Rhetorical Question : Why are Americans against the transfer from gas vehicles to electric?
Part I MLA Citation:
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1E8SQde5rk. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
Part II Summary:
In this opinion piece from, Graham Conway explores the environmental contradictions of electric vehicles. While EVs are marketed as “zero emissions,” Conway argues that this label is misleading because the CO2 emissions from electricity production often from fossil fuels like coal are not accounted for in the vehicle’s tailpipe emissions. He emphasizes the need to consider the full lifecycle of a vehicle, including the environmental impact of battery production, which generates significant CO2 upfront. Conway also compares EVs with hybrid vehicles, suggesting that hybrids are more practical today, as they offer better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions than conventional cars. He calls for investment in renewable energy and new battery technologies to make EVs more sustainable in the future. Ultimately, Conway advocates for an “eclectic” future, where a mix of conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicles coexist, each serving different needs. He challenges the audience to reconsider the true environmental impact of their transportation choices.
Part III Rhetorical Analysis:
This is a educational and persuasive piece from Graham Conway. His way of speaking was informal and engaging but also though provoking. His tone is more serious and has some urgency. And considering Graham’s use of emotional connection and logical speaking we can conclude that he uses pathos and logos. His target audience seems to be those who may be interested or leaning into checking out electric cars and the overview of how they are. Graham Conway principal engineer in the automotive division at southwest research institute. He has been in this industry for years meaning he understands the problems that can occur with these vehicles and is aware of all the sorts of things that can happen with the environment as well. But not only that Ted Talk a non profit media organization that is known by almost everyone has allowed him to give his speech. Ted Talk being in this industry for 40 years and still going has posted international talks for free under the solgan “ideas worth spreading”
Part IV Notable Quotes:
- “Owned an electric vehicle for three years and it was a great car… there will absolutely be a place for the electric vehicle in our future… But not today.” (Graham)
- “Over its expected lifetime, an electric vehicle has emitted more CO2 than the conventional vehicle… it has produced more CO2, but we’ve measured none.”(Graham)
- “The future is not just electric; the future is eclectic.”(Graham)
Rhetorical ANalysis:
Did you see the TEDtalk disclosure stating that this TEDtalk is not based on science and only based on opinion?
Can you get more info on Graham Conway — I see you write: “Graham Conway principal engineer in the automotive division at southwest research institute.”
So Conway works on internal combustion gasoline-fueled cars — this explains his ccontradictory view on EV. He is invested in the status quo — in the type of cars we still drive today.
All this needs to be said in Rhetorical Analysis.
In regards to it being an opinion piece I was aware, I actually stated that in my very first sentence in my summary. Though after re reading my analysis I do see what you mean more information can be said about Graham.