Q: Many of us are suffering from the $ 5 per gallon gas, and we know the effect of the pandemic on oil supplies and prices. But let’s look at the big picture.

Residents of countries like the Netherlands, Israel and England pay the equivalent of $ 7.50 to $ 8.50 a gallon because it is heavily taxed there. But people in countries like Iran, Kuwait, and Venezuela pay the equivalent of 10 cents up to $ 1.30 a gallon because it’s subsidized as a public benefit.

Rest assured that prices will drop when supply issues are resolved. But for now, these high prices could help sales of more economical cars and electric vehicles. We still need better batteries and more charging stations. Hopefully infrastructure spending will contribute part of this.

David Ogilvie, South San Francisco

A: This will help, to the tune of $ 384 million over five years, to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state. California can also apply for the $ 7.5 billion in funding to build the electric vehicle charging network across the country.

The goal is that by 2030 in California, five million vehicles will be zero-emission and that there will be 250,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the Golden State.

California currently has more than 73,000 electric charging stations, but the California Energy Commission predicts that the state will need 1.2 million chargers by 2030 to support the number of electric vehicles then in circulation.

Q: Thanks for the Good Samaritan stories, cheerful and sweet alternatives to most daily news! What a great idea to save them for Thanksgiving. I particularly like the one on blackberries.

Emilie Sparks, Oakland

A: I’m so glad you enjoyed the stories. Good Samaritan deeds must be recognized.

Q: I read to you almost every day (I’m not perfect).

So what is the law regarding vehicles fitted with noisemaker accessories? They used to be huge boom box speakers. Now it’s a combination of drivers turning off mufflers and / or a simulated and enhanced high volume engine roar. Sound can enter closed windows.

The sound often comes from “show cars”, “sideshow cars” or overpowered sports cars.

What triggers this message is the increasing frequency of this phenomenon, and the ridiculousness of 15-year-old simple-looking compact economy cars that suddenly explode sounds much louder than leaf blowers or chainsaws.

It’s not just young people. I have also seen drivers over 60 smile, crave and relish the attention for their obnoxious behavior.

Wim elbracht, San José

A: It may violate noise ordinances, but it’s hard to avoid. And I agree with you on how obnoxious they are.

Search for Gary Richards on Facebook.com/mr.roadshow, or contact him at [email protected] or 408-920-5335.