Powering Down

I’m still not convinced that electric cars are the way to go in the quest to solve the energy crisis. I can see the short-term effects for the environment. There’ll be less machines sending greenhouse gases into the air, making our streets cleaner in urban areas. But these machines are sure to give off heat which will only add to local temperatures. We’ll also need more methods to power these vehicles; which will put a greater strain on our power stations and their environment. We’ll still need a greener way to produce power to keep these vehicles moving. We’ll need mobile power units for when these cars fail; which will be much more awkward than asking for a friend to bring out a tankard of gas. Of course, in these instances it could just mean more towing; but we also need to ensure that people are towing safely. Or will be there a new car design which means that changing a car battery will be as easy as changing a light bulb?