This is a common misconception by those who haven't looked at the numbers. If all gas cars in the US were replaced by electric cars right now, we would need about 30% more electricity than we are currently producing. We currently produce about 4.1 trillion kWhs of electricity. Since it will probably take 30 years to replace most gas cars with electric cars, the needed expansion of the grid will be done gradually. The average age of a car today is 12 years and some estimate that about 50% of cars manufactured in 2030 will still be gas. Most recharging can be done at night when electric demands are lower. Some utilities have been managing demand by having variable rates (electricity is cheaper at night). I suspect we will see more of that in the future. I am not sure why you mentioned China and India. The percentage of electricity from coal in the US has been dropping and is down to about 20%. Nuclear and renewables are also about 20% each.
Quote:
Originally Posted by amexsbow
All electric cars, all electric trucks, how do you produce that much more electricity with the current electrical grid and generating capacity? Seems like a recipe for disaster. Meanwhile China and India are increasing coal fired electric generating capacity.
|