Electric car owner has reason to be smug

40 percent over a gasolinepowered car.

And, of course, not all of our power plants are run on coal: We have a mix of coal, natural gas, nuclear and, increasingly, wind and solar now. Plus, our power plants have slowly been getting cleaner. And if the whole electric grid continues to move toward cleaner fuels, that will only strengthen the argument for electrification.

As far as the rare-earth metals go, I’m sure there are some ugly things being done as companies dig lithium out of the ground in China, Chile and Australia.

But what your friend failed to mention is that all of the batteries used in hybrids and EVs today are recycled when they reach the end of their lives. Those components are still very valuable. So the manufacturer will give you a huge credit for returning the old battery pack when you buy a new one. And it will reuse everything it can.

Then, Paul, there are smaller environmental benefits, such as not having someone’s exhaust blowing into your passenger compartment while you sit behind him in traffic. And not breathing gasoline vapors at the pump every time you refuel.

So I think you are a net positive for the environment. Not to mention that you’re paying a third of the price per mile for electricity that your buddies are paying for gas.

So I would encourage you to feel rightly smug about your electric-car purchase, Paul. Give it a shot.