How the rise of electric cars endangers the ‘last frontier’ of the Philippines

[Dashinka 24,726]

Zero emissions?  I do love a little of the editorializing here as they try to walk the fine line between making EVs look bad and promoting EVs.

 

How the rise of electric cars endangers the ‘last frontier’ of the Philippines

 

With the demand for nickel skyrocketing, the Rio Tuba mine is now on the brink of expanding deeper into the rainforest, adding almost 10 square miles to its current footprint. Local environmentalists fear that it will wipe out the forest’s fragile ecosystem and increase toxic runoff into the rivers that flow past the farmland down below, jeopardizing the crops.

 

“What is at stake there is the life and survival of the people in the communities,” said Grizelda Mayo-Anda, an environmental lawyer and professor in Palawan.

 

Electric cars are hailed as a climate-friendly alternative to the gas-guzzling vehicles that have long ruled America’s roads. Experts agree that they create a lower carbon footprint than traditional cars. 

 

But the controversy over the planned mine expansion highlights an often overlooked reality: manufacturing electric cars, even when done responsibly, still takes a toll on the environment.

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/rise-of-electric-cars-endangers-last-frontier-philippines/index.html

[LIBrty4all 3,754]

Though they have been trying to become mainstream ever since 1828, they have failed to do so.  Not sure if our generations will see the transformation happen, but change is not always for the best.  Only time will tell.

[Dashinka 24,726]

The EV acolytes that are telling everyone they must buy one of these do not seem to care of the environmental damage being done to make their dreams a reality.

[jg121783 3,921]

I have nothing against electric cars. In fact I think it would be fun to own one. But the fact of the matter is they aren't any more environmentally friendly than gas powered cars. In fact if you put all the carbon paranoia aside they are probably worse for the environment than gas powered cars.

[Boiler 45,931]

I expect most new vehicles will be EV  by the end of the decade. I agree that there are consequences which seem to be mainly ignored.

[Dashinka 24,726]

2 hours ago, jg121783 said:

I have nothing against electric cars. In fact I think it would be fun to own one. But the fact of the matter is they aren't any more environmentally friendly than gas powered cars. In fact if you put all the carbon paranoia aside they are probably worse for the environment than gas powered cars.

Overall, EVs can be more environmentally friendly as they do minimize tailpipe emissions depending on the source for the electricity.  The thing that no one seems to remember is that cars also emit quite a bit of hydrocarbons from things such as plastics, rubbers, adhesives, noise deadening material, etc.  Now those have been reduced to some extent over time which is why we don't notice that "New Car Smell" much anymore, but it is still there and EVs use more plastics and adhesives than current vehicles.

 

That being said, there is a market for EVs for several use cases, but they will not work for everyone especially for those that only own one vehicle.  Also, even though operating costs may be lower, when you calculate the payback period of comparable ICE and EVs vehicles, the current price difference dwarfs the operating cost savings by several years.  This is one of the biggest reasons we won't get an EV for my wife even though her driving habits would fit one as she wants the same comfort and convenience features she currently has today and that would cost $10-15k more.

[LIBrty4all 3,754]

All great points about EVs.  Fun to drive as a 2nd vehicle, and I'd probably buy one today if I had any sort of need for a 2nd (daily driver) car.

The other big hurdle after the price point variance is the infrastructure needed to support them.  Can you imagine what 2-3 million new EVs in CA or TX would do to the electric grid in the summertime right now?

Edited December 10, 2021 by LIBrty4all

[Boiler 45,931]

Just look what is coming out of China, it will not be long before prices are comparable.

[Nature Boy 2.0 8,378]

39 minutes ago, Boiler said:

I expect most new vehicles will be EV  by the end of the decade. I agree that there are consequences which seem to be mainly ignored.

Most will be hybrid, not necessarily   full EV.  Toyota is predicting   70% hybrid by 2030

[Nature Boy 2.0 8,378]

16 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

Overall, EVs can be more environmentally friendly as they do minimize tailpipe emissions depending on the source for the electricity.  The thing that no one seems to remember is that cars also emit quite a bit of hydrocarbons from things such as plastics, rubbers, adhesives, noise deadening material, etc.  Now those have been reduced to some extent over time which is why we don't notice that "New Car Smell" much anymore, but it is still there and EVs use more plastics and adhesives than current vehicles.

 

That being said, there is a market for EVs for several use cases, but they will not work for everyone especially for those that only own one vehicle.  Also, even though operating costs may be lower, when you calculate the payback period of comparable ICE and EVs vehicles, the current price difference dwarfs the operating cost savings by several years.  This is one of the biggest reasons we won't get an EV for my wife even though her driving habits would fit one as she wants the same comfort and convenience features she currently has today and that would cost $10-15k more.

price points for hybrid vs non hybrid are narrowing considerably every year 

[Boiler 45,931]

I am sure there will be hybrids but can not see them being a significant part of the marker.

[LIBrty4all 3,754]

9 minutes ago, Boiler said:

I am sure there will be hybrids but can not see them being a significant part of the marker.

I agree.  Several new car companies making EVs, combined with the normal ones jumping onboard.

 

Then again, the way I have picked my stocks, hybrids may well be the ONLY car everyone is driving by 2025.

Edited December 10, 2021 by LIBrty4all

[Nature Boy 2.0 8,378]

14 minutes ago, Boiler said:

I am sure there will be hybrids but can not see them being a significant part of the marker.

Politely disagree. All Sienna and Venza are 100 Hybrid. even the Tundra is going to have a Hybrid option for  22.

Also the Prius Prime and RAV 4 primes are plug in hybrids 25 miles and 42 miles respectively on EV mode only.  I suspect the EV only ranges will increase but have a motor for backup.

 

I am only repeating what the Toyota executives are planning for 

[Dashinka 24,726]

1 hour ago, LIBrty4all said:

I agree.  Several new car companies making EVs, combined with the normal ones jumping onboard.

 

Then again, the way I have picked my stocks, hybrids may well be the ONLY car everyone is driving by 2025.

When people start taking delivery of those EV trucks, hitch up their trailer and have to stop after 150 miles to recharge, we will see what happens.  

[Dashinka 24,726]

1 hour ago, Nature Boy 2.0 said:

Politely disagree. All Sienna and Venza are 100 Hybrid. even the Tundra is going to have a Hybrid option for  22.

Also the Prius Prime and RAV 4 primes are plug in hybrids 25 miles and 42 miles respectively on EV mode only.  I suspect the EV only ranges will increase but have a motor for backup.

 

I am only repeating what the Toyota executives are planning for 

I agree, Toyota and to some extent Honda and Nissan are still running the hybrid game.  I think Ford is also staying with hybrid for a time at least as they are taking a little more wait and see approach to going full EV.