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© 2021 The Somerville Times. All rights reserved.
(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)
To the editor:
Somerville is right to tackle the issue of access to EV charging stations for e-car owners. As the article points out, it’s unreasonable to expect tenants to install stations on property they don’t own. But access shouldn’t be limited to condo developments. All cities should be exploring how they can support e-car owners. Here are just two ways they can do it: cities can install car charging stations on public rights of way, including street curbs, and cities can work with owners of non-residential parking areas like parking garages, houses of worship, and businesses to install EV stations. More ideas can be found in this study: EV charging access for renters by the Urban Sustainable Directors Network.
Our future is green, but only if we make it so.
Debora Hoffman
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Debora, I thought the idea was to get ALL cars off the road and have walking/biking/public transportation as the only means available to people? Wait…. ok, I get it….us poor proles will have to take the a bus to Market Basket or drop off the kids at practice while the ruling elites will drive their EVs and get subsidized EV chargers everywhere. Makes sense now.
Anyway, EVs are coming, but right now an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle is still much more affordable for the average person. The market (free market – NOT gov market) will drive where and when EV’s and EV chargers are easily available. Government subsidies retard the market.
I also would be cautious with investing in the current crop of EV charging stations as the industry is moving fast and specifically battery technology will change. There are going to be major advances in fire prevention, recycle, longevity, quick charge, etc.
But when the tech does stabilize (will it still be Lithium-Ion batteries?) it will change the economics of a home owner putting an EV charger on their property. Issues such as charge back to tenants, home insurance premiums, maintenance and the initial upfront cost (most will need a new circuit, trench dug, etc.) will be much better understood.
This is coming from a Tesla S owner. I only use my EV now for shorter trips and to virtual signal my friends at cocktail parties though. I use my Ford F-150 (ICE) for trips I need something dependable.
I am still wondering what acid the person(s) dropped who designed the Powder traffic pattern now? Whew. I thought the Mass/ Ave Cambridge traffic people were bad, but that….
Now that the obligatory chiming in by the auto/oil industry has taken place, the adults can resume working the problem.
And by the way, what an AH.
I agree with Chad about the Powderhouse traffic pattern. The rotary was a landmark in Somerville with a bench in the middle to sit and enjoy all that was going on. I have lived her for 65 years and circled that rotary thousands of times. Never saw an accident. Today it is an eyesore. When I leave my home I cannot take a right onto College Avenue, it is restricted. I am expected to drive through the obstacle course to get to College Avenue.