YES

Reduced costs

All vehicles should definitely run on electricity. That would lower the demand for petrol and diesel, which in turn would reduce the cost of most things — a boon for the general masses. Also, the petroleum resources could be sustained for a longer period and used for other purposes.

Harsh Nathani,

First year, The Bhowanipur Education Society College, Calcutta

High time

It is high time we showed some respect for the planet. Electric vehicles do not produce harmful gases like vehicles that run on petrol and diesel. So, they can actually help more than a little in saving the environment from further harm. And, electric cars run on the more cost-effective solar energy or batteries. Moreover, only select nations get to decide petroleum prices.

Yagnaseni Neogi,

Class XI, Julien Day School, Kalyani

Overall well-being

Since electric cars have zero tailpipe emission, we can look forward to cleaner air when there are more electric vehicles on the roads. That means fewer diseases as well as lesser greenhouse gas emissions, which will save the ozone layer and reduce our carbon footprint. Even if we can’t stop global warming, we can certainly slow it down, and electric vehicles are nothing if not a good start.

Riddhi Deb,

First year, Future Institute of Engineering and Management, Calcutta

Future of transport

When the world is thriving on newer technologies every day, electric vehicles must be the future of transport. Pollution, growing demand for fuel, depleting reserves, global warming are some reasons to promote the eco-friendly electric vehicles. E-vehicles will also reduce dependence on petroleum-producing countries. Even the recurring expenditure on fuel can be done away with as opposed to traditional means of transport.

Tushar Bagaria,

Class XII, Delhi Public School Megacity, Calcutta

NO

Not pocket-friendly

No, I do not agree. If all vehicles run on electricity, the environment will obviously benefit, recovering greatly from pollution. But if all vehicles run on electricity, it will not only have a compelling negative effect on oil companies but will also make electricity very expensive. The supply of electricity will not be able to cope with the enormous demand. The best solution is to have both petroleum as well as electric vehicles.

Ekaansh Agarwal,

Class X, Delhi Public School Ruby Park, Calcutta

Power shortage

It is true that electric cars are environment-friendly but they are not 100 per cent emission-free — emissions are produced by charging sources. They are more expensive too. Electric cars take 4-6 hours and sometimes even a day to be fully charged. Cities that are facing acute power shortages are not suitable for them. This consumption of power will eat into our daily power needs.

Mehak Bagaria,

Class XII, Delhi Public School Megacity, Calcutta

Combination works best

No, I disagree. There should be a balance in consumption of energies. Running of vehicles on electricity can cause shortage of electricity. As it is there are places where electricity has not reached and many a place faces frequent power outages. Electric vehicles can lessen the emission of pollutants and reduce the abundant use of non-renewable sources while the conventional ones can run without making a huge demand on electricity. So, it is preferable to have some e-vehicles and some continue to run on petroleum.

Bipasha Halder,

Class XI, The BSS School, Calcutta

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