1y ago

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $15.5 Billion to Support a Strong and Just Transition to Electric Vehicles, Retooling Existing Plants, and Rehiring Existing Workers

www.energy.gov Biden-Harris Administration Announces $15.5 Billion to Support a Strong and Just Transition to Electric Vehicles, Retooling Existing Plants, and Rehiring Existing Workers

Funding Will Retrofit America's Existing Automotive Manufacturing Facilities, Expand & Retain High-Paying Auto Manufacturing Jobs, & Bolster Domestic Supply Chains, Part of the Investing in America Agenda to Create Not Just More Jobs But Good Jobs

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $15.5 Billion to Support a Strong and Just Transition to Electric Vehicles, Retooling Existing Plants, and Rehiring Existing Workers

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I really don't want an electric car.
Edit: I really didn't expect such a response to my comment or I would have elaborated. Primary factor is cost, cost of replaceing the battery and initial cost of the vehicle purchase.
I do not have money to buy a new vehicle and there is no way I'm going to buy a used electric vehicle. A used electric vehicle will probably Also need a need battery. Until longevity can be proven I'm going to take that gamble.
Also repairability is another very big factor in not getting an electric vehicle for me. I am going to be buying a used car I don't think I will ever buy a new car even if I had the money and a used electric vehicle is not in the cards until they can prove longevity and you can't do that with a lithium ion battery.
In addition the electronic parts including the battery use rare, precious metals that are becoming increasingly rare. We don't even have a way to recycle those batteries as far as I am aware. I'm not saying we don't need a better alternative, but, I don't think that's it.
- And that's okay! There are plenty of ways to use climate-friendly means of transportation if your area has the infrastructure for it. If it doesn't, buying/utilizing used cars with good gas mileage and adjusting how much you drive, supporting climate-friendly legislation, and raising awareness are the best things you can do until biking/walking/etc. is more accessible for you - or until you can move to a high-density area with those options, if that's the goal.
  Electric cars are a great step forward, but currently lack the efficiency and affordability of ICE vehicles. Plus, they ultimately serve as a means to maintain the stability of the Auto industry in an increasingly environmentally-conscious society.
  
  That's a very big issue, cost, I can't afford to buy any new car and there's no way I'm buying a used electric. Cost of battery replacement and repairability is another huge factor.
  
  I just don't understand what's so green about electric cars? Lithium mining plus everything else associated with the manufacturing process doesn't seem too green to me.
  
  https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths#Myth2
  While I agree with the sentiment that EVs aren't the most efficient alternative in terms of lowering carbon footprint, they are definitely better than ICE vehicles for consumer use. They are even more so when you have an electrical grid running off of solar, wind, and water.
  
  I always tell people the greenest solution when it comes to cars is to just not buy a new one. Use whatever you have until it can’t be used. Then buy a EV, preferably used but sometimes you need new due to availability or mileage.
  
  I'm a contractor and have been working out of a 2 door Jeep for the past 8 years and it's time to buy a truck. I'd be down for an F150 Lightning, but I'm not about to try to afford $50k (plus dealer markups) when I can get a decent used long bed rig for about $30k that already has a utility bed. The added weight of a utility bed plus tools and materials will destroy that mileage estimate, so if I have jobs that are a decent ways away, I don't have time to sit for 30-60min to charge. Until range gets better and I can get something more conducive to my job, I'm kinda stuck. I'd take a van, but we get snowy winters and all the 4x4 vans are ridiculously expensive because of the van life crowd, and I sure as hell am not putting on chains unless it's R3.
  
  The F-150 lightning pisses me off. They released it for $40k but it sold really well so they raised the prices several times.
  It’s a great truck but they want to price it out of being sellable. $40k is right on par with a brand new f-150.
  I will say, the mileage isn’t destroyed by the utility bed. I don’t own one but I have spoken to owners. I drove PA to Kentucky on my Niro EV and met someone hauling farming equipment in OH. They were going from FL to Illinois. Said he still gets close to the 300 mile range while hauling so it’s a bit of a hit, but not as much as people think.
  That being said, the people who drive a lot every day are the toughest sells and for good reason. People who drive a bit in the city think they drive more than they do. But realistically I think everyone needs to actually check how many miles they drive a week and not just assume how much they drive.
  EV’s aren’t ready for a lot of driving jobs but are getting there. And charging is getting better too. My trip to KY had an average charging stop of 10 minutes. Compared to a gas station that’s filling up and running in for a restroom break. It depends on whats in your area but that tech is around
  
  We get the majority of our lithium from an area that has zero life and has had no recorded rainfall. Their lifetime CO2 emissions compared to an ICE vehicle is significantly lower even using the most polluting power source. There is just no comparison.
  
  They aren’t really green per se, it’s just that gasoline powered cars are so much worse.
  Better to reduce or eliminate driving if you can.
- Could Intrest you in an Ebike?
  
  E scooters too, look like a ton of fun
- I can understand the sentiment. It might help to explain why, though.
  
  I prefer electric bikes.
  
  I'd really like to try out some E-bikes. There are so many models these days, and I already enjoy cycling. Unfortunately I think the potholes all over my city might disagree with any decision to buy one.
  
  They make some pretty rugged fat-tires nowadays. I think they’re kind of overkill for most people but if you live in a place with poor infrastructure it could be useful.
  
  You are right I updated my comment as I mentioned in the update I really didn't expect to have that kind of a response so I didn't bother putting more work into it and I should have.
  
  Great thoughts on the situation!
  
  Thank you, that's very kind
- Same here! My main issues/concerns are due to weather and the lack of a place to charge up. Already this year we've seen how they don't do well in extreme cold or heat. And my area also had significant storms recently so flooding, no power, etc. And I live in an area will large hills (look like mountains, but not quite) and my friends with electric cars complain about it quite a bit. It drains the battery and struggles on some inclines.
  The best I've seen so far is a Lexus hybrid sedan a friend has. Handles the terrain well, charges as you drive, doesn't need plugged in at all.
  I feel like they need to have more going for them until we can all switch.
  
  Same concerns. Also cost, cost to replace the battery, cost for the car and repairability.

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