Quote:
Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive
Interesting, just how quickly these discussions become adversarial. They don't have to be. The fact of the matter is that ownership of an EV, or an ICE, makes more or less sense depending on the needs of the consumer. It is NOT a "one size fits all" issue. There is more than ample room for both.
One big issue is weather. EVs make much more sense in states like Florida, where the weather rarely goes below freezing even in the middle of winter. Cold weather takes a toll on an EV: if you're out driving when it is -20 F. the range of your EV is going to go down. The most obvious reason is that a lot more energy will be used just to keep the occupants warm and the windows defrosted, but there is more to it than that. Energy is needed to keep the battery warm as well; "EVs are designed to heat or cool off the battery in order for the battery to perform at its best. And because the optimal temperature for most batteries is between 15 and 30 degrees celsius, part of the energy is used to cover this need." (monta dot com). Add to that the fact that distances traveled here in Florida are less overall than in, say, North Dakota, Minnesota or Wyoming, for example, and a winter road trip in an EV in below-zero conditions all of a sudden poses dangers and challenges that just aren't there in an ICE-powered vehicle.
I'd certainly consider owning an EV here in Florida. Back home in Minnesota? Nope.
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What is said about low temp affecting EV battery performance is TRUE......for today, but I believe that in the NEAR future that most all EV downsides will be designed away. I believe EVs today are like ICE vehicles around 1900. In other words, EVs have GREAT improvement potential. I like to think that I am adversarial to the concept (not people) that EVs will have bad downsides forever.
........And I am NOT advocating the immediate 100% takeover of ICE vehicles by EVs. I believe (and have previously stated) that if the US could get up to 30% of new car and truck sales being EVs, that would be enough to start to reverse the Global Warming trend - also if Europe and the rest of the world increased about 5% more of their new car sales. That would also give the US a stronger hand in dealing with Saudi Arabia and other adversaries.
........A fringe benefit would be cleaner air in the US and fewer lung disorders. People would live longer and healthier lives.