The case for electric cars is to reduce the use of fossil fuels and stop the progression of global warming. It’s essential we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but we need a viable, affordable solution that doesn’t come with hidden problems that will cause future changes. After all it was only about 15 years ago we were encouraged to switch to diesel engines.

Right now changing the 2012 diesel 4×4, my husband and I share, for an electric car isn’t a viable option. With an 89 year old Dad living alone 165 miles away being able to jump in the car and drive there in any weather should my Dad need me isn’t a viable option. Imagine having to queue to recharge at a motorway service station if your loved one is critically ill and you want to be with them. There are other sacrifices I’d make first to save the planet.

Aside from the impracticalities of the mileage capacity of current car batteries, I need answers to the following:

  • What will happen to all the vehicles powered by fossil fuels when they reach the end of their life? Will they be recycled? Are facilities being planned to recycle as much of the vehicle as possible to minimise what goes to landfill?
  • Electric cars are heavier so will be more damaging to our potholed roads. What additional budget has the Government/shadow party allocated to maintain our roads?
  • Particulate pollutants from vehicles isn’t limited to the exhaust. Our tyres and brake pads create particulate matter as they wear. Heavier electric cars will surely produce more particulate matter per mile as heavier vehicles will be harder on tyres and need more braking to stop. This aspect of particulate pollution has conveniently been overlooked. Why?
  • How will we deal with electric car batteries when they need replacing?
  • Is longevity really being looked into when cars are developed? It certainly isn’t with mobile phones as in less than 3 years my iPhone battery is needing a 2nd new battery. Built-in obsolescence is still a challenge in all sectors.

There are many more questions so we’ll stick with what we’ve got. Minimise journeys, continue to support independent, local retailers and keep our fingers crossed our ageing vehicle keeps going until there’s a viable alternative.