Updated: 5pm
In a new report, Environment Oregon sings the praises of plug-in cars.
Whether they’re plug-in hybrids, or plug-in electric vehicles, the report says they have the potential to bring about major reductions in pollution, greenhouses gases, and lessen our dependence on imported oil. Plus, we’ll see the benefits almost immediately.
Environment Oregon came to these conclusions after looking over some of the latest research into electric and hybrid vehicles. Some of that research was produced right here in the Pacific Northwest.
Here’s what they found:
- More than 40 studies showing that plug-ins produce lower amounts of global warming pollution than gas powered cars, even in areas where most electricity comes from coal-fired power plants. If it’s an electric plug-in, then the plug-in can produce up to 27% less carbon emissions.
- Air quality will improve. One study found that plug-in EVs reduce smog forming volatile organic compounds by 91%, and reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 31%, compared to gas powered cars.
- We’ll use less oil. Research at the Pacific Nortwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington shows that if we converted three out of every four cars, pick-up trucks, SUVs and vans to electric plug-ins, we’d reduce oil consumption by about one-third.
- We’ll see even more improvement as utilities switch to renewable energy sources. In one scenario, by converting half of the light vehicles in the U.S. to electric plug-ins, and getting all that electricity from clean energy, it reduces our global warming pollution by more than 60%.
- Our system can handle adding millions of electric cars, if it’s done right. The same PNNL study found that if we charge up the EVs overnight when demand for electricity low, then we could convert 75% of our light vehicle fleet to electric power and not have to build a single new power plant to accommodate them.
- Using smart technology, EVs could be charged up during daytime hours too. The amount of power they draw would change according to the overall demand on the grid. EVs could even put power back into the system when demand peaks, making the grid more reliable.
Environment Oregon’s Brock Howell says the group hopes the report will help state leaders take action on several issues. He wants the state to finalize rules for low carbon fuels, follow California’s lead on tougher tailpipe emissions, and hopes that legislators will approve a bill allowing the regions of Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, Medford, and Bend to develop local plans on reducing greenhouse gases from transportation.
For more information:
Environment Oregon: Plug-In Cars: Powering America Toward a Cleaner Future
