2 January—In terms of pure physics, electric motors are demonstrably far more efficient in converting energy to useful work than all other currently known types of motive power, including but not limited to our beloved internal combustion—spark-ignited gasoline and compression-ignited diesel—engines. Considered in a functional vacuum, then, ignoring all factors other than their immediate application, electric motors thus are beyond question great, effective, and attractive in cars and trucks.

When external factors are considered, however, the overall efficiency, feasibility, and desirability of vehicles powered by electric motors (EVs) are considerably less than great, effective, or attractive. Prominent among those negative factors is that the infrastructure required to support the EVs just isn’t there—yet, and until who knows when.

In the following letter, which originally appeared in the Sunday Republican of 31 December and is posted with the author’s permission, Rich Morin compellingly points out, questions, and makes perceptive observations about problems currently facing EVs nationally and locally:

MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT EV CHARGING STATIONS

In what could very well be one of the biggest scams this decade, our government is trying to convince the American public there is only one way to go—it’s time to buy an electric vehicle (EV). But there are many reasons why you shouldn’t. It’s not exactly the No. 1 priority of our government to let that information out. People are rejecting EVs. But my focus is why some are in a hurry to add EV chargers all across a small town like Litchfield. You have to wonder how many EVs are actually registered here. Maybe the town just wants to help tourist visitors maintain their charge.

The town of Litchfield wants to install chargers in several locations. One location is the municipal parking lot. I guess the town feels these EV chargers are modern monumental architecture structures that will fit beautifully into the town’s Historic District.

This will be funded by a grant and the town will receive a rebate from Eversource. Under the rebate terms, Eversource would receive the revenue from the chargers the first three years and the town would receive the revenue after that.

The grant and rebate would not cover the cost of implementing the full plan. The town begins being in the hole, because the extra amount would have to be funded by the town.

I have the following questions, which should concern residents with this plan: Do these chargers require regular maintenance? If so, who pays for it?

What is the life expectancy of an EV charger?

If electricity supply is shut down during power outages, is there a backup supply?

Are overheating and fire hazards a concern with EV charging stations?

EV stations are out in the open, which makes them open to be vandalized. Will cameras be installed to watch over this?

With stations outdoors, are there weather risks like heavy rain and lightning?

Does space around an EV charging station become a dropping area for debris?

To the Board of Selectmen and Sustainable Litchfield Committee: Before you follow through with this plan, think about the statement below.

Congress provided $7.5 billion for EV chargers in 2021. The number built so far: Zero!

Richard Morin
Litchfield