This is kinda true. In the US current electricity production is 66% coal and Gas based. In the UK that’s less than 50%. The more fossil fuels that are used to produce electricity the lower the environmental benefit of driving electric. However, we should be applying maximum pressure on our politicians to reduce the fossil fuels used in all electricity production as every lilettle reduction will have a positive impact on the environment.
Now, Hybrids. While he’s not wrong that at lower speeds the hugely inefficient internal combustion engine is replaced by a significantly more efficient battery/motor combination. What he’s missed is where this electricity comes from. Either, at higher speeds the power from the engine has to create electricity (even less efficient) or you need to have regenerative braking sufficient to cover the loss in stored power from the last use. Neither option reads particularly well in terms of efficiency and being better than just having a ICE that switches off when not in use. The plug in hybrid stores energy from the grid, which he’s already declared unfit.
My view is that electricity production needs to improve to be more suitable for our future, regardless of vehicle usage. In terms of vehicles, ICE is destined to become almost extinct, classics and a few specialist vehicles will still need petrol but a long term ‘renewable’ fuel is difficult to justify. The current plan on a renewable diesel uses the same palm oil that has been declared so detrimental to the future of the environment for all the current uses.
Hybrids, especially the ‘self charging’ ones are flawed and often used only as a selling gimmick for corporate purchasers to save tax payments. Plug in hybrids have the benefit of being able to actually travel for a reasonable distance on pure electricity which could cover an entire commute or populated area part of that journey.
The current issues facing the BEV isn’t fuel source but a two fold problem. Firstly the charging network is trying to keep up with expanding sales, not trying to stay infront of them. That means there will be times when people both need a charge and can’t get one because chargers are fully utilised and there’s a queue. The other is purchase price. For those paying in full, that’s an incredibly large outlay up front. For those leasing/financing the end result is still high monthly payments. Even for Motability customers there’s that AP which in some cases will buy a second hand car outright.
As an EV driver, I can vouch that the driving experience is well suited to those with restricted mobility, single pedal driving, multiple driving aids and a smooth delivery of power which makes for a more relaxing journey. The running costs are, comparitively, hugely beneficial. There’s very little to go wrong in the battery – motor drive chain, you use the brakes much less with regnenerative braking and then it’s all the usual things that last a good while on any car. Fuel (electricity) is cheaper unless you are forced to charge at the most expensive rapid chargers and if you have the luxury of 7KW charging at home on a variable or EV tariff you can get by on a couple of pennies per mile, if you can utilise free chargers at retail centres, that goes further down.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.
Mark