Making one lithium battery for an electric car creates the same amount of pollution that a gas car produces in 10 years—where is the clean air in that? Let’s be realistic. Eventually, the batteries will wear out, lose their capacity, and replacing them costs over $20,000. How is that going to be affordable for the lower class?

I understand what it takes to maintain vehicles on the road, and with the newer electric vehicles and all sorts of electric equipment and tools replacing the staples of our industry, it’s concerning. As a mechanic, I believe we need to lower our carbon footprint, but we must also consider the generation that still relies on these staples. Maybe we should invest in engineering solutions to reduce emissions a bit more. Let’s invest in people, not just profits, convenience, and futuristic gadgets that don’t necessarily make sense for everyone.

The fact that politicians are forcing people to buy a certain product under the pretext that it’s “better” for the environment, without realizing that it is actually worse for both the environment and the economy, is concerning. Many of these raw materials are difficult to obtain and consist of rare earth metals with limited supply. Electric vehicles simply don’t make sense for a lot of people, if not most.

I’m an electrician, and I know that the grid cannot handle the demand they are asking for. I also work for an oil refinery that produces natural gas. Electric stoves are expensive and will significantly increase your electricity bill compared to what it is now. The natural gas produced locally helps keep your gas bill low, and they are also trying to stop that process in California.