Should I Buy an Electric Car?
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Should I Buy an Electric Car?
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I Prayed
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Analysis. While president of the student body at Cleveland State University, I led the initiative for a healthy environment. Stopping pollution, cleaning up Lake Erie and raising awareness were top priorities.
Who is praying on the wall?
As a Christian the Bible directs us to be stewards of the earth (Gen.1:28). So, should we believe the Biden/Buttigieg Global Warming game plan emphasizing buying an electric vehicle?
The Bible tells us to “test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21). Pain sharpens perception as gas prices have gotten our attention. Recently the Biden Administration’s Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, said “Families who buy electric vehicles never have to worry about gas prices again!” Biden’s goal is “50% of U.S. car sales be electric vehicles by 2030.” Green New Deal zealots are ecstatic.
Not So Fast
Less than 6% of new sales are EV and of 250 million cars on the road, less than 1% are electric (Reuters Report: “The Long Road to Electric Cars”). Climate alarmists desperately want to do whatever they can to accelerate things. Seventeen million new cars are sold yearly and Pew Research shows “Half of American adults say they are unlikely to seriously purchase an electric vehicle.” With skyrocketing gas prices and inflation, telling folks to go out and get an EV is like telling a struggling renter, “Just go buy a house!”
Is it coincidental that gas and inflation are strangely being cited as reasons to reject fossil fuels and get with the Green New Deal agenda?
All this began when Biden caved to Climate Change activists and from day one halted the XL Pipeline and instituted new restrictions on harvesting oil. This strangled our energy industry and launched escalating prices from gas companies, truckers, supermarkets, retail stores and restaurants trapped in the supply and demand disaster.
Multitudes suspect this unfolding debacle is part of the radicalized Democrat Party’s plan to topple our free market capitalist society and transform it into a socialist system.
We’re told to “bite the bullet” and get with Big Government’s game plan emphasizing solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles (primarily powered by batteries made in Communist China!).
Are you ready to jump on board with Biden, Buttigieg, Al Gore, AOC, Pelosi and the rest of the “One World Government” social engineers?
I Tried an Electric Car
Recently a Wall Street Journal reporter, Rachel Wolfe, engaged in an experiment regarding electric vehicles. Her article was enlightening, “I Rented an Electric Car for a 4 Day Road Trip. I Spent More Time Charging It Than I Did Sleeping.” [6/3/22 WSJ]
Rachel and a friend chronicled their experience trying out a new Kia EVG driving from New Orleans to Chicago. They wanted to test the vehicle and the public charging infrastructure. It was an unpleasant experience.
Some of their problems were similar to issues other EV owners share.
1. Shorter driving range than anticipated resulting in “range anxiety.”
2. Under-delivery at charging stations.
3. Challenges with charging cords.
4. Scarcity of charging stations.
5. Wasted hours waiting to access charging stations.
6. Charging times (fully) – 2 to 3 hours.
7. Unanticipated battery drains due to changing highway speeds and differing altitudes.
8. Deceptive advertising promising “fast charges” that were inaccurate resulting in loss of hotel reservations.
9. Delays resulting in consuming lots of unwanted calories from junk food due to extended waiting periods.
10. Sacrificing sleep (just 4 hours on last night) having to check out early from hotel to make up time.
Other electric vehicle owners share what I’d call the “BIG ONE”: What do you do with inevitable vicissitude/unexpected occurrences along the way? An accident causing a backup. Road construction slowing and delaying traffic. Inclement weather causing slow moving traffic. It’s one thing when you discover your charger drained with a shaver, mower or iPhone but it’s another when it happens on the highway… alone… at night… stuck in the middle of nowhere. Gulp.
The Epoch Times recently reported (7/11/22):
- #1 reason not to buy EV – charging logistics
- #2 reason – miles EV can go
- #3 reason – cost
- #4 reason – no financial incentives
J.D. Powers reported: EV and plug-in hybrids have more problems (6/28/22 Epoch Times).
What’s in Your Wallet?
What about the expense, especially in times of unbelievable economic uncertainty? Pete Buttigieg (who is wealthy and aspires to be president) may not think twice about spending $50,000 – $60,000 for an electric vehicle but in these shaky times is that wisdom? It was hilarious that right after “Mayor Pete” posed with his new EV all “charged up and ready to go” Ford recalled all of his model with a defect in the “battery contactor.”
Also charging is not free – there are fees. Repairs/replacements are still necessary for essentials like batteries, blades, tires, brakes, etc. and you can’t simply go to your “local shop” as electric vehicles require specific maintenance and service procedures with high standards.
On the positive side, electric cars should save people money in the long run in addition to helping develop a cleaner environment. They have zero emissions, don’t need oil changes and probably are best for shorter travel around town versus longer trips.
The Kelley Blue Book said the average price of a new EV was about $55,000 as of November last year. There are some basic models for $30,000 – $40,000 (be aware that additional “items” add considerable cost to the base price!); some SUVs and pick up trucks come in at around $40,000 and up; and, there are nicer models from $45,000 to $100,000.
Count the Cost
Jesus instructed us in any venture to “count the cost” (Lk. 14:28). We should never operate out of fear which Climate Change/Green New Deal zealots capitalize upon (I encourage you to read “10 Reasons to Reject Al Gore’s Phony Baloney Climate Sequel”).
We are to “owe no man anything” (Rom. 13:8) so we shouldn’t go into debt nor hope for government handouts making us more dependent upon them which is what “progressive” socialists want! Brian Deese, Biden’s National Economic Council Director, said on June 30, 2022: “High gas prices are part of the future of the liberal world order, and we have to stand firm.”
Here’s the deal: Examining the track record of Biden, Buttigieg and their Big Government band, I prefer to wait and watch how technology will make improvements with electric vehicles before I would ever take the plunge. In the meantime, pray that God has mercy on our nation and gives us godly leaders to lead us into a cleaner future where even China and India (the two worst polluters in the world) do their part.
What do you think of electric vehicles? Share your thoughts and prayers below.
Larry Tomczak is a cultural commentator of 46 yrs, Intercessors for America board member, best-selling author and a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. His innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (see www.bullseyechallenge.com). Hear his weekly podcast here. Photo Credit: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash.
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We owned an EV called the Miles from 2008 to 2014. It was a short-trip car governed at 35 mph, and legally, we could drive it on roads with 45 mph posted. I think we paid $20K for it.
Its range was only about 50 miles, less when it was cold and on hilly terrain. We lived in an eastern suburb of Seattle that had numerous hills. Plus, the weather is cool. I often experienced “range anxiety.” But it was fun to tootle around it running close by errands. Such driving is hard on a gasoline engine.
The car body was a simple Korean four-door car with roll-down windows (not electric) and no extras. We had to chose between heat or driving range, making the car a cold ride at times. There was no air conditioning. When we backed up, it made an annoying beeping sound. We tried to put a stereo in it, but Car Toys couldn’t get one to work. A quiet drive is a good time to pray.
We started out with lead acid batteries and they blew out. So, we had to convert to lithium. That was expensive. During the last year we owned it, we let it sit for a few months. This killed the batteries and we gave it to the car dealership when we moved to a rural area where most of the roads were 50 mph.
I know newer EVs perform better than this, but they do not work for long-distance driving. One wouldn’t have worked for me as a college student. First, I wouldn’t have been able to afford one and second, it would take longer to drive the 300 miles to get home.
My husband believes EVs are great as a supplement car, like having an RV or an old truck for hauling stuff occasionally. They are great for short trips and some commuting. But people still need to have gas/diesel engines for long trips. Construction workers or traveling salesmen would find EVs very frustrating as the article describes. Mid to low income people can’t afford them currently.
Some single person EVs that function like enclosed motorcycles have existed that would be great for single-person commutes. But these haven’t taken off in the market. My husband thinks that this style of EV would be better than the family size EVs that are being produced. But still as a secondary car.
i remember Larry Tomczak at CSI in 1071 assistant to Professor Srail speech class. i also participated in some of his on campus prayer meetings. Also remember his high school rock band, Lost Souls at Padua dances
Why it’s not given the proper attention, research and investment to hybrid cars?
Over 2 yrs ago I bought a full electric Mini Cooper. At that time we received $10,000 in federal tax credit and state rebate. We live in suburbia, where everything you need is just minutes away. With our lifestyle, this car has worked out very well for us. We are retired so have no commute. The car is only used around town. My wife has her gas powered car used for long trips. The back seats are useless, so are kept folded down all the time, making it a hatchback. When I am not using it my wife takes it. It only has a range of 110 miles on a full charge, but since we never take it on long distance trips, it is not an issue. We live in Calif. and have solar. So when charging in the day, the electricity costs nothing. Charging on the standard 110 volt circuit, it can take 12 hours to fully charge. I installed a 220v circuit and it takes about 3 hours to charge. Overall we are very happy with the car. It is a blast to drive and parking in the smaller parking spaces of today is so easy. No regrets about the purchase. But, I would not buy an electric if I had to do a lot of traveling every day. It would be too inconvenient.
I love my Nissan Leaf. Bought it less than two years old for 30 K. It had 2000 miles on it. I paid less than $600 to have a 220 V outlet put in my garage, so I pull up close to the garage door and run the charging cord under the garage door into my “tank“ to fill it up once every eight or 10 days. I agree that it’s best for around town use.
I’ve taken it twice on a two hour trip that required charging once I arrived. I found an unused charging station at a car dealership, parked the car there and took an Uber several minutes to the home I was visiting. I’m not sure I would take it across the country unless I was open for multiple adventures!
I suspect range anxiety was The reason the prior owner gave up his EV, but I personally enjoy the challenge of seeing how low I can take the battery before I recharge it. I’ve heard of people recharging their car every day, but I’ve been told it’s best to let it drain and I always go under 10 miles before charging.
Father, Nimrod, Pharaoh, Caesar seem to be worshipped. You alone are Most High God. You are now, You always have been and You always will be.
EV cars leave a huge carbon foot print by just strip mining for material to construct the batteries. The batteries can’t be recycled.
Mercy and wisdom Father! Praise your name that you are helping us and revealing information we need to know! Bring down the god of climate change! Praise your name.
Never will purchase an electric vehicle. I like to travel expediently.
There are hidden costs of electric cars, mainly due to the mining.
Hi! I love fossil fuels and think it’s entirely evil & mean-spirited that this administration is not allowing us to be energy independent based on this Climate hysteria. Some studies report we have 200+ years of energy here in the US alone!
I do think EV will make significant strides in the next year or so. The 4-day trip scenario is not the right example to give. A hybrid would be great or if you have an EV, rent a hybrid or fully gas car for that type of trip. EV ranges will soon be nearly 750 miles+ and that’s going to change everything.
Nevertheless, even todays EV will save money around town. If you need a car, look at used hybrids. I don’t know how much longer this debacle is going to last. If you can get a used hybrid at nearly the same price as the full gas car, it will help during this unprecedented hardship. Lord, give us wisdom in buying cars. You have the right vehicles for each family that will be a blessing. Amen.
Bless everyone!!
“My people parish for lack of knowledge.” Need to develop discernment and a more intimate relationship with Jesus through hi word. That still small voice saying, “This is the way…” A great resource concerning EV “Clean Energy Explotations” written by Ronald Stein.
Check with the experts, research electric car engineering and battery manufacturing. When you do you will find that an EV has twice the environmental footprint of an equivillent fossil fuel car. This is fact! These EV’s are built almost completely with exotic materials (carbon & magnesium to reduce weight etc) that are toxic, expensive and at this point there is no approved safe disposal method of Lithium batteries. The batteries alone require thousands’s of tons, yes thousands of tons of raw ore and materials just to build one battery. Most of these materials come from 3rd world countries using near or complete slave labor. Lithium mining in America is illegal because of its extreme toxicity and environmental safety issues. Guess who owns 90% of the worlds lithium? Starts with a C and your first guess is correct. Wind and solar farms are no better, expensive and environmentally unfriendly. And very poor producers of energy. One wind turbine requires 300 gals of oil per year to run. & has a 1.7 acre foot print. Blades last 20 years and there is no approved disposal method for them.. Solar panels, the majority of which come from C are no better. On and on,, and on. The climate change myth is nothing more than a global power and control grab. I would never consider an EV. And as the story indicates there would be a huge drain on an already over burdened electrical grid. And this with huge reduction in coal power plants. It’s a blind leading the blind pipe dream at best. And global tyranny, control and destruction at worst. Our answer lies with Jesus. Pray saints, pray! And don’t stop! An entirely safe and environmentally friendly answer to these issues. God is in control through the prayers and work of His people.
So true! The insanity is where do they think the electricity comes from. I recently washed a car manufacturer standing outside the building and the reporter asked her when you plug it in where does the electricity comes from. She had a kind of a blank look, and then she said from the building! Really!
Truth. The New Deal is a Trojan horse meant to destroy our country and our way of life which God has blessed us with.
Interesting that not only these car batteries, but also solar panels and wind turbines are made in China – and they are a top polluter along with India. Making these batteries is very bad for the environment and disposing of them far worse. But the really big question is – what powers the charging stations necessary to keep these vehicles operational? Do we not know that this is fossil fuel? The very thing we are being told is bad and must be done away with. Power grids around the country at present often have rolling brownouts and blackouts during times of peak demand (extreme heat or cold) because they can’t support current demand. We are at less than 1% electric cars at present – at even 5% EVs our power grids cannot support this! EV’s do not make us less dependent on fossil fuels – we will need them to charge the batteries of our cars or we will not be able to drive anywhere. and if the power grid goes down – same thing – no car. This is not about the environment – it is about control. We will not be able to drive far without stopping for 2-3 hours each time the battery runs low. Not exactly the fill up the gas tank and be on your way we have been used to in the past. We have made fossil fuel cleaner and cleaner (even coal) over the years. It is affordable, this is a created crisis, closing the pipeline and not letting us use our own natural resources but buy it from our enemies instead, all decisions designed to collapse our economy and make us dependent on government. We need to open the pipeline and drilling, (putting many back to work) and close the border. Biden did just the opposite. These EV batteries and all these charging stations are going to be bad for the environment and an unnecessary drain on our power grid. Why use fossil fuel to charge the car battery when we can just put it directly into the car and save the extra steps of buying batteries made in China that destroy the environment and of building charging stations that our power grid cannot support – so then we run the risk of losing power for our homes (heating, cooling, appliances etc.) – it is a created crisis – causing unnecessary harm – we need to become energy independent again – we have the capability. Our government is attempting to destroy us by destroying our economy and our ability to work and be independent. We were founded for freedom, freedom to worship God. When we return to our firm foundation – Almighty God – perhaps we will find the strength and courage to stand up and stand firm for the freedoms God blessed us with in the past. God is our sure foundation – our only hope. http://www.mtothe5th.wordpress.com
Father in the name of your son Jesus, show your people the lies that are made to enslave your people. Amen
This is just one more way to take control of our liberties. None of the green solutions to the Green agenda hold up to close scrutiny. This article unpacks some simple wisdom that any buyer should know and questions they should ask. The other Green energy replacements need the same scrutiny. Windmills have problems; the blades need replaced often and cannot be recycled. They kill large amounts of birds. Solar panels use highly toxic chemicals. All of this if people were learning about the real impact of these Green products were, they would not buy them. Their lies will not hold up.
Father, I ask you to expose the truth about the real reason for the “Green” agenda.
In Jesus name, Amen.
How is the electrity produced? How much does it cost to charge an EV? What about the battery production ? Is it climate friendly to produce? What happens to the used batteries? So many questions not being addressed
18And the nations (Gentiles) became enraged, and Your wrath and indignation came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and [the time came] to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints (God’s people) and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and [the time came] to destroy the destroyers of the earth.”
God eventually will deal with the people who are purposely destroying our planet.
The use or electric vehicles is a step backwards not forwards. After battery vehicles will come hydrogen vehicles etc. Mandating change has been the mark of the communist party. Allowing a free market with free thinking elections keeps the tyrants away since they they are limited by the amount of power they can accumulate benefiting themselves. Thank you for our form of government Lord and our ancestors.
I heard yesterday that governments were urging people with electric cars not to charge their cars because the heat wave was requiring a lot of electric putting extra pressure on the grid. God, I trust in You and not silly humans.
Great article. I just think that until all problems are processed and alternatives are found, that EVs are not ready for the roads much less my pocket book. There are way too many questions while owning an EV and the disposal of the battery and other parts.
Dear LORD,
Let truth come upon people on this land and pour out your Spirit on all flesh!
How can one leave a city in CA with a fire or earthquake if their electric car is not charged up?
I read an article about a family here in Florida who bought their 17 year old daughter a used 2014 Ford Focus EV for $11,000. After about 6 months, the battery would not recharge. Replacement cost was $14K, but was not available.
Buyer beware of the used EV, it may cost you more in the long run and what does that do to the depreciation of a new car? Why would you want to used EV if it’s battery life is short?
See also current congressman Massie dialog on HIGH electric cost to charge EV batteries. https://rumble.com/v1cvdil-the-truth-behind-electric-cars-exposed.html
Excellent article with wisdom from above. Thank you!
The current electric vehicles do not solve environmental problems AND some countries use child labor to find supplies. https://www.motorbiscuit.com/ev-car-batteries-destroy-environment-violate-human-rights/
The thing everyone forgets to mention about electric vehicles is the lump sum payment of thousands of dollars for a new battery in a few years. This could outweigh all the “savings” on gas. And how is it environmentally responsible to dispose of those batteries? And, finally, how is the electricity being produced to charge those batteries? The pollution is just being moved to someone else’s backyard instead of your own. And it exacerbates the already shaky electric grid that we see in some areas of the country,
There’s nothing “green “ about this deal at all.
And landfill space. They’re already pulling their hair out how to dispose of aging out solar panels and windmill blades.
And disposal of batteries also. The little flashlight ones are toxic.. wait till they add a battery disposal fee to your money-saving cars.
The information on EV has been very valuable for myself in prayer, and helping others.
We can pray for many things while ignoring the elephant in the room.
Will Biden make it two more years?
Potential chaos soon unless covered in prayer.
But Pete, the working family is being killed by induced inflation.
Pete-let them eat cake reply.
Buy the most expensive vehicles out there.
That’ll solve your problems.
I currently have a hybrid vehicle. But I would not buy an all electric car. The battery gets great gas mileage in the city, but when you hit the highway it looses its charge. Since I have a hybrid I have a gas engine as well and that keeps me going no matter how far I have to travel. Gas refills are fast, whereas charging takes hours Hybrids are the way to go if you want to go electric.