Climate change and the positives of electric vehicles
An electric vehicle at a charging station in Long Beach, Calif. Credit: AP/Damian Dovarganes
Beware: This planet could face disaster
President Donald Trump’s comments to the United Nations on climate change show a lack of knowledge on what is happening [“Trump warns on migration, green energy,” News, Sept. 24].
The president should realize that the planet is close to a tipping point:
Large parts of the Amazon rainforest are on the verge of producing more carbon dioxide than they are absorbing.
The arctic is rapidly losing more ice and could trigger rising oceans.
The oceans are warming, and their circulation patterns could change.
The planet is under stress. Trump should not ignore the environmental disasters that we could face.
— William Lemmey, Astoria, Queens
Look at positive side of adopting EVs
I follow electric vehicles and now own one. I’m excited to adapt after 50 years “Open EV-charging data, and drivers will come,” Opinion, Sept. 17].
While I fully agree with Elaine Buckberg that public chargers should provide real-time status and other articles that identify a host of EV challenges, they sometimes set a negative tone. This may in of itself slow adoption and create anxiety.
While other technologies could replace gas vehicles, EVs are the solution of choice around the world. It appears the United States is falling behind in EV adoption.
One of the first things to identify when considering an EV is: Can I charge at home and how many miles do I drive on an average day? If yes to charge at home and drive less than 150 miles per day, then these challenges being expressed are overly hyped.
Many EVs now have a range of nearly 300 miles — more for new models — and may charge at least 250 miles overnight after eight hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
Imagine when you leave home you have a “full tank of fuel.” Or not having to often stop for gas and needing to use public charging only occasionally.
— James Santangelo, Stony Brook
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