EVs - Another Look Under the Hood - Climate Optimists

Opportunities to Make a Difference

National Impact

Tell your Senator to pass an EV rebate and put a price on carbon!

Call their office and leave a voicemail or message with an aide (Senator Office Number Lookup).

Suggested Talking Points

Hi this is Your Name, from Your City and I’m very concerned about climate change
We need a fast transition to EVs to meet our carbon reduction goals
I’m calling on the Senator push for a $10,000 electric car rebate as well as price on carbon
We need both approaches for people to make the switch

Remember - it doesn’t matter if you sound eloquent. What matters is you’re making the call!

Personal Impact

Next time you're looking to upgrade your car, truck or SUV, get an electric vehicle! There are a variety of makes/models to choose from and more hitting the market each year.

For additional information, check out Car and Driver's list of all the current EVs for sale in U.S. as well as State & Federal Incentives for EVs

Best Options

Buy a new or used EV
Lease an EV with options like as low as $200 / month (see Hyundai Kona lease)

Good Alternatives

Buy a plug-in electric hybrid
In the meantime, reduce your vehicle emissions by taking mass transit, carpooling or bicycling

Show Notes

Climate News Headlines

Auto makers finally making real commitments after years of dragging their feet.

Over last six months, multiple manufacturers have pledged to phase out internal combustion engines (ICEs) and boost spending on EVs.

GM recently announced it will build two more U.S. battery plants (it has two under construction). Also investing $35B in EVs by 2025 and will sell only EVs by 2035
Volvo plans to only sell EVs by 2030
Ford pledged to invest $30B in EVs by 2035, but has not committed to phase out ICEs
Polestar, Volvo luxury spinoff, to produce first carbon neutral car by 2030 (throughout supply chain and not relying on offsets). They have factory in China running on 100% renewable energy.

EV Emissions

Transportation now the leading source of US carbon emissions at 29% based on 2019 EPA data. Cars and trucks we drive represent 60% of those emissions.

Efficiency of EVs is superior.

Comparison of vehicle efficiency - EVs convert move 85% of energy to turning wheels while ICEs convert 40% (at best)
Higher efficiency of EVs is why they have a much higher miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)

EV emissions from driving depends on the power mix you have.

Union of Concerned Scientists performed analysis that includes driving and production of fuel.

When it comes to CO2 emissions, driving an EV in the U.S. is comparable to a gas vehicle that gets 88 mpg. In California, the number rises to 122 MPGe and 114 MPGe in New England
Average gas vehicle in the U.S. only gets 31 mpg on average and even most efficient only get 58 mpg

Life cycle emissions - comparing manufacturing versus driving.

EVs – 76-86% driving, 14-24% manufacturing
Gas powered – 90% driving, 10% manufacturing
Driving old cars longer isn’t actually a good thing

Impact of Lithium Ion Batteries

Extraction

Need a global standards around extraction - don’t want repeat of past environmental disasters caused by mining
Minerals need to be sourced carefully to avoid human rights and environmental issues.

Recycling

Efforts like American Made Challenge are working to get 90% of materials recycled
2nd use will be important. For example, repurposing old car batteries for energy storage on the grid.

Reasons to buy an EV

Simple to drive - No more stops at gas stations, ever

Acceleration

Quieter

Incentives - State & Federal Incentives for EVs

Reduced maintenance costs

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EVs - Another Look Under the Hood

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