Electric cars: same old story of half truths

I LISTENED to our Energy Minister inform us of the great breakthrough with the electric car and how it would save the world.

My curious mind thought through the process, firstly plan A: generate electricity from either oil or gas with 60% efficiency, transmit it to the side of the road with 40% losses and charge our cars, involving further losses.

Secondly plan B generate: electricity from alternative wind energy at significant over cost to our system, distribute it to the roadside, and charge our cars. Lets be clear nobody can predict which energy plan A or plan B arrives at your house or at the roadside. While the benefits of NAMA are unclear to me it puzzles me why anyone would choose to purchase an electric car and utilise either plan A or B rather than buy preferably diesel or petrol at the gas station and burn it in your conventional engine and in the process operate a more efficient car unit. The minister’s idea would only work with full alternative energy provision in this country something we will never see. It is the old story of telling half the truth. Does NAMA suffer similarly from half truths?

George Walsh

Model Farm Rd

Cork