Another Viewpoint on Electric Car Efficiency

I’d like to respond to some of the concerns voiced by readers in “Questioning Efficiency of the New GM Electric Car” (Letters, Oct. 27).

One writer correctly stated that electric vehicles (EVs) are not truly “pollution-free” because electricity used to charge the cars may be generated from polluting sources. But his concern that EVs will be more polluting than an internal-combustion vehicle (ICV) is incorrect. Numerous studies, from organizations such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District, document that EVs pollute less than ICVs, even when accounting for the electric generation needed by EVs. This is because it is more efficient to generate electricity and control pollution at a central source than to have each of us driving around with our own personal power generation plants.

Also, ICVs have many consumables that EVs just don’t have, with motor oil being a prime example. How much used motor oil ends up in our environment every year? How many oil and air filters in our landfills?

Also, lead-acid [batteries] are only going to be used short-term. Two Japanese auto companies next year will be releasing their EVs using NiMH batteries. The lead problem is not an issue.

Another writer is concerned about what the EV delivers in terms of price versus performance. The price is high now because of the low production, but once mass production takes hold, prices will drop dramatically.

Today’s EVs can meet the needs of many of us. They are not the total solution, but part of the solution that can make a dramatic reduction in the pollution we produce as we go about our lives. I love my EV and will never buy another gas car. I never go to gas stations, never have smog checks and have almost zero maintenance.

JIM MONTGOMERY

Hermosa Beach