We will look back at change to electric like switching from horse and buggy
Electric cars.
Much has been in the Citizen and the news lately, and for good reason. It’s a new era and people are beginning to pay attention. Not only because of the $1.59 gas prices.
The main reason I bought my EV was the environment — it sounds phony but is true. The second reason, I admit, was the new technology. My first computer was as Commodore 64.
Range anxiety is often quoted but a survey in the States discovered that most people drive only 75 miles (120 km). How far do you go on your trips? As to charging times and range we are still in the dark ages, a company in California is working on a battery that will give you 1,000 km on one charge and takes minutes to re-charge.
Yes, most electric cars cost more than an ICE (internal combustion engine) but prices will come down (present customers basically still pay for research and development) because they are cheaper to produce. An EV has 20 moving parts, an ICE has more than 10,000.
Everyone knows the costs of oil changes, tune-ups, etc. when I bought the EV I asked the salesman about maintenance. He said: “Maintenance? Just fill up the windshield washer fluid”.
Responsible, concerned and knowledgeable politicians are proposing or taking steps about their environment, some countries will ban ICEs in future years and, even right now, certain types of cars are not allowed in certain areas, i. e. London, England, Vancouver is talking about it too. Companies, with their millions of dollars, are not afraid to step into the future, Volvo, for instance, will only make Evs starting in two years.
Even though Evs have been around for a few years we are still in a Model T state. Our great-grandchildren will look back when they drive, the same way we look upon the horse and coach times. I’m not getting paid for this but go and talk to a dealer and ask for a test drive. You’ll love it — and will give a little thought of the environment.
Wolfgang Lehwald
Mill Bay