Vermont’s environment and energy are benefited by the use of efficient electric vehicles

I am afraid that Tom Evslin’s commentary on electric vehicles misses the mark rather badly, mostly by failing to recognize the enormous efficiency advantage of EVs. 

A conventional internal combustion engine car can convert between 12% and 30% energy into motion. EVs generally cost more than 75% efficient. Under normal stop-and go driving conditions, Regenerative braking can improve overall efficiency to 85%-90% (see fig. 2 “infographic”). This is at least three times, and typically  four times, as efficient as conventional internal combustion engine cars.

Since approximately one-third of Vermont’s total energy demand 47% of its greenhouse gas emissionThese are directly related to transportation. If Vermont could only change its transportation system to EVs, it will result in a 25% decrease in total energy consumption and a 30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is hard to see how this would “hurt the environment.”

Yes, increased penetration of EVs will lead to more electricity demand. This is true for all electric appliances. However, the notion that “in practice, electric cars are natural gas cars except not quite as efficient because of electrical transmission losses” is utter nonsense. It completely ignores the transmission loss of natural gas transmission lines (pipelines), which require huge compressors (3,000 to 33,000 horsepower) every 50 to 100 mile or so to get the gas here.

It is also true that you should examine the source(s), of electricity. The current Vermont mix includes some greenhouse gas sources (although at least one analysis observes that, due to the inherent efficiency of EVs plus efficient generation, “An EV that is charged by a gasoline generator will use less gasoline per unit than a regular vehicle..”). But, Mr. Evslin says that the electric grid is getting cleaner. It will be cleaner tomorrow and cleaner still next year, but gasoline is gasoline for the foreseeable future.

There are many questions about the widespread/universal penetration and use of electric cars. This is mainly because they are still cars with all the congestion and parking and health issues of cars. But their contribution to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental issues is not one of them.

The most important questions in my mind are how to adopt them equitably/affordably, well, and quickly.

Michael Oman

Underhill Center