Union of Concerned Scientists has analyzed electric vehicles (EVs) and power plant sources for producing electricity, and determined that EVs are better for the climate.
It turns out that 94% of the people in the U.S. live where an average EV is better for the planet than a gasoline car. If you get an efficient EV, then an EV is always better for the planet, anywhere in the country. And as more and more solar power is installed, it will always be cleaner to drive an EV than a gasoline car.
They looked at EV efficiency, and how much emissions occur from charging an EV, both from electricity production and when producing the coal, natural gas, and other fuels used to produce electricity. They looked at the emissions from extracting oil, refining it into gasoline, and the emissions from driving a gasoline car.
So it’s a good idea to think about an EV for your next car. There are lots of good choices, and more choices arrive every few months!
Here is the link to the article, which includes two maps of EV emissions equivalent for different areas of the U.S.: one for an average EV, and one for an efficient EV.
