Analyzing EVs vs Gas Cars

Are electric vehicles practical yet?

This is a question that many companies, including Quantum Lifecycle Partners, have been asking about their company fleet.

While the answer for fleets is likely a solid “maybe” at this stage in their evolution, it is more straightforward to look at personal vehicles, given EVs have been around for more than a decade and now make up about 13% of new vehicle sales.

Personal vehicles are important because every time an employee commutes to work or drives for a business trip, this is considered part of a company’s environmental impact.

We weighed out different factors to assess taking an EV for work trips in our EV vs gas podcast episode.

Key Takeaways from our Latest The Circular Future Podcasts

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the latest episodes.

EP 37: Electric Vehicles vs. Gas: Cost and Experience for Long Work Trips

What is the difference in cost, time and emissions when taking a gas car vs electric vehicle on an 800km work trip?

That was the question Stephanie McLarty , Quantum’s Head of Sustainability, weighed as she went to visit Quantum’s warranty repair centre in North Bay, ON.

?Key Takeaways:

• The cost and emissions factors favoured the electric vehicle, but the time factor was a tie.
• The cost really changes when charging at home versus at a supercharger.
• The analysis really depends on the electric vehicle itself: its range and charging time.
• This analysis is important for a company’s commuting and business travel emissions. This thinking can also be extended to a company’s overall transportation emissions, though less options may exist for fleets than for personal vehicles.

Listen to the full episode on our website, Apple or Spotify.

EP38: Behind the Scenes at eSummit 2024

Stephanie McLarty interviews Sarah Kim and Corey Dehmey on why SERI acquired the eReuse Conference and what the rebranded Electronics Sustainability Summit (eSummit) is all about.

?Key Takeaways:

• The rebrand to the Electronics Sustainability Summit, or eSummit, reflects the latest approach to how we think about managing electronics.
• Collaboration is key to advancing sustainability in electronics. The conference aims to bring together all stakeholders in the electronics lifecycle.
• Networking and learning from each other are essential at the conference. There are many opportunities to do so.
• Attendees should reflect on their objectives for the conference and plan ahead using the conference app.

Learn more on the eSummit website.

Listen to the full episode on our website, Apple or Spotify.

Trends + News We’re Watching

• Alberta expands their provincial electronics recycling program. ARMA is adding 500 new electronic products to what can be recycled in the province, including power tools, lawn/garden equipment, small appliances and more. Read and watch more here.
• Australia is the latest country to introduce mandatory ESG reporting. Starting in 2025, large and medium sized companies will be required to report on greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks and opportunities. Read more here.

In the Know

Connect with Quantum at the following conferences in the next month:

• eScrap in Orlando, Florida – September 30 – October 2
• SERI's Electronics Sustainability Summit (eSummit) in Austin Texas – October 22-24 (Plus catch a live recording of The Circular Future podcast there!)
• CANREA Electricity Transformation Canada in Calgary, Alberta – October 21-23
• Recycling Council of Alberta Conference in Banff, Alberta – October 30 – November 1

Want to add an e-waste drive and/or educational session to celebrate Circular Economy Month in October? Please contact us.

And remember…

Need help with remarketing or recycling your redundant IT equipment? We’d love to chat. Send us a message or contact us through the Quantum website.

Thank you for being a circular future champion in your company and beyond.