In Columbia, a significant amount of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions we create are a direct result of transportation. In our 2021 GHG inventory, transportation alone made up over a quarter of total emissions. As technology advances and the City takes steps to advance our infrastructure, transitioning to electric vehicles offers a solution that provides residents with the same mobility of gas-powered vehicles – without the emissions, gas prices, and negative health impacts.
Misconception #1: There’s nowhere to charge EVs.
Fact: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is abundant – and rapidly expanding! Columbia already has a number of electric vehicle chargers across town, with plans to build even more. The City of Columbia recently received a $3.6 million grant that will aid in the installation of 44 new EV charging stations across parking garages, the Daniel Boone Regional Library, and airport.
EVs are also easily charged at home. While charging is less speedy this way, all EVs come with an adaptable charger that can be plugged into a standard outlet – the same kind you would use to charge your phone, television, or toaster!
Existing EV charging infrastructure in Columbia
Misconception #2: Electric cars don’t have the range necessary for daily transportation.
Fact: The typical American household will travel about 50 miles in an average day, and the majority of households travel under 100 miles in an average day. Most EVs on the market can drive over 200 miles on a fully charged battery. Interested in the mileage for a specific vehicle? Check the EPA’s Fuel Economy line in their Find A Car tool at www.fueleconomy.gov.
Misconception #3: EVs are too expensive.
Fact: While EVs may have a higher upfront cost than some traditional gas-powered cars, the costs over time can greatly reduce the financial burdens of a personal vehicle. A recent study showed that over 90% of vehicle-owning households in America can see reductions in both emissions and spending on powering their car. Going electric means never visiting a gas station– and never going in for an oil change – ever again! Upfront costs of a new EV can also be heavily offset by existing federal rebates and incentives.
Misconception #4: EVs aren’t good for the environment because of battery manufacturing.
Fact: While minerals and metals are needed to manufacture EV batteries, the natural resources required in the lifetime of an EV are far fewer than those necessary in the lifetime of a gas car. In fact, a gas car will burn over 7,000 gallons of oil in its lifetime (that would be a tower of oil barrels as high as a 25-story building!), and the metals required for EV battery production are the size of a small microwave, with most materials being reusable or recyclable.
Source: EarthJustice
Misconception #5: All EVs are sedans: they don’t make electric versions of the cars I prefer to drive.
Fact: While some of the first EVs released to the market were classic, sedan-style cars, new EVs come in all shapes and sizes. From pick-up trucks to SUVs to compact cars, there are electric vehicles for any lifestyle you may need them for.
Ready to go electric? Make sure that you’re taking the right steps to pick the vehicle and utilize the resources that are right for you. Here are three easy steps to help make the process of going electric easier in Columbia:
- Explore federal rebates and tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases.
- Use a tool like PlugStar to see what EVs are available on the market and which vehicle is best for your budget and lifestyle.
- See Columbia Water & Light rebates for installing Level 2 EV to ensure a quick and easy charge for your vehicle in the comfort of your own home.
Not looking for a new vehicle? You can reduce your current emissions by choosing public transportation. Currently, all CoMo bus routes are free to ride, so choosing public transport is good for the environment and your wallet! Check out available routes to integrate public transportation into your trips to work, school, and around town.