Electric cars possible aid in battle against climate change

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - Some may say the future of the automotive industry is electric vehicles because that is one way to lower carbon emissions and better the environment as a whole.

With the G-20 Summit happening this week, topics like environmental issues and climate change are taking center stage.

“I believe we will pass my Build Back Better plan, and I believe we will pass the infrastructure bill. Combined, they have 900 billion dollars in climate resistance and dealing with climate and resilience, and it's the largest investment in the history of the world that has occurred,” said Joe Biden, the U.S. President (D).

The president made those comments at the G-20 meeting in Rome.

The 1.75 trillion-dollar Build Back Better bill includes more than 550-billion dollars to tackle the climate crisis.

In September, Gov. Bill Lee announced Ford Motor Company had selected the Memphis Regional Megasite for one of the largest battery and vehicle manufacturing campuses in the U.S.

“This is a watershed moment for Tennesseans as we lead the future of the automotive industry and advanced manufacturing,” said Gov. Bill lee (R).

With west Tennessee's push to put more electric cars on the roadways, one consumer with that type of car says he believes these cars are a step forward to a better future.

“The environmental issues that we face now and how can we as individuals basically figure out the best way for us to contribute to reducing our climate emissions and engaging in kind of creating a better environment for all people so that was something that attracted me to the car,” said Luther Mercer, a Jackson native.

Another electric car owner says he made the switch because he believes they are more cost-efficient.

“I prefer the electric, I really do like it for trips. It is easier. It gets 300 miles on a charge, so it is fairly economical,” said Chris Cook, an Arkansas resident.

Zutobi is an international driver’s education company and they published some data on electric cars. They say it takes some time to make a positive impact on the environment when driving an electric car.

“I think it is an average of two years for the average driver for the electric vehicle to go past the point to when it is better for the environment compared to a normal vehicle,” said Leo Waldenback, the Head of Growth at Zutobi.

Zutobi went on to say the U.S. and specifically, the state of Tennessee need to build upon its infrastructure to support an increase of electric cars on roadways.