Letter: Retire City Gas Trucks and Cars

I agree with Katie Norton’s question about the city spending $ 75,000 on “research” to convert our municipal fleet into electric vehicles (EVs), but not the idea of ​​EV being the “expensive trick of signaling virtue.” which Katie offers. Exactly the opposite! That $ 75,000 could buy a new Rivian or Ford E150 when it comes time to retire to an older car or gas truck. Do we really need another outside consultant to tell us what every EV owner already knows? EVs are superb technology that is simply better, faster, cleaner, quieter, simpler and cheaper to own and operate. EVs have about 2,000 fewer moving parts that need repair or replacement, and cost only $ 7 to $ 15 to “charge”, compared to more than $ 100 for gas-absorbers. Yes, the price of EV is higher in advance, but every reputable peer-reviewed study from The Wall Street Journal to Consumer Reports shows that the cost of owning an EV, including purchase price, maintenance, fuel, etc .; can save $ 7,000 to $ 15,000 per vehicle from a lifetime cost. Why has LA City just approved the electrification of 10,000 city-owned vehicles? EVs are better for the end result.

In addition, electric cars are part of the decision to move away from our addiction to imported oil and complicity in fossil fuel conflicts and lowering our trajectory to a very hot planet. As we add local renewable energy, such as solar, to power our grid, will we create a more sustainable and sustainable mobility solution in Laguna Beach that seems vital in light of our uncertain energy future? Wouldn’t it be fiscally irresponsible and a loss of taxpayer dollars for our city to continue to buy fossil fuel vehicles when there is a much better solution today?

Christopher Prelitz, Laguna Beach

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