Environmentally conscious Susan has been told that a newelectric car will only generate 6 ounces of greenhouse gases (GHG) permile, but that a standard internal combustion car is double that at 12ounces per mile. However, the nature of electric cars is such that the new technology and electric batteries generate 30,000 lbs. of GHG to manu-facture and another 10,000 lbs. to recycle. A standard car generates only 14,000 lbs. of GHG to manufacture, and recycling with established tech-nology is only 1,000 lbs. Susan is interested in taking a systems approach that considers the life-cycle impact of her decision. How many miles mustshe drive the electric car for it to be the preferable decision in terms ofreducing greenhouse gases?
Environmentally conscious Susan has been told that a new
electric car will only generate 6 ounces of greenhouse gases (GHG) per
mile, but that a standard internal combustion car is double that at 12
ounces per mile. However, the nature of electric cars is such that the new
technology and electric batteries generate 30,000 lbs. of GHG to manu-
facture and another 10,000 lbs. to recycle. A standard car generates only
14,000 lbs. of GHG to manufacture, and recycling with established tech-
nology is only 1,000 lbs. Susan is interested in taking a systems approach
that considers the life-cycle impact of her decision. How many miles must
she drive the electric car for it to be the preferable decision in terms of
reducing greenhouse gases?
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