In response to a high-impact literature review and opinion piece on cradle-to-grave emissions of electric vehicles done by a UCBerkeley researcher, I think that we need a realignment of messaging about EVs. Let's not only focus on the global warming and air pollutants impacts of EVs, but also on the job creation and energy security goals that can be achieved by electrifying cars.
As I pointed out in a previous post, most scientists who study this topic - including the one(s) referenced in the article - have found that EVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly even after those from production and recycling are accounted for. For example, Hawkins et al. finds that EVs lower global warming potential by about 30% when compared to a conventional car. The BMW i3 offers approximately a 30 to 50% lower carbon footprint over 100,000 miles of use than the fuel-efficient diesel-powered BMW 118d, according to a BMW executive, and the carbon break-even point for the i3 versus the 118d is at about 30,000 miles when you account for the burden associated with production. A Natural Resources Defense Council post sums the situation up perfectly, that is the dirtiest day for an electric vehicle is the day you buy it. And that's in stark contrast to a conventionally fueled car.
What's often left out in the argument about why electric vehicles are simply better for society is that they create jobs above and beyond those produced by conventional cars. Part of the reason is that nearly all of the electric cars in America were also built here. The Nissan Leaf, including its battery, GM Volt and Tesla Model S are built in Smyrna, TN, Hamtramck, MI and Fremont, CA (respectively). The carbon fiber used to produce the BMW i3 is made in Moses Lake, WA. Further, Those automotive jobs represent the rebirth of manufacturing in America which is supporting the (lower) middle class and is strengthening our economy as others around the world are failing. EVs run on electricity that comes from a portfolio of generation technologies operating within 10s of miles of where they are fueled, and THAT is an exciting idea. Unlike the oil supply chain, renewable energy and electric vehicle service equipment installation creates diverse local employment and growth opportunities.
EV owners spend less on fuel and spend more on local services, as a result. Eileen Tutt, Executive Director, California Electric Transportation Coalition recently said; “Every dollar saved at the gas
pump and spent on other goods and services that households want and need creates 16 times more jobs in the
state. Simply put, a dollar saved on gasoline by driving cars fueled by electricity is spent largely in the state
economy.”
Our use of conventional fuels comes at an even greater cost. American expenditures to protect access to Persian Gulf oil for motor vehicle use is not well understood, but it is most likely greater than $30B annually. Afghanistan and Iraq wars will cost taxpayers $4-6 trillion, accounting for loss of life. These conflicts have added $2 trillion to America’s debt, representing roughly 20 percent of the debt incurred between 2001 and 2012. There is nothing more patriotic and America-loving than driving an EV.
