A new analysis from the
Union of Concerned Scientists says that 60% of Americans live in areas where electric vehicles (EVs) produce less global warming emissions. That figure is up from 45% in 2012. Automakers are also producing more efficient EVs too. The average battery vehicle uses 0.325kw/mi a five percent improvement over 2011. The amount of electricity needed to power a 3000lb vehicle a mile is roughly equivalent to using toaster oven for 20 minutes. Elon Musk, founder of Tesla motors and maker of the successful but expensive Model S sedan
plans to open a new battery factory in Nevada where his company hopes to make batteries even more efficient and less expensive. EVs can now beat any hybrid vehicle on the market in terms of emission reductions depending on the region from which they use electricity. In California they achieve an equivalent of 95mpg, in New York a whopping 112mph while in Colorado they only make 34mgp, still better than the average gasoline powered compact at 28mpg
{graphic courtesy UCS}.
EVs are becoming increasingly popular among segments of the American population. California achieved its 100,000 unit sale earlier this month and the legislature aims to pass a bill to bring 1 million EVs to the state by 2023 through programs such as car-sharing, generous rebates and builiding charging infrastructure. Electric vehicle sales are expected to reach 250,000 nationally this month. Based on these trends that will make hybridization technologically superfluous, electric vehicles will play a large role in America's driving future.
