EVs Need Green Energy To Make Sense

So Why Are We Charging Them With Coal-Powered Electricity

There’s never been a better time to be an EV enthusiast.

On the heels of COP26, governments have rolled out electric vehicle tax incentives for both consumers and manufacturers. Experts agree that EVs release significantly less emissions than their gas-powered counterparts, and car manufacturers are swiftly ramping up their EV production.

General Motors plans to stop selling new gasoline-powered cars and light trucks by 2035. Volvo, Lexus, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz are on similar trajectories, with plans to release all-electric fleets in the coming years. 

Widespread adoption of EVs is undoubtedly a key part of the solution to the climate crisis. Drive an electric car, they say, and you’re contributing to a greener, brighter future for all.

While that’s not entirely incorrect, it’s not totally true, either. 

There’s an oft-overlooked issue with EVs: these so-called “clean” cars are still running on coal-powered electricity. 

The inconvenient truth is that most of the U.S. grid still relies on fossil fuels. Chances are, if you plug your EV into any given charger, you’re charging up with coal-powered electricity. While that still makes your EV cleaner than a conventional vehicle, it’s still not 100% emissions-free.

We’re of the mind that green transportation should be powered by green energy. 

But what if your home, office, or wherever you charge your EV doesn’t run on renewables yet?

A pro tip for going green: check what kind of charger you’re using. The EPA recommends the ENERGY STAR certified EV chargers, which use 40 percent less energy than a standard EV charger in standby (when the EV charger is not actively charging a vehicle).

We also have good news. We’ve made it super easy for you to switch to renewable energy so your EV can go 100% green. Just check your zip code to make sure we can service your area.

Getting clean energy at home or work is a great first step to going green. But what about when you’re out and about?

Certain U.S. cities have launched initiatives to get more clean charging stations on the streets. Austin Energy, for example, has developed a network charging program called the Plug-in EVerywhere Network that allows customers to source 100% of their charging electricity from wind for $4.17 a month. Customers have unlimited access to more than 800 clean charging stations within the city’s network. Check with your local transportation department or utilities to see if network charging exists in your area!

EVs are a key component to fighting climate change, and charging them with renewable energy makes them that much more effective.