The Dirty Truth About Plug-In Hybrids
I read an interesting article in the July 2010 Scientific American magazine written by Michael Moyer entitled “The Dirty Truth About Plug-In Hybrids”. The focus was on a Department of Energy study that looked at the environmental consequences of electric vehicles would have if you consider the emissions of the power plants that supply their energy. The researchers split the continental U.S. into 13 regions and examined their mix of coal, natural gas, nuclear and renewable power sources within each region. They assumed nuclear and renewable energy sources where “always on” sources and they get used up quickly for routine tasks. Thus, the researchers concluded that power for the electric fleets would come primarily from coal and natural gas. If you live in a region that uses mostly natural gas electric vehicles will reduce carbon emissions. In regions powered by coal electric vehicles will lead to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
I found it interesting that the study only considered the comparison of electric vehicles to hybrid vehicles. They did not include gasoline powered vehicles which are the predominate vehicle on U.S. roads and will continue to be for many years. I am assuming you would see a positive difference on carbon emissions from electric in comparison to gasoline vehicles.
They also only focused on carbon emissions which is only part of the story. If you consider the significant benefits from the reduction of our dependence on foreign oil sources than electric vehicles have additional benefits.
The main problem with the significant acceptance of electric vehicles in the near future will be their cost. Paying $41,000 for a Chevrolet Volt which is not a large vehicle in comparison to an equivalent size gasoline vehicle with high fuel efficiency translates to a payback in decades. It will take automobile companies finding more efficient battery systems and gaining cost advantages as volumes grow before the average consumer will be interested.
Do you plan on purchasing an electric vehicle?
Picture Credit: cliff1066™
