Electric cars are often less green
FOLLOWING Bob Farrell's letter (Guernsey Press, 2 December) on the subject of electric cars and batteries, I would like to draw attention to the fact that we are still reliant on fossil fuels for electricity production here.
I read an interview with Alan Bates of Guernsey Electricity where he stated that 'Guernsey Electricity is governed by the States' Energy Policy, which instructs it to produce electricity in the cheapest way possible. That can prevent it importing through the cable link to France despite it being greener than on-island production'.
Electric cars are a complete waste of time if you are charging them from electricity that is generated here from fossil fuels. (In fact, they are worse). So, before the States of Guernsey elects to increase tax on people like myself who are very much reliant on our vehicles for work, they should address this issue.
I believe playing the 'green' card to justify the proposed plan to tax width and emissions on import plus fuel is simply a smoke screen (if you'll pardon the pun) and contradictory to the energy policy.
Two things need to happen here:
1. The States of Guernsey needs to admit that they just need more money and stick it on income tax, where it is fairly distributed among the community and not directed at the motorist.
2. Invest in wind turbines so that we can truly make a green contribution to reducing CO2 while creating more jobs and a product we can export and use to charge the next generation of electric vehicles.
People will not give up the convenience of cars.
LOUIS LE COUTEUR,
Les Portelettes,
Torteval.
