Environmental Benefits of Electric Cars

The article "L.A. Launches Electric Car," Dec. 11, does an excellent job describing the technological advancements of the new electronic vehicle (EV) being developed by CleanAir Transport.In the conclusion of the article, however, the author states that "increased demands on plants that generate electricity by burning coal would worsen smog, ozone, and atmospheric greenhouse-effect levels." According to studies conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute, EVs are 95 percent cleaner com- pared to the gasoline-powered counterparts. This evaluation takes into account the emissions associated with increased off-peak electricity used for charging. The electric utility industry will continue its efforts to enhance EV development. Electrifying the nation's transportation system is an environmentally acceptable solution to the country's air quality problems. Thomas D. Morron, Washington, Edison Electric Institute

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