Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicle (collectively referred to here as EVs) sales in the United States are rocking in 2017 and have had a 32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past four years. Despite these gains, only 159,000 of the 17.47 MILLION new vehicles sold in the US in 2016 were EVs. This means there is a huge opportunity for growth of EVs.
Consumer Awareness
One reason for this low market share is that consumers are unaware of what EVs even are. A whopping 60% of Americans say they are unaware of EVs. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) and the Florida League of Women Voters (LWV) are taking aim to change that statistic. A new initiative, “NextCar Pledge” was born out of the desire to move the needle faster on EV adoption.
The idea is simple. By taking the pledge, you are making a commitment to make your next car an EV and joining a movement toward cleaner technology that will reduce emissions, save money, and create a cleaner planet. You will benefit from joining the Electrify The South network of resources where you can learn about electric vehicle options, learn more about charging, EV events, and how to effectively engage in EV positive policy.
Additionally, by taking the pledge you will help educate your family and friends about the benefits of EVs as well.
Benefits of EVs
- Produce zero harmful tailpipe emissions. You will be avoiding emissions from traditional vehicles such as: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulphur dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic hydrocarbons — all documented as toxic air pollutants.
- Better choice for the environment: Transportation is now the largest source of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the United States.
- Cost less to fuel and operate. The US Department of Energy estimates it costs about half as less to fuel an EV. Try their interactive calculator here.
- FUN, smooth, and quiet to drive.
- Reduce our dependence on oil imports and fluctuating oil costs.
- Offer millions of dollars in economic value to our states.
- Easy to fuel.
Debunking Myths
Most Americans travel an average of 36 miles per person per day so the range of several second generation EVs, the Chevy Bolt (230 miles), Tesla 3 (220-310 miles), and the 2018 Nissan Leaf (150 miles), offer ranges that meet the needs of most. Additionally, the cost of electric cars is dropping due to the advancements in battery technology. The cost of battery pack prices has decreased 80% from approximately S1,000 per kWh in 2010 to approximately $227 per kWh in 2016. This drop is making the cost to build an EV comparable to an internal combustible engine vehicle within a few years.
EV Friendly Policy
The NextCar Pledge demonstrates to carmakers and decision makers that there is a growing body of drivers and supporters of EVs that are committed to an electric vehicle revolution. By joining, it is not signing onto a specific policy but it is a reminder that policy directly affects how quickly the transition to electric vehicles will occur.
EV Ambassador
In addition to taking the NextCar Pledge, there is an opportunity to become an amplifier of the message. In becoming an EV Ambassador, you agree to help spread the message through your social media and encourage others to learn more and sign the pledge too. Together, this synergy can really change the game and lead to an EV revolution! Please join us in this effort – take the NextCarPledge!