Are Electric Vehicles Really Green?

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which industrials editors/analysts Isaac Pino and Brendan Byrnes discuss topics around the investing world.

In today's edition, Isaac and Brendan discuss a recent electric-vehicle revelation. A study from the University of Tennessee, which focused on China, found that these automobiles were more harmful to the environment than gas-powered locomotives. Whereas companies such as Tesla are touting the car of the future, we have to keep in mind all of the environmental effects of this new energy source. One interesting aspect of the study was the focus on particulate matter that was dispersed from the burning of coal in China, and the fact that large populations of people live close to these plants. Whether this study can be universally applied to all countries is up for debate, but you can learn more by watching Isaac and Brendan break down the most interesting aspects.

Electric vehicles still represent an opportunity for the United States to wean itself off foreign oil. This move is critical, as oil continues to climb well over $100 a barrel. For investors, rising prices could also mean opportunities to ride the wave of surging profits for energy companies. Take a look at the top oil stocks recommended by Motley Fool analysts in a recent special free report: "3 Stocks for $100 Oil." The report won't be available forever, so we invite you to enjoy a free copy today. You can access it by clicking here. Fool on!

At the time thisarticle was published Brendan Byrnes has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. Isaac Pino owns shares of General Electric. The Motley Fool owns shares of IBM.Motley Fool newsletter services recommendTesla Motors and Westport Innovations. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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