If you're going to go down that route, you have to look at total vehicle ownership. That includes the manufacture and trasnport of components, total vehicle mi

If you're going to go down that route, you have to look at total vehicle ownership. That includes the manufacture and trasnport of components, total vehicle miles and costs, and many other factors. IMO the dicsussions of the benefits of electric cars should be done at the local level - where it matters. The other problem is so intractable and remote it will never be agreed. Does a Prius generate less total emissions per mile driven than a Diesel VW? That is virtually unknowable, though I am sure many people try, usually finding a result consistent with their viewpoint. The benefits of electric vehicles for local issues are: less noise and zero tailpipe emissions. This is where people should focus their attention.