path1 wrote:
rk911 wrote:
jfkmk wrote:
John & Angela wrote:
jfkmk wrote:
garyemunson wrote:
For the foreseeable future, I expect the cost of the chargers will be spread out over all the customers through higher prices at the businesses that supply free charging.
I agree this is what is probably happening, but I don't necessarily agree with. Why on earth should I subsidize someone else's transportation? Why should the store treat one customer better than another because of the type of car they drive?
I remember talking with an electric car owner at a restaurant. He said he taught at a university near where I worked. Knowing it was about a 100 mile round trip, I asked if he saw any real benefit to electric due to the high mileage of the commute. He told me he got to charge his car for free at the university. Great, so I was subsidizing his commute too (it was a state school). I really don't get subsidizing others like this.
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. I suppose the pretense is that an electric vehicle emits no pollution......
Perhaps, but don't forget the electricity needs to be generated somehow. Most electricity in the US is produced using coal and natural gas.
generally speaking, which process consumes more energy...producing the average gasoline powered vehicle or the average all-electric powered vehicle? anyone?
Where do old batteries go?
Very good question. The batteries are treated just like lead acid batteries and recycled. The difference is a lead acid battery is toxic waste if thrown in a landfill. A lithium battery found in an EV is considered largely inert although it would be a waste. The lithium in a battery is not consumed in a cars life. The anode and cathode yes. There is about four kilograms of lithium in a Nissan leaf battery.
The batteries are considered to last 8 to 15 years depending on environment and usage. hot climates like phoenix are hard on them). After 10 years they are expected to have about 70 percent of their original capacity. After they are taken out of use in a vehicle they are expected to continue to serve on as UPS batteries for home and office use. Speculation at this time is that their manufacture to recycle life will be anywhere from 15 to 35 years. Then they are completely recyclable as the Lithium is one hundred percent reusable. Following the lead story, there are very few lead mines left in the world because lead is essentially one hundred percent recycled.
Hope this helps. I am not an expert, just an enthusiast.
If you have the time, watch this video through. Very informative and food for discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxryv2XrnqM
