What’s the point?

Since the beginning of the 20th century, most developed countries have build their economies on cars and gasoline engines.

When I first came to California, gasoline was 35 cents and gas wars were common. Cars in the 70s got 12-15 mpg.

Today it’s all about the switch to electric cars. Several car companies have announced that in about 10 years, gasoline powered cars will be out and electric cars will be in. GM, Volvo, and Volkswagen all said they will end internal combustion cars by 2030. There are some issues with this.

First, several big mega gas stations have been built here and more have been planned or announced. Costco and Sam’s Club sell the equivalent of four tanker trucks of gas each day. What happens to these business’s?

Second, charging electric cars will be tough on our electrical grid. The governor wants all electric cars by 2030. Where’s he going to get the electricity? Lots of brownouts?

The auto industry is more than cars. It’s trucks, rec. vehicles, farm equipment its lots of support industry too. What happens to those industries and jobs?

While I agree that electric is the way of the future, the upheaval and change to our lives is, I suspect, going to be far greater than we expect. Charging stations at homes will be expensive but they need to be everywhere or we’ll need lots of very long extensions cords. Replacement battery’s probably will be available but also very pricey.

The environment needs to be rid of gasoline cars and trucks but everywhere on earth not just in the USA. The developing countries have no plan to curb emissions and our policies can’t just have us go it alone. What’s the point? Jim Gardner

Palmdale