Whenever new technologies appear, we often see the glass half-full or half-empty, depending on our own optimism or pessimism. This is true of plug-in vehicles today.
Evaluating the pros and cons of technology is tricky. When measuring anything, the results and conclusions you reach depend upon where you start and end the measurement. This is particularly true of assessing the “green-ness” of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Pessimists challenge the environmental friendliness of EVs and PHEVs and worry about them dropping the grid. They say 2013 was a half-empty year for plug-ins. One charger manufacturer acquired another, raising questions about availability and service. Tax credits ended Jan. 1 for two- and three-wheeled EVs.
Optimists note that while the purchase of Ecotality’s Blink Network by the CarCharging Group had some nervous, the many charging stations on the West Coast Green Highway running up the Interstate 5 corridor through Oregon and Washington are working and there seem to be no ill effects. The Level 2 charger at Clark Public Utilities is a Blink station and most of the nearly 20 Blink stations in Clark County appear to be functioning fine.
Optimists add that tax credits for four-wheeled plug-ins won’t end for a manufacturer until it sells 200,000 units. At that point, tax incentives will start to decline steeply. Most manufacturers are nowhere near this mark, so the “up to” $7,500 tax credit is safe for a few years.
Pessimists trace a plug-in’s environmental impact back to its production. They point out battery hazards and rare earth metals used in manufacturing. Taken in this big picture, plug-ins may not be any greener than gas-powered cars.
Optimists say that none of these issues slowed the sales of plug-ins, which grew by 84 percent. Dealers sold 96,000 EV cars fueling sales with new models and price cuts. Today Washington has 7,896 plug-in vehicles. In our county, there are 426. Doesn’t this show a growing market acceptance? And no tailpipes — doesn’t that mean fewer local emissions?
Pessimists respond by saying we may just be shifting from one set of environmental challenges to another. And that if fewer emissions equal environmentally friendly, then your answer is “yes,” but only a tentative one. The answer depends largely on the source of your electricity. In the Pacific Northwest, where 50 percent of ours comes from hydropower, the answer is a strong “yes.” If you drive an EV and coal is the major source of your power, your answer is a weak “yes.”
Pessimists also warn that plug-ins endanger the grid.
Optimists counter with studies that show little or no impact on the grid for areas with large numbers of plug-in vehicles. Owners plug in their vehicles at different times and at night when grid use and wholesale energy costs are often lower.
Whether reviewing the downside of EVs is fair or not isn’t the question. New technologies are rarely perfect. Sometimes we adopt them so quickly that we don’t feel their full impact for years.
The slower adoption of plug-ins may prove beneficial. It gives society a chance to consider a 360-degree view of plug-ins and their impact, then solve problems as they arise. Solutions need to include existing gas-powered vehicles that won’t be endangered species anytime soon, as well as evaluate other alternative-powered vehicles. Here in the Northwest we have a history of leading in environmental protection and with all the new technology it’s important to be aware of the long-term impact and choose carefully.
Clark Public Utilities is home to the first public electric vehicle charging station in Clark County, at the downtown location on the south side of the building. Dozens of other charging stations are now available across the county. Drivers using the stations will need to have a registered Blink network card to activate charging.
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.
