Electric Car Issue Not Just Economic
While “Cars Take Back Seat to Trucks” and “Electric-Car Move Needs More Juice” [Dec. 4] correctly highlighted the rapid growth in sport-utility vehicle sales and the relatively slower progress of electric vehicles, we were disappointed that the reporters ignored the serious environmental consequences of these trends.
Existing emission loopholes for SUVs and other light trucks allow an additional 270 tons of smog-forming pollution to be pumped into California skies every day.
If the table comparing Ford F series trucks to a General Motors EV1 had shown environmental performance, it would have shown that the EV1 is 95% cleaner for smog-forming pollutants and 75% cleaner for global-warming emissions.
In terms of cost and range, electric-drive technology--while not for everyone at this point--is only getting better. We agree with the auto industry experts quoted in the articles: There is no room in the future for dirty gas guzzlers. Furthermore, we need electric-drive vehicles to help make California’s air healthy to breathe and to mitigate the severe economic and environmental consequences of global warming.
Ultimately, we believe that time and environmental sensibilities will force auto makers to clean up their act. Dirty gas guzzlers will become extinct, just like the dinosaurs. Electric-drive technology will emerge the winner from this Darwinian competition because it is superior.
However, the environment and public health cannot wait for the laws of nature to force this transition. We urge your readers to hasten the process by choosing the cleanest vehicle that will meet their needs and by supporting regulatory efforts which promote cleaner cars and trucks.
TIM CARMICHAEL
Coalition for Clean Air
Los Angeles
ROLAND HWANG
Union of Concerned Scientists
Berkeley
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The articles bemoaning the fact that few people are leasing the electric cars now available both fail to mention people like me who are more than ready to buy an electric car now even with the range limitations. The key word here is buy.
I cannot afford to lease a car and have nothing to show for it at the end of the lease’s term. I buy my cars to last 10 years at least, and count on many years with no car payment. Electric cars promise fewer moving parts and less maintenance, which sounds good to me. How can I buy one?
KATHLEEN SMITH
Los Angeles
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Whether the current electric car programs have been a success or not depends on what type of “success” the auto companies are trying to achieve.
If, as I suspect, they really don’t want to have to make electric cars because of the revolution this would cause in their industry, then the current situation may be a “success” from their standpoint.
The high prices, short range and very limited sales and lease figures can be used to help convince the politicians and regulators that the 10% in 2003 requirement is unrealistic and must be relaxed for another decade or so until the next pipe dream (the fuel cell) is ready.
THOMAS F. HANSON
Newhall
