Member-only story
Driving Beyond Electric: Rethinking Our Green Roads
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become synonymous with green transportation. Their history dates back to the 19th century when inventors around the world tinkered with battery-powered vehicles. Yet, the gasoline engine, with its easy-to-source fuel and longer range, took precedence in the 20th century, relegating EVs to a niche status. Today, with renewed vigor and mounting environmental concerns, EVs have found their way back to the limelight.
However, recent skepticism surrounding the total green credentials of EVs has surfaced, and it’s not without merit. One major roadblock for many potential buyers is the sticker shock. Even with incentives and long-term fuel savings, the initial price of EVs remains prohibitive for many consumers.
Then there’s “range anxiety,” a term that has cropped up in many a conversation about electric cars. Consumers worry about getting stranded midway through their journey. The nascent charging infrastructure, especially in more rural areas, doesn’t quite alleviate those fears yet.
But perhaps the most surprising concern is the one tied to the very heart of the EV: the battery. It’s ironic that the component making these vehicles green could have a gray cloud over it. “The…
