an anti-EV myth that’s been exposed, even by the EPA. You can read the EPA information online at: https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths.
EVs have half as many parts as ICE (internal combustion engine) cars, reducing their total carbon footprint by a very large degree. Operating an EV produces virtually zero carbon and recycling one is estimated to produce no more — and likely far less carbon than the same needed for internal combustion engine vehicles.
To highlight concerns with EVs and electrification, without also weighing them against the climatological damage that results from the search for, extraction, refining, transportation and combustion of petroleum products is deceptive. Rechargeable, recyclable, reusable batteries will never damage our environment as much as burning petroleum products has.
The U.S. alone is adding 29 Gigawatts of solar and wind power to the national grid in 2023. By 2030, 40% of our power is forecast to come from wind and solar. The Vineyard Wind project has already begun construction of an 800 megawatt wind power project off Cape Cod that will power over 400,000 homes. These changes are happening now in anticipation of an all electric, non-petroleum future.
Getting gas powered cars and trucks off the highways will do more to reduce the impact of climate change than any other single change globally. If you want to make a difference for future generations, embrace the change.
John Goodnough
Northampton