Expanded access to EVs would help consumers, the economy, and the climate

The document outlines the economic and environmental advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) in Oregon, noting that they offer lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to gasoline vehicles. It highlights that EVs in Oregon produce fewer global warming emissions than any gasoline-powered vehicle and that these emissions will further decrease as the state increases its use of renewable energy. The text advocates for policies to reduce up-front costs and expand charging infrastructure to overcome barriers to adoption.

• In 2014, driving 100 miles in Oregon cost an average of $12.16 for a new gasoline-powered car compared to $3.41 for an electric vehicle. Consequently, an EV owner could save more than $950 on fuel annually.
• EVs offer lower maintenance costs than conventional vehicles because they have fewer moving parts and utilize regenerative braking to reduce brake pad wear. One study indicated that maintaining an EV can be 60 percent cheaper than maintaining a conventional vehicle.
• Based on an estimated 5,000 EVs on Oregon roads, these vehicles save drivers over $3 million annually in fuel costs and prevent the emission of 9,000 tons of global warming pollution and the burning of 1.3 million gallons of gasoline each year.
• EVs in Oregon produce fewer global warming emissions than any gasoline-powered vehicle. An average battery-electric EV in the state has emissions comparable to a gasoline vehicle achieving 75 miles per gallon, and those charged with renewable electricity are equivalent to a vehicle getting over 500 miles per gallon.
• Oregon's electricity mix is expected to become cleaner due to policies requiring large utilities to ensure at least 25 percent of the energy sold to consumers comes from renewable sources by 2025.
• Oregon has established a network of over 70 DC Fast Chargers via the West Coast Electric Highway along Interstate 5, capable of providing a nearly full charge in under 30 minutes.
• Despite long-term savings, adoption is hindered by higher up-front costs and unfamiliarity with the technology, necessitating policy interventions such as rebates and incentives.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2015). Expanded access to EVs would help consumers, the economy, and the climate. https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2015/03/How%20Oregon%20Can%20Benefit%20from%20Electric%20Vehicles.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Expanded access to EVs would help consumers, the economy, and the climate. 2015. https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2015/03/How%20Oregon%20Can%20Benefit%20from%20Electric%20Vehicles.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Expanded access to EVs would help consumers, the economy, and the climate |date=March 2015 |url=https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2015/03/How%20Oregon%20Can%20Benefit%20from%20Electric%20Vehicles.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2015expanded, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Expanded access to EVs would help consumers, the economy, and the climate}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2015}, month = mar, url = {https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2015/03/How%20Oregon%20Can%20Benefit%20from%20Electric%20Vehicles.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }