This morning, the BBC reported that eight car making groups have won a £25 million grant from the government to fund the next generation of greener, cleaner cars. Manufacturers such as Peugeot, Toyota, Mini and Mitsubishi have all begun creating a range of cars which will form the next step in low carbon technology.
The new generation of electric cars will be able to drive up to 80 miles when fully charged, and the cars will take 6 hours to charge fully. Although the current £20,000 starting price for the least expensive car in the range may be prohibitive, the technological improvements will ensure electric vehicles become a tempting option to many more people.
But are electric cars really as green as they are made out to be? Until the grid they run off becomes more sustainable, they are only marginally more environmentally friendly than their petrol counterparts. But the government investment does indicate a significant commitment to replacing our gas guzzlers with a greener alternative. What do you think; is this just greenwash from car manufacturers or is a significant step forward for the UK’s drivers?
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As always a “Chicken and Egg” situation. Not only for charging points but also energy use.
Until we as consumers start insisting on and paying the extra for “Greener” power it won’t be there in any great significance. However, how green is even renewable energy? How much high-grade steel, electronics (including heavy metals) or environmental disturbance is involved in building multiple wind turbines for example?
Comparisons could go on and on and all they do is deter manufacturers AND consumers from making that move forward. We shouldn’t try and confuse the situation and over think it…wind power, solar energy and even nuclear (ok, you can hit me now) are greener than fossal fuels.
I’m off now to build my back garden Gobar Gas System unit…