The other day I was listening to a podcast about the future of power delivery, technology & electric cars. I love that stuff. ‬

We Will Punish Lower Income Drivers

One thing is starting to get on my nerves. The common statement “everyone has to start buying electric cars now!” Or “we have to eliminate gas powered cars immediately” is starting to feel a very eletist. What about the millions of people living in condos and apartments that will never be able to plug in their vehicles every night? What about all the people who’s only option is street parking?

What is the proposed solution? A 30-60 minute wait at a charging station every day?

The Haves and Have Nots

We’re talking about a solution that is really only viable for those well off enough to rent or buy homes with the facilities to charge a vehicle, along with the means to have a charger wired up.

Also, what about those of us that have to haul tools, supplies, ladders etc every day, and can’t afford to buy new vehicles? Most contractors I know buy used trucks & vans. Nothing electric available in a reasonable price range.

Putting The Cart Before The Horse

Then there is the issue of power delivery. What happens to the grid when we get to a critical mass of electric vehicles?

Rebuilding the grid and building more power generation capabilities is the answer, but then that drives the cost of electricity up. Again having an adverse effect on the lower income people.

I think we should move to cleaner tech, and electric cars, wind, solar etc, but there are so many things to consider while doing it, and moving quickly could cause so many adverse effects.