October is Drive Electric Month, making it a good time to learn more about electric vehicles and the role they can play in Columbia’s transportation future. Transportation accounts for about a quarter of the community’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the City is working on a mix of strategies to reduce those emissions, including electric vehicles, public transit and active transportation.
Thinking about an electric vehicle?
Electric vehicles are becoming a bigger part of Columbia’s transportation system, but questions about their climate impact, charging and safety can make switching feel complicated.
One common question is whether EVs still reduce emissions when the electricity used to charge them comes from the grid. As more renewable energy is added to the electric system, the emissions associated with charging EVs can continue to decline over time. Columbia is working to support that shift through its own Renewable Energy Plan, which includes wind, solar and landfill gas resources and continues to explore opportunities to increase renewable energy in the City’s power supply. Columbia is also doing its part on the transportation side through its Fleet Electrification Policy, which guides the City toward replacing fossil-fuel vehicles with battery-electric and other zero-emission options when feasible.
What about charging? For residents who can charge at home, Columbia Water & Light says a typical Level 2 charger can fully charge a vehicle in about four to eight hours. Eligible
City of Columbia Utilities residential electric customers can also receive a rebate covering up to 50% of a Level 2 charger project, up to $500. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to budget availability.
Public charging is expanding, too. The City is planning new public chargers at the Short Street and Fifth & Walnut parking garages, Columbia Public Library and Columbia Regional Airport. Explore the locations and project information on the City’s Electric Vehicle Chargers page. The Fifth & Walnut Garage also currently lists an electric vehicle charging station.
Battery safety is another common concern, but the idea that EV batteries are inherently dangerous can be misleading. Like other products that use lithium-ion batteries, EVs are designed to operate safely when charged and maintained properly. The Columbia Fire Department recommends using manufacturer-approved charging equipment, avoiding damaged batteries or equipment, watching for unusual heat and following manufacturer guidance. These are standard precautions for lithium-ion batteries, not a reason to avoid electric vehicles. Read the City’s full lithium-ion battery safety guidance.
Cars are not the only option
Drive Electric Month can also be a chance to think more broadly about how we get around. An EV will not work for every household, and reducing transportation emissions does not have to mean buying a new vehicle.
Go COMO remains fare-free, and its six fixed routes connect neighborhoods across Columbia. Riders can find updated schedules and maps online and use the ETA Transit App to track buses in real time.
Biking is another option. The City maintains a Columbia Bicycle Map to help riders plan routes, and Columbia Parks and Recreation operates the CoMo Bike Co-op, which provides free repairs for adult traditional bicycles and helps make bicycling a more accessible transportation option. The Co-op is scheduled to be closed Oct. 5, 2026 through Jan. 8, 2027 for HVAC renovations, but its webpage has information about services, bicycle donations and future operations.
This Drive Electric Month, take some time to explore what lower-emission transportation could look like for you. That might mean learning more about an EV, finding a nearby charging option, taking the bus for a regular trip or getting back on a bike. Columbia has resources to help residents find transportation choices that work for their households and the community.
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