Electric vehicles have proven that they can replace gasoline cars
On “Slow charging times put electric vehicles at risk” (June 8): I owned an electric vehicle (EV) last year. Yes, long electric vehicle trips are longer due to the charging times of electric vehicles compared to a gasoline vehicle, but the UT article does not emphasize that the average electric vehicle user enjoys the convenience of charging at home most of the time.
This goes without saying, users enjoy time savings as they never have to routinely stop at gas stations during their daily on-site commute. It is also noteworthy that no engine oil is changed every six months. These two advantages alone more than make up for the time lost at charging stations during longer car journeys. Add solar panels to your home and life really becomes very green!
Greg Bowerman
San Diego
Opinion Resources
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Hybrid cars are still the most logical choice
On “Electric vehicles have proven that they can replace gasoline cars” (June 17): Electric vehicles are a viable alternative for daily commuting. Beyond local use, their benefits are dwindling. Weekend getaways and family vacations are frustrated studies of where to “refuel”. Short term getaways are complicated by real fear. People need to know in advance if the charging station will fit their models.
For overnight stays, hotels have to be found with the right charger and enough of them.
Can I reserve the charger in advance? Can I unplug to go to the restaurant and still get my charger back to complete the charge? Do I have to get up in the middle of the night to move my car so that another overnight guest can be charged?
That’s the reality. E-cars make sense if they are charged overnight at home. Gasoline-powered hybrid vehicles remain the answer for most.
Kirk Bennett
Ocean side