This month we heard an interesting National Public Radio program about electric vehicles and the planning process to expand their potential.
The focus is a nationwide effort to establish a system of charging stations along interstate highways, with charging stations approximately 50 miles apart. This includes the goal of being able to travel long distances on electricity.
There was only one thing about this program that disappointed me. Reporters have repeatedly opposed the idea of focusing investment in electric vehicles in big cities, where the number of drivers is highest.
I usually find NPR reports to be insightful. Much better than many out there. It helps a lot in refuting nonsense and misinformation.
The electric car interview was a rare instance of an NPR spokesperson seeming to stick with a bold new idea.
Interstate highways were built on a 1950s vision. They were created with the belief that future societies will be more mobile.
It has brought overall benefits to many rural communities. Gas stations, restaurants, motels, and sometimes other businesses sprang up next to freeways.
Nearly 70 years later, electric vehicles could spur strong reinvestment. It’s important to start the planning process now so you can implement it as the technology evolves.
There is still a lot of skepticism about electric cars. The issue continues to be raised that performance may not be measured.
Some are concerned about their ability to function in cold climates. Others point to questions about maintenance his cost and life of mechanical parts. Conventional gas-powered engines have a more comfortable level.
Still, electric vehicles are unlikely to go away. They are driven by the high costs of relying on foreign oil and increasing evidence that we are in the midst of climate change.
Massive wildfires in the West, flooding in various locations, and severe storms in coastal states all indicate that human factors are contributing to the rapidly changing conditions.
The Earth has undergone natural cycles before, but no known major change in conditions within 50 years. Evidence is added with each new occurrence of severe weather events.
This suggests a fundamental change in the way we consume resources. It starts with reducing emissions from passenger cars. Extending beyond metropolitan areas, the impact is even greater.
Rural areas should not decline to the point of becoming overflying country or turning into water buffalo commons.
In return, it has the potential to provide better living conditions for more people. Especially as computer technology reaches its full potential, allowing more employees to work from anywhere.
One day, it might make sense to have zero-growth zones in city centers. Urban sprawl and inter-suburb commuting create transportation problems and worsen the quality of life for millions of commuters.
A lot of fuel is wasted in traffic jams. Many people spend an hour or more each day traveling to and from work. After a long day, they often want to relax at home.
These lifestyle reasons may increase demand for alternatives. The fact that our resources are limited makes electric vehicles and rural vitality all the more important. We need measures to help preserve the planet for future generations.
— Jim Muchlinski is a longtime reporter and contributor for the Marshall Independent.
.
Comments
Post a Comment