One of the criticisms you almost invariably hear, when discussing electric vehicles (EVs)Â is that there will be no net difference in carbon emissions, if large numbers of drivers switch from gas cars to EVs. Critics charge that carbon emissions will simply be released by coal power plants instead of tailpipes.
The coal emissions critique of EVs is fallacious on several counts, but here I will focus on one reason why gas cars and EVs will not be equivalent in carbon emissions: those interested in buying EVs are also likely to be interested in solar energy to power them. Manufacturers of EVs are already aware of this, and as a result, you see the electric car makers teaming with solar companies to create solar systems designed for electric cars.
Ford is teaming up with SunPower to offer a solar energy charging station, which will provied enough charge to power the EV for about 1,000 miles annually.
General Motors has partnered with Envision Solar to provide solar charging stations for the new Chevy Volt.
It should also be noted that retailers, such as Walgreens and Wal-Mart, are making plans to install electric charging stations in their parking lots. Think of Wal-Mart and Walgreens as the new Exxon and BP (minus the pollution).
Ford, SunPower Want to Plug Homes, Electric Cars into Solar Energy
Solar EV charging for the Chevy Volt
Walgreens Expects to Become Nation’s Largest Retail Host of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
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Comments: 13
There is no point to making this argument to people who have a hostile attitude toward renewable energy and increased efficiency. The argument is nonetheless truthful: that electric vehicles reduce our carbon emissions even when fueled by coal, the worst case fuel.
"There is no point to making this argument to people who have a hostile attitude toward renewable energy and increased efficiency."
Very true. I sometimes wonder what possibly could motivate people to be hostile to renewables + efficiency. In the meantime, though, their intransigence has opened the door for China to become the world's renewable energy leader.
Close to 2 million people lost power in the New York City area alone, reports ABC, due to hurricane Irene; I wonder if this will trigger a similar interest in V2H.
About four years ago, I described that electric cars could be recharged by solar panels on top of buildings and car parks during the day. In the evening, car owners can then plug their cars in at home for their own power use at home. Many may even feed surplus capacity into the grid (V2G), selling electricity at top rates due to peak demand for power in the evening.
Businesses could be offered more generous tax deductions for installing rechargers and rooftop solar panels. New buildings could incorporate such facilities in their design. Changes to building codes and the tax code may be made without having going through Congress first. What do you think?
The link to solar charging the Volt in my article has an interesting video. The integration of solar charging stations and other solar power structures are shown integrated into building and parking lots by design. I don't know how building codes affect this development, but certainly tax codes should strongly encourage it.
Oregon offers 50% tax credit on up to $9,000 of Renewable Energy Facilities. Furthermore, charging equipment is eligible for a 35% tax credit through Oregon Department of Energy, and there's a $1,500 tax credit for purchase of battery electric vehicles in Oregon.
So, here's an example of how State and Local government can act, without having to wait for federal politicians to get their act together. Not surprisingly, Oregon was selected as one of the states to received part of the $130 million in federal stimulus funds for deployment of EVs and charging infrastructure. I should add that energy feebates remain the most effective way to help electrify transport.