Finally electric and hybrid cars are becoming mainstream to help reduce our need for fossil fuels. Your aging gas guzzler is falling apart and you are considering trading it in for an electric or hybrid vehicle.  Go for it!  Why not drive a less polluting alternative? 

But here are some situations where you might want to think twice…

1. Manufacturing an electric vehicle uses far more energy and produce higher levels of greenhouse carbon than in the manufacture regular car. As they have to be ligher in weight this requires the extraction of high performing metals.

Manufacturing a mid-sized EV with an 84-mile range results in about 15 percent more emissions than manufacturing an equivalent gasoline vehicle. For larger, longer-range EVs that travel more than 250 miles per charge, the manufacturing emissions can be as much as 68 percent higher.

The Union of Concerned Scientists

2. Your existing gas vehicle gets good mileage and is in good working order.

To give a gross example of what I’m talking about with electric vehicles, consider the new 2021 electric Hummer, GMC’s so called green electric toy in this article.

3. You really can’t afford it! There are many other means to help climate change rather than purchasing an electric vehicle. Consider a more plant-based diet.  Consume less stuff.  Buy used!

4. Are you on a coal-fired electric grid?  Using fossil fuels to generate electricity for your vehicle reduces its emissions advantage.

5. Are there enough charging stations around you for your needs?  Consider dealing with charging station anxiety if you are going for an all electric vehicle.

6. If you are considering this purchase only to save money on fuel- You will save money and reduce CO2 emissions but it will take years to equal out that cost with the purchase price.

7. The production and disposal of lithium batteries are creating a new set of environmental and human rights problems that you should be aware of.

8. You don’t drive very much- Your purchase won’t make much of an impact on air quality.

There’s no perfect solution when it comes to driving cars.  Do what’s best for you considering all the above.  Go green when you can. When it comes down to it, no car is the best car but few of us can manage that in this modern age.