The Union of Concerned Scientists has updated their paper on how clean EVs really are in each region in the U.S. New Numbers Are In and EVs Are Cleaner Than Ever - Union of Concerned Scientists This one has a fun active map where you can compare the previous update with 2012 data vs 2014 data. In MN, the average EV runs as cleanly (Greenhouse Gas wise) as a car that gets a combined 51mpg! Being a Minnesota resident, I was very happy to see this and hope to see continued improvements. Interestingly, a couple of regions actually lost ground. Weighted by sales data, EVs have reached about 73mpg (CO2-wise) in the U.S.
Nice! Only oahu and colorado with pieces of neighboring states were bellow 40 mpge in 2014. Both are working on big improvements in the next decade, and may already be above 40 mpge today.
everywhere i go, i see solar being added. these programs are really working well. my current tank at 750 miles is 90% ev, and newer phev's are helping people with longer commutes achieve outstanding results. it is encouraging to watch the growth of the bev's as well, and to see new models coming on the scene.
I LOVE that aspect. More and varied models appeal to a larger marketshare. This study also considers only the cleanliness of the grid. If an owner uses RECs or has their own solar or wind their car is even more efficient
Zythryn, not to change the topic; however, it is somewhat on topic: your Native American quote in your signature is fantastic! I love it and have shared it with my wife ( a MN native) and daughters. It is so very perfect for our times. Thanks for sharing with all of us. Minnesota nice!!
Figured it was better to update this thread than start a new one. UCS has updated their data with 2016 grid data. They have also split out calculations based on highly efficient plugins rather than the average. These include the Prime and Model 3 For efficient plugins, drivers in 99% of the United States are better off that they would be with a 50mpg gas car! Full article: New Data Show Electric Vehicles Continue to Get Cleaner - Union of Concerned Scientists
Since HEVs use only gas as an external fuel source, I don’t understand your question? A 51 MPG Prius is cleaner than a 31mpg sedan, in any state. Or am I missing something?
And only 6 electric grid regions out of the 20 for the continental US have a plug in emitting more green house gases than a 50mpg hybrid.
I can appreciate some are clean-air oriented having driven in California, Denver, and DC area in the bad air days. But equally important is a ‘save money’ map. Take an ‘average’ plug-in hybrid with the EV and gas cost per mile based on local electrical and gasoline cost. Then map the cost savings or expense. Ideally with five colors: solid green light green gray or white light red solid red Many today have no memory of the bad-air days. But paying for gas or electricity is as real as the next paycheck. Bob Wilson
Same here. About 50-70% solar penetration in our Rocklin neighborhood, almost all installations primarily due to high utility rates. Mostly SUVs and trucks, 2-3 per household. Identically demographics and incomes and house/property size a block over in the neighboring suburb Roseville which has its own much more affordable public utility. Hardly any solar installations there (<5%).
And that is their choice. I would far prefer them have solar and 2 SUVs than not have solar and 2 SUVs. That said, we have to EVs, all electric appliances, solar and PowerWalls. I love using solar energy, I stored during the day, at night
Awesome that you’ve got to the “next stage”, Battery Storage. It’s on our list if we stay in this house at least a few more years. Did you update your website?
Getting ready to. We still have a little ironing out to do. System is working, but behaving oddly. We want to make sure everything is right first.
