‘Green’ California Finalizes Ban on Sale of Gas-Powered Cars, Third of US Auto Market Likely to Follow – Opinion

The latest episode of The No-Longer-Golden State of California…

It’s “almost” like California Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom is Try to drive out — literally — the remaining sane people of the beautiful yet whacked-out state. For non-Californians, that’s not the worst of it.

California regulators will vote on Thursday to implement a comprehensive plan to limit and eventually ban sales of gasoline-powered vehicles. This move was described by Newsom as “the beginning of the end of the internal combustion engine,” according to the New York Times. To put the “green” insanity into perspective, only 12 percent of passenger vehicles currently sold in California are electric-powered vehicles. (EVs)

Even worse — for tens of millions of American fortunate Not to Live in California — the ban, scheduled to take effect by 2035, will likely speed a wider transition to electric vehicles as multiple states are expected to follow the lead and pass similar bans. Given that 12 states already follow California’s emission “standards,” if just those 12 states follow the ban — and most if not all are expected to, per The Times — gas-powered passenger vehicles would likely be banned in about a third of the U.S. auto market.

Margo Oge, an electric vehicles expert who headed the Environmental Protection Agency’s transportation emissions program under Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, called the ban “huge,” per The Times.

This is big. This will be a huge boost to the market and innovation.

It will. If the average price difference between EVs & similarly-based, gas-powered vehicles continues, this will drive an untold number of Americans into financial difficulty.

John Bozzella, president of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation told The Times that California’s goal will be “extremely challenging.”:

These external factors, such as inflation, fuel infrastructure and charging, supply chain, labor and critical minerals availability, pricing and pricing, will determine whether or not they are feasible or realistic.

Obviously, Mr. Bozzella is unfairly resorting to facts, data, logic, and common sense —  a no-no when debating left-wing insanity. [sarcasm, of course] To Bozzella’s point, EVs aren’t nearly as “green” as climate alarmists think.

As reported by Foundation for Economic Education, carbon emissions “don’t just come out a tailpipe.” EVs emit CO2 both in their production and during charging. For the manufacture of electric batteries, lithium, cobalt, or manganese is required. These raw materials are used to produce a lot of fossil fuel-generated electricity.

Here’s more from FEE:

According to a new German study … “for a Tesla battery of 75 kWh, this means an additional CO2 emission of 10 875 kg to 14 625 kg of CO2.” Converted to pounds, these numbers are between 23 thousand and 32 thousand pounds of carbon emissions. Each battery

Although the original production of an electric car battery is complete, most cars will still have to be charged using power plants which produce electricity through the burning of coal or natural gas. The US Energy Information Administration reports that 63 percent US electricity production is made from fossil fuels. If electric cars use electricity that is produced with fossil fuels, it is assumed that electric cars will simply shift CO2 emissions from cars’ tailpipes to electricity plants.

“Green” energy alarmists like Pete Buttigieg, John Kerry, and Joe Biden “forget” These factsAs the Democrats sing utopian praises for electric cars, they do just as well. As the Democrats’ incessant attacks on fossil fuels and glowing praise of EVS continues, FinanceBuzz in June dropped an article titled, Ten Hidden Costs to Owning An Electric VehicleThis is the complete list:

Increased purchase priceAccording to Kelley Blue Book in November 2021, an average cost of an electric vehicle was $56,437. That’s about $10,000 more than the $46,329 industry average for both gas and electric vehicles. The increased demand for electric vehicles and additional technology are the main reasons why prices have risen.

The cost of charging for the journeyAfter you purchase an electric vehicle (EV), and begin charging at home, your electric bill may rise. However, the surprise may be in the moment you decide to take your vehicle on the road. The prices for public charging stations can vary greatly from one provider to the next. Some states permit charging per kWh, while others allow providers to charge by the minute.

Replacement of batteriesEV drivers can experience anxiety about range, worrying they might not have enough to travel where they need to. Battery technology has improved, so drivers can get further with one charge. However, you’ll likely need to replace your EV battery every eight years or 100,000 miles. Although this may seem far away, it could cost you anywhere between $5,600 to $20,000 to replace your battery.

Repair costs are higherYou could be paying more for repairs if you have an electric car. Some repairs can often cost more than a gas-powered model. […]In addition to increasing costs for replacing damaged parts, a shortage of spare parts could also cause it. You may also have a problem with the person who repairs your car. It may be more difficult to locate electric vehicle mechanics than for combustion engine mechanics. You may have specific restrictions about who is allowed to repair your vehicle.

Charge time: Time is money, and while it may not be a tangible cost, it’s something to consider as you think about getting an EV. While a fast charger can fully charge your EV in less than 30 minutes, that’s still a lot longer than it takes to fill a traditional car at the pump. If you’re not using a fast charger, that time can increase to seven, eight, or even 12 hours.

Newsom, however, is clueless. In a recent interview, Newsom said the following as transcribed by The Times

Our kids are going to act like it’s a rotary phone or changing the channel on a television.

Yes they will. Given Newsom’s hypocritical violations of his own draconian COVID mandates, I’m sure he’ll have a sweet red Ferrari stashed away, somewhere. Either way, I’m pretty sure Gavin will have no worries.

Bottom line:

I’m not suggesting, as do some, that electric vehicles are foolhardy or impractical for everyone, and not a wise choice for some. I’ve driven a Tesla Model S — fast — and as a lifelong car guy, in my not-so-humble opinion, it’s a damn sweet car. The current price for a Model S 2022 is $109 490.

What’s the Deal? am sayingIs the government, federal, state or other? Banning gas-powered vehicles because climate alarmists trot out silly phrases like “the existential threat to mankind,” while many of them (See: John Kerry and Leonardo DiCaprio) jet around the world in their private jets and sail the seas aboard their private yachts (all powered by fossil fuels), is anathema to capitalism and free markets.

Those who decide to buy EVs are free to do so. Those who don’t should Do not feel compelled to. 

About Post Author

Follow Us