DEAR EDITOR:

The Vindicator article, “Clean cars; labor lost,” helped support my view on our electric future, but it didn’t delve deep enough.

I’ve worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years. I work with those on this business front line, I’m in contact with

those servicing and owning vehicles.

We could argue environmental impact of EVs, from acquisition of resources to creation and disposal of batteries. This power source is dangerous once usefulness is exhausted and to those who handle them for maintenance. Let’s call environmental impact of internal combustion engine and electric vehicles a wash. It’s an argument for later.

Another area of contention is our power grid’s ability to handle charging hundreds of millions of vehicles. If the West Coast can’t handle a heat wave without power outages, how will it charge all these vehicles? After decades, it’s highly doubtful these problems will magically disappear.

Now let’s address EV economic impact. Hundreds of thousands of jobs will be eliminated and companies potentially destroyed. Some may be household names, others not so much, but they all have something in common.

Hastings, Wix, Fram, Purolator, Delphi, Denso, Spectra Premium, Autolite, Champion, NGK, Standard Motor Products, Dayco, Gates, Carter, Interstate, Exide, Deka. That’s a few that will be forced to reinvent themselves or cease to exist.

EVs being forced upon us have no cooling systems — no radiators, hoses, water pumps, thermostats, temperature switches, heater cores or antifreeze. No more spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition control modules. No oxygen sensors, camshaft and crankshaft sensors, or any other sensors ensuring current internal combustion engines are the cleanest ever. No fuel pumps, fuel lines, gas tanks and other components that deliver fuel. There will be no inexpensive and easily recyclable lead acid batteries. No starters, alternators, oil filters, air filters or fuel filters. No oil change businesses.

These are products made by companies for gasoline-powered automobiles. And this is just scratching the surface. Can we afford to throw these jobs away?

While these new electric vehicles are simpler, they are not the best answer. Their true impact on the economy, the environment and power grid is suspect at best. Vehicle manufacturers want you to believe electric is the better alternative, when the only true concern is their bottom line. Less parts means less material costs and less labor. Don’t let vehicle manufacturers and others fool you.

I think it’s time to let the vehicle manufacturers, politicians and environmentalists know we don’t want or need this technology rammed down our throats. They cannot dictate our lifestyle and livelihoods. I encourage everyone to say no to electric!

RICHARD J. YASLICK

Youngstown