13 October 2022
Whilst I am not questioning the need for ‘something to be done regarding the environment, the motor car seems to be the centre of attention since most of us have one and probably enjoy the freedom it provides us.
The solution to the problem may not be as simple as ‘going electric.’ There is, of course, no doubt that the electric motor car is more emission friendly, but it is challenging to get the complete unbiased information needed to make a decision.
Making electric cars uses a lot of energy. Scientific studies have shown that manufacturing an electric vehicle generates more carbon emissions than building a traditional car.
Electric cars are only as green as the energy with which they are charged. As most of the UK’s electricity comes from non-renewable sources, your car will have indirectly generated carbon emissions before you even get in it and drive.
Electric cars have huge chemical batteries, and research is still ongoing for a low-energy, environmentally friendly way to recycle them.
There are also ecological question marks over the components used in electric cars, including the battery and the use of rare-earth metals.
I recently read an article professing the benefits of keeping and running a classic car. However, it produces more significant emissions when driven.
The argument is when you consider the ‘cradle-to-grave carbon footprint of a new car and factor in the mining and shipping of raw materials plus the total energy needed to manufacture them, in theory, it would take many years to save to make up the emission differential.
Despite not being a personal fan of the Bicycle, perhaps I should get one.
