Our Electrified Future with David Reichmuth

About This Episode

Can the grid handle a 100% electric world? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the carbon impacts of electric vehicles and achieving zero emissions with chemical engineer for Union of Concerned Scientists, David Reichmuth.

What fraction of the overall carbon footprint comes from transportation? We break down air pollutants, particulate matter, and how the electric grid isn’t fully green yet. How do we achieve true zero emissions? David tells us about the Union of Concerned Scientists and their work trying to bring the voice of science to policy making.

Is it more emissions to create an electric vehicle versus a regular car? We discuss the emissions of manufacturing and breakdown the idea of a strategic commodity. Can we stop relying on gasoline in the same way we stopped relying on horses? Learn about changes in our energy sources in the last century.

Find out how long EV’s can go on one charge and the logistics of setting up infrastructure for electric vehicles. Why is no one “taking a drive” for pleasure anymore? We ask whether or not the grid could handle if everyone had electric cars. Would there be brownouts and blackouts from everyone charging their car all night? Are there ways we can make the entire electric grid smarter?

Thanks to our partners at Ford for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E® SUV at https://www.ford.com/suvs/mach-e/

Also thanks to our Patrons Eric, Charles Hagin, Jan Willem Smit, Emily Baldrige, smantha r, Jen, and Sylvain Gautier for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.