In 1975, the average car got just 13.5 miles per gallon; by 2015 that increased to 24.7 mpg, according to the AAA Green Car Guide. A mix of more fuel-efficient cars and emerging alternative fuels raised the average mileage for the U.S. fleet.
About 20 years ago, Toyota, Ford, Honda and GM sold a limited number of the first electric cars in California, opening the market for green cars. Today green cars powered by electricity or alternative fuels are an expanding slice of the automotive market. They use a mix of technologies: the traditional hybrid, like the Toyota Prius; all electric, like the Nissan Leaf; and plug-in hybrids that combine electric capability with gas, like the Chevy Volt. Honda, Toyota and Hyundai market hydrogen fuel cell cars as well, though they’re still being developed.
While there are many benefits to going green on the road, no alternatively fueled vehicle is without its distinctive limitations. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids still depend on some fossil fuel. Electric have shorter ranges before needing a charge, and longer “fill-up times” than gas. Fuel-cell cars are in their early stages. How best to capture, store and convert hydrogen into power in an easy, affordable and safe way isn’t clear, and so the technology may not catch on.
“There are plenty of good ideas and new technologies related to vehicles in development,” said Matt Babbitts, energy services project manager at Clark Public Utilities. “And we expect some of these innovative ideas to continue to come to market. But the cars currently available have proven to be both practical and affordable. They’ve already come a long way.”
When first introduced into the market, greener cars sold for significantly more than their gas-powered equivalents. Now their price is often almost comparable. For about $40,000, the new all-electric Chevy Bolt has a range that competes with cars from Tesla costing three times more. Eventually, we can expect manufacturers will overcome green-car limitations and begin competing on travel range and other features while prices continue to decline.
Despite some drawbacks of green cars, the public has responded positively to them, largely because they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make drivers less subject to fluctuations in prices at the fuel pump.
While the majority of plug-in electric vehicle drivers charge their cars overnight at home, there are a number of charging stations now installed across the county as well. In Clark County it’s not rare to see an entire row of EV chargers in use at parking lots of local stores, schools or Clark Public Utilities. The utility offers customers Level 2 chargers at the Orchards location and both Level 2 chargers and a rapid Level 3 charger at the downtown Vancouver location. Most public charging stations require a Blink charging card to operate.
“We’re fortunate here in the Northwest that the majority of our power comes from clean, emission-free hydropower,” said Babbitts. “That means that switching to electric vehicles is a double win for customers, with lower fuel costs for the driver and a shared benefit of reduced greenhouse gases for everyone.”
Other perks drivers of EVs are discovering include tax credits, charger installation promotions and even employer benefits to encourage adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles.
To see the new all-electric Chevy Bolt in person, as well as an in-home charger, mark your calendar for the annual Clark Public Utilities Home & Garden Idea Fair, April 28-30 at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds. The free event is a spring tradition for tens of thousands of utility customers, and this year the Innovation Home built by New Tradition Homes will feature a new Chevy Bolt, courtesy of Dick Hannah Dealerships. More information is available HomeandGardenIdeaFair.com.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
