Are EVs Bad?

Many people understand that EVs can fulfill their driving requirements. But there still are concerns over the environmental and social justice implications of ditching their internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle for an EV. A new University of Guelph study (Benefits and Barriers to Electric Vehicle Adoption in the City of Guelph) highlights many of the common concerns like range, availability and price, that can be relatively easily addressed. However, it also shows that many early environmental adopters haven't seen adequate information on the environmental and social justice implications to make the move to an EV. Join us as we host Karen Nelson from the University of Guelph and Paul Gipe, Renewable Energy Analyst from Wind Works in California to discuss: Are EVs Bad?

Speakers

Karen Nelson | Research Shop Coordinator, University of Guelph

Karen is the Research Shop Coordinator at the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI) at the University of Guelph. She trains and manages graduate students engaged in community-engaged research projects with local community partners. Over the past 13 years, Karen has worked in both academic and community settings on research related to community health, housing, economic and rural development, and social services.

Paul Gipe | Renewable Energy Analyst, Wind Works

Paul Gipe is an author, advocate, and analyst on renewable energy and electric vehicles. Even as an American living in southern California, Paul Gipe has had a profound impact on our lives in Ontario. He was one of the architects behind Ontario's Feed-in-Tariffs (FIT) and the Green Energy and Economy Act (GEAA). Implemented in 2009, this law quickly accelerated the development of wind and solar projects throughout the province while precipitating a significant drop in the cost of these systems. The GEAA ultimately had an impact on renewable energy implementation throughout North America. While the Act was later repealed by the current government, the positive impact that it has had on changing the way we produce, distribute and use energy has overwhelmingly altered our energy system.