Electric Vehicle Reliability – Correcting the Narrative.
Due to continued technological advancements, the reliability and desirability of electric vehicles (EVs) has only grown in recent years. And it's not just climate activists forging the path to a green transition, local leaders and the Biden-Harris Administration have made it clear that decarbonizing the transportation sector is critical in our collective fight against the climate crisis. With the recent adoption of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rules for Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles (LDV) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDV), it is evident that there is a nationwide consensus on the safety, efficacy, and health and environmental benefits of increasing the number of EVs on the road.
Yet, there are still one-sided articles in circulation such as “Why electric cars don't do well in cold weather – and what you can do about it,” which feed into a misleading narrative that poses a threat to electrifying heavy-duty vehicles and providing clean, reliable transportation options for communities.
As the article points out, cold weather is more energy-intensive for both conventional vehicles and EVs. But it fails to recognize the well-documented evidence that this technology can thrive under severe weather conditions. Dozens of cities already rely on electric buses – reducing carbon pollution and improving health for communities all year round.?
In Three Rivers, MI, electric school buses have performed exceptionally the last three winters, in some cases outperforming their diesel counterparts. Even on the coldest days in Salt Lake City UT, the Electric School Bus Initiative found that EV school buses can cover the longest routes by utilizing midday charging and regenerative braking. And in Beverly, MA, electric school buses are even used as backup generators in the summer months, alleviating power grid strain during scorching heat waves. And more broadly, tailored EV charging strategies can prevent grid overload and even support grid reliability, leading to more climate resilient communities.??
Transitioning to pollution-free vehicles is critical to secure a healthy future. According to a report by the American Lung Association, swapping gas vehicles for zero-emission new cars and trucks in the US would lead to 110,000 fewer deaths, 2.8 million fewer asthma attacks, and avoid 13.4 million sick days by 2050. And there are not only health benefits but also financial incentives for individuals and businesses since under the Inflation Reduction Act, residents who own certain EVs can earn up to $7,500 in tax credits on electric vehicles.
With unprecedented federal funding available to support the transition, the time is now. And on a national level, the light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle rules and the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy will help mayors take their net-zero emissions goals further, faster in their respective cities. From an economic, environmental, and community health perspective, its full steam ahead on the EV boom, and Climate Mayors thanks the Administration and our fearless mayors for leading the way.?
Sincerely,
Executive Director, Climate Mayors