Environmentally conscious Susan has been told that a new electric car will only
ID: 351914 • Letter: E
Question
Environmentally conscious Susan has been told that a new electric car will only generate 8 ounces of greenhouse gases (GHG) per mile, but that a standard internal combustion car is double that at 16 ounces per mile. However, the nature of electric cars is such that the new technology and electric batteries generate 23,000 lbs. of GHG to manufacture and another 5,000 lbs. to recycle. A standard car generates only 18,000 lbs. of GHG to manufacture, and recycling with established technology is only 1,400 Ibs. Susan is interested in taking a systems approach that considers the life-cycle impact of her decision. How many miles must she drive the electric car for it to be the preferable decision in terms of reducing greenhouse gases? miles for it to be the preferable decision in terms of reducing greenhouse gases. (Round your response to the nearest Susan must drive the electric car ay least whole number.)Explanation / Answer
Let X be the miles that she must drive the electric car for it to be the preferable decision in terms of reducing greenhouse gases
Life cycle impact = GHG generate to manufacture and recycle + GHG generated running miles of running over the life
Life cycle impact of electric car (lbs) = (23000+5000)+ (8/16)*X
(8 is divided by 16, to convert oz. to lbs)
Life cycle impact of standard ICE car (lbs) = 18000+1400+(16/16)*X
For electric to be preferable, life cycle impact of standard ICE car must be at least equal that of the electric car.
23000+5000+(8/16)*X = 18000+1400+(16/16)*X
28000 + 0.5X = 19400 + X
X = 17200
She must drive the electric car at least 17200 miles for it to be the preferable decision in term so reducing greenhouse gases.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.