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.

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/

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?

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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00:00 - Introduction: Electrified Future
04:00 - The Carbon Footprint of Transportation
10:17 - How Green Are Electric Vehicles?
14:18 - Why Did It Take So Long to Get Airplanes?
15:26 - The Emissions for Building EVs
19:13 - Strategic Commodities & Gasoline Cars
22:40 - From Horses to Cars: Moving into the Future
29:23 - Range Anxiety: Can You Make It to the Charging Station?
36:38 - Are Electric Vehicles Only for the Rich?
38:46 - Waiting for the Car to Charge
42:32 - Can the Power Grid Handle All These Electric Cars?
48:48 - Closing