Environmentally conscious Susan has been toldthat a new electric car will only generate 6 ounces of green-house gases (GHG) per mile, but that a standard internalcombustion car is double that at 12 ounces per mile. However,the nature of electric cars is such that the new technology andelectric batteries generate 30,000 lbs. of GHG to manufactureand another 10,000 lbs. to recycle. A standard car generatesonly 14,000 lbs. of GHG to manufacture, and recycling withestablished technology is only 1,000 lbs. Susan is interested intaking a systems approach that considers the life-cycle impactof her decision. How many miles must she drive the electriccar for it to be the preferable decision in terms of reducinggreenhouse gases?
Environmentally conscious Susan has been told
that a new electric car will only generate 6 ounces of green-
house 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 manufacture
and another 10,000 lbs. to recycle. A standard car generates
only 14,000 lbs. of GHG to manufacture, and recycling with
established technology 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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