Driving to France in an electric car: the case against
A Connexion reader argues that EVs are not so great for the environment as they are said to be
Evs like Teslas come with their own carbon footprint problems
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I read the electric vehicle (EV) article by Nick Jenkins in the May issue.
Read more: ‘We tried out driving from Yorkshire to Dordogne in an electric car’
If its purpose was to prove it is possible to drive from Yorkshire to Perigord, then all very well.
If it was to convince readers to purchase an EV, then it fell short of relevant facts.
The environmental impact of EVs (extraction of rare metals, issues surrounding recycling batteries, etc) have been covered by various reports and articles.
Consider, too, that most EVs are heavier than normal cars, which means more tyre wear, brake pad toxins, and likelihood of serious injury in an accident.
It has also been alleged some UK multi-storey car parks may need structural modification.
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Another point is that insurers have discovered it is very difficult to establish if an EV battery has been damaged in the event of an accident, and are increasingly inclined to write off the car (not very environmentally friendly!).
Needless to say, premiums will rise.
I wish Nick Jenkins well with his Tesla, a brand that UK motor magazines claim is one of the least reliable.
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My last trip to Dordogne from Nottingham in my British-built SUV used just under 10 gallons of diesel, purchased at supermarket prices and totalling 10 minutes of stoppage, with no worry about finding fuel.
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Connexion reader Michael Tinn, by email
Nick Jenkins replies:
Throughout history, there has been resistance to technological advance.
Yes, building EVs uses natural resources, just like any manufacturing process, but I am very happy with my Tesla.
It does have ‘emissions’ but, when activated, that feature simply makes fart noises.
Childish?
Of course, but my toddler grandson loves it – and it’s his future I am thinking of by driving a non-polluting car.
Incidentally, I doubt that any road safety organisation would recommend driving so many hundreds of miles with only a 10-minute break.
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