Ok I agree with the idea of forcing car manufactures to increase their average fleet mileage, but I question the idea that electric cars are going to be good for people.  Let me say I’m speaking of specifically the fully electric versions out there not hybrids.

The reason I have issues with large amounts of electric cars out there is the idea of where are you getting the power from to fuel the cars?  50% of US power generation is from coal.  So depending on mileage improvements, where your power comes from and battery life cycle emissions you might actually be better off buying a gas powered or hybrid car instead of a fully electric car.  (For an interesting discussion related to this read here).

Ironic isn’t it.  People will consider their cars emission free, but ignore the fact their power company had to burn more coal to keep the car on the road.  I’m not against electric cars, I just think people need to consider where their power comes from before buying one.  In Canada good choices include BC, Quebec who have large hydroelectric power sources and Ontario will be a good choice post 2014 once they shut down the coal fired units.  On the other hand buying one right now in SK or AB is just plain dumb since most of the power comes from coal.

So good ahead be ‘green’ if you want, but please consider the content of your decision before buying one of these electric cars.