Improved Performance of Battery-Powered Sedans and Trucks, particularly with Minimal Charging Requirements.
In a groundbreaking study, the Sustainable Innovation and Impact Analysis (SIIA) team has demonstrated that electrification plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the continental United States. The comprehensive study, which covers all 3,108 counties, compares 35 different vehicle-powertrain combinations, including Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
The study, which accounts for manufacturing, driving, and disposal stages, found that BEVs generate the lowest lifetime GHG emissions in every single county. Compact BEV sedans have the least polluting overall emissions, averaging as low as 81 grams CO2e per mile. This is a significant reduction compared to conventional pickups, which average around 23% less emissions with hybrid technology but still emit approximately 486 grams of CO2 equivalent per mile over their lifetime.
Fully electric pickups also show promising results, producing 75% fewer emissions compared to their gasoline counterparts. Even under heavy loads, BEV pickups still outperform their ICE counterparts, demonstrating the potential for electrification across various vehicle types.
The study also takes into account cold climates and grid mix, ensuring that its findings are applicable in various regional conditions. The results offer strong, county-level evidence for vehicle electrification across the board from a policy standpoint.
To help individuals make more informed decisions, an online emissions calculator was developed. This tool estimates lifetime GHG emissions based on vehicle type and local conditions, allowing users to tailor their choices to their specific usage patterns and location.
The study provides a data-driven foundation for decisions about fleet electrification, zoning, grid upgrades, and more. Its findings offer quantitative highlights, such as ICE pickup trucks averaging about 486 grams of CO2 equivalent per mile over their lifetime. The study's life cycle framework ensures that the impacts of manufacturing and disposal are factored in, providing a holistic view of the environmental impact of different vehicle types.
In conclusion, the study offers strong support for broad electrification and smarter vehicle selection to reduce climate impact. By making informed decisions about our vehicles, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future.
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