Electric cars offer an alternative to using gasoline, but are not the best choice for everyone.

NIU Transportation Manager Bill Finucane said electric cars are great for the environment.

“An advantage of electric cars is that they don’t emit pollution into the air,” Finucane said.

Andrew Torres, political science graduate student, likes the fact that electric cars are good for the environment.

“It’s great to have a vehicle that doesn’t emit pollution and is healthier for the environment,” Torres said.

Finucane found the disadvantages outweighed the advantages.

“There’s a longer list of disadvantages for electric cars,” he said.

The short distance the cars get from being charged is a problem he sees.

“On a full charge electric cars can typically get 40 to 50 miles which isn’t very feasible for commuters,” Finucane said.

Finucane said having electric cars on campus might be a good idea.

“We have considered getting some here for the plumbers and electricians that never take their vehicles off campus,” he said. “This would be a good thing because it would reduce the usage of gas.”

Finucane said other universities and businesses are currently using electric cars for shorter trips.

Electric cars don’t cause pollution but the cost can be a problem.

Junior communications major Kelly Reese said the price for electric cars is too high for consumers.

“They are priced high and most people wouldn’t be able to afford them,” Reese said. “I don’t see how practical that would be.”

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