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The Inconvenient Truth About Electricity in the U.S.
Most of it comes from coal, natural gas and…petroleum.
Where does electricity come from?
The subject comes up occasionally when the CEO of a car company is asked about their plans to sell the world on electric cars.
The exchange often goes something like this:
Reporter: “Tell us about your new electric car.”
Auto Company Exec: “Well, it’s really exciting Bill. This car gets a bazillion miles per gallon, and charges in a fraction of the time it took earlier models. Taking out the V-8 left plenty of room for a second trunk in the front, we’re going to call it a “frunk”. It’s our easiest EV yet to own.”
Reporter Bill: “And how does it charge?”
ACE: “It charges using the electricity already running through the homes, office buildings and schools of our customers! You just plug it in, no more gross fossil fuels. That’s the beauty part!”
RB: “So the car is charged from the city’s electric power grid?”
ACE: “That’s correct.”
RB: “And where does the grid get its power?”
ACE: “I believe it is produced in this area by…burning coal and natural gas.”