Clean cars?

SIR – John Easey (Letters, September 10) points out how impractical it would be to change the battery in his Tesla at a service station, as it weighs 1,190lb. That’s not the only problem with his battery – and, indeed, all electric cars.

According to IVL, the Swedish Environment Institute, the batteries of electric cars are not environmentally friendly when manufactured, with several tons of CO2 being released before they leave the factory.

As soon as you buy a Tesla model S, around 17.5 tons of CO2 have been released (even the small battery in a Nissan Leaf emits more than 5 tons).

IVL concludes that you would need to drive a petrol or diesel car for more than eight years before it has released as much CO2 as the Tesla’s battery. Bernard Brewer

Milford on Sea, Hampshire