Electric Vehicles in Metropolitan Washington D.C.

Posted by Content Coordinator on Monday, October 22nd, 2012

METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

Executive Summary

This report seeks to provide a framework for establishing a regional readiness plan for the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in the metropolitan Washington region. While total EV ownership in the region is relatively low (compared with other cities such as Portland, Oregon, or Los Angeles), consumer interest in EVs is growing and more EV models are being introduced in the regional market. However, the metropolitan Washington region’s charging infrastructure and EV policy frameworks are not yet positioned to accommodate greater market penetration of these vehicles. This report contains recommendations for stakeholders to promote a consistent set of practices across the region that will remove barriers to EV adoption and infrastructure planning while mitigating potential impacts on the electrical grid. This coordinated planning effort will help ensure that the region can receive the health, environmental, and sustainability benefits that EV technology offers.

Benefits of EV Deployment

EV adoption presents environmental, economic, and energy security benefits to the country and to the region. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sees the electrification of vehicles as one of the highest impact strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions between now and 2030. Due to the relatively low greenhouse gas emissions profile of the Washington region’s electrical grid, EVs charged in most parts of the region produce fewer greenhouse gasses than any currently available hybrid vehicle (equivalent to 50 mpg or greater). And as renewable portfolio standards and other policies increase the proportion of low- and no-emissions electricity available on the grid, the environmental impact of EVs will continue to improve.

EVs can play an important role in achieving the region’s air quality goals by reducing vehicle emissions. In the metropolitan Washington region, transportation emissions accounted for 55 percent of NOx emissions and 16 percent of fine particle (PM2.5) emissions in 2007. Because EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, they are good candidates to help significantly reduce pollution from mobile sources.

EVs also offer economic benefits through fuel cost savings. EVs have fuel economy ratings of 75 to over 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), and cost approximately $0.04 per mile to operate when charged in the Washington region. Conventional vehicles, at an average of 27 mpg, cost nearly $0.13 cents per mile. According to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, EV drivers in the Washington region could save an  estimate of $950 per year in fuel costs compared to those driving internal combustion vehicles, depending on fuel prices, electricity rates, and miles driven.

Additionally, EVs offer their owners protection against future gasoline price volatility. And because EVs rely on domestically produced electricity rather than on petroleum, a largely imported fuel, they promote energy security.

Download full report (PDF): Electric Vehicles in Metropolitan Washington

About the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
www.mwcog.org
“The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, known as COG, helps develop regional solutions to such issues as the environment, affordable housing, growth and development, public health, child welfare, public safety, homeland security, and transportation. Founded in 1957, COG is an independent, nonprofit association comprised of elected officials from 22 local governments, members of the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and members of the U.S. Congress. COG is supported by financial contributions from its participating local governments, federal and state grants and contracts, and donations from foundations and the private sector.”

 

Tags: , , , ,

Comments are closed.

Follow InfraUSA on Twitter Facebook YouTube Flickr

CATEGORIES


Show us your infra! Show us your infra!

Video, stills and tales. Share images of the Infra in your community that demands attention. Post your ideas about national Infra issues. Go ahead. Show Us Your Infra!  Upload and instantly share your message.

Polls Polls

Is the administration moving fast enough on Infra issues? Are Americans prepared to pay more taxes for repairs? Should job creation be the guiding determination? Vote now!

Views

What do the experts think? This is where the nation's public policy organizations, trade associations and think tanks weigh in with analysis on Infra issues. Tell them what you think.  Ask questions.  Share a different view.

Blog

The Infra Blog offers cutting edge perspective on a broad spectrum of Infra topics. Frequent updates and provocative posts highlight hot button topics -- essential ingredients of a national Infra dialogue.


Dear Friends,

 

It is encouraging to finally see clear signs of federal action to support a comprehensive US infrastructure investment plan.

 

Now more than ever, our advocacy is needed to keep stakeholders informed and connected, and to hold politicians to their promises to finally fix our nation’s ailing infrastructure.

 

We have already engaged nearly 280,000 users, and hoping to add many more as interest continues to grow.

 

We require your support in order to rise to this occasion, to make the most of this opportunity. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to InfrastructureUSA.org.

 

Steve Anderson

Managing Director

 

SteveAnderson@InfrastructureUSA.org

917-940-7125

InfrastructureUSA: Citizen Dialogue About Civil Infrastructure