Mayor Bloomberg has decided to build an extensive infrastructure of
electric vehicle charging stations throughout the boros of NYC.
Essentially, parking spaces would be set up to accommodate
charging electric vehicles. There are powerful trends driving this decision.
For instance, electric vehicle (EVs) batteries are undergoing a significant learning
curve as did the MOS/LSI chips with electronic calculators. Now EVs are cheaper
to drive than gas vehicles since electricity costs less per driver mile than
gasoline.
Throughout this century, oil supplies will be depleting and the practicality of
EVs will be even more evident. Besides being more cost effective, EV charging
at parking spaces will provide a much needed economic boost to neighborhoods
throughout the boros.
Sales of plug-in vehicles have been growing steadily in recent years as the
population in the United States gets larger and the retiree population begins
to explore cheaper alternatives to the gas guzzlers now on the road.
Since more people are expected to adopt EVs as a viable alternative in
the coming years, the electronic neighborhood infrastructure must be
put into place to service the tremendous demand. In addition, EVs are
cheaper to maintain since they are lighter with a simpler design for
access by mechanics.
Power generating companies like overnight charging of electric
vehicles. The reason is that the overnight charging stabilizes the
distribution system so that the load is not experienced all at one time.
There is a dual benefit for consumers. The migration to EVs will
begin to reduce the demand for gasoline thereby lowering gas prices
proportionately. In addition, battery electrics require very little
servicing beyond tires and wiper blades.
There is even a benefit for consumers in the aftermath of major
storms. As seen with Hurricane Sandy, distribution gas outlets
were down for weeks after the storm while electric power was
restored on a more timely basis.
In addition, gasoline is flammable at the fill-up station.
This is the reason motorists are asked to shut off their running engines
while filling up. In addition, patrons are asked not to smoke while
filling up in order to reduce the likelihood of explosions at the pump.
Clearly, the safety advantages of EV charging at parking spaces
are vastly improved over the dangers of filling up at the gasoline pump.
Improvements to the solar energy technology this century will make
EV fill ups at parking spaces even cheaper because the energy source
(the sun) is virtually costless and limitless.
Electric vehicles are here to stay. The cost benefits and ease of
maintenance far outweighs the conventional gas guzzlers at the
gas pump and repair service stations. Mayor Bloomberg's
decision to go ahead with EV infrastructure construction at parking
spaces is farsighted and clearly in the public interest.
Credits: First Published on Blogcritics
