The year kicked off with an administrative transition in Washington that has created uncertainty about the federal government’s role in supporting the transition to clean energy and clean transportation for the next four years. While that uncertainty plays out, consumer and fleet EV adoption continues to rise because EVs are great cars that save you money. A recent survey found that 55% of car-buying consumers are considering purchasing new or used EVs within the next 24 months. EV charging continues to innovate, unlocking novel ways to improve the nation’s energy independence and resilience. EV and battery manufacturing continues to expand, creating nearly 74,000 jobs across the Southeast.
Along with the political uncertainty are indicators of market certainty; the electric horse has left the barn. Hence, paying attention to both the political rhetoric and the market response is critical, recognizing that consumers stand to lose access to lower-cost transportation and American workers to good-paying jobs.
Gas Cars Have Peaked
Gas cars sales are running out of…gas. Data show global sales of light-duty vehicles powered only by internal combustion engines peaked in 2017 as sales of EVs have continued to rise. One of every five cars sold globally is now an EV. US EV sales alone grew around 40% last year. In short: now is not the time to take our eyes off the prize of building durable EV and battery manufacturing and recycling, critical mineral mining and processing, and related supply chains in America, where incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act have unleashed over $312 billion in announced private sector investments anticipated to provide over 238,000 American jobs. Read more.
Data show global sales of light-duty vehicles powered only by internal combustion engines peaked in 2017. Source: DOE
My EV Year in Review
I’m one of the millions of EV drivers. And while the political EV ping-pong ball gets whacked around, it’s important to remember that actual EVs pay dividends and deliver reliable performance. Last year, I drove a 2022 Tesla Model Y over 14,000 miles, primarily for work across the Southeast, with zero charging issues — and zero maintenance. I did 71% of my charging at night, 21% at Superchargers, and 8% at Level 2 chargers. In total, I saved over $1,000 driving on cheap electricity instead of expensive gas, which will fund my trip to Cedar Breaks National Monument in late summer to backpack with my brother. Turns out, EVs come with a free annual vacation! Read more.
Last year, I drove a 2022 Tesla Model Y over 14,000 miles
When Utilities Lead the Charge
I love seeing utility-led innovation on EVs. Utilities play a critical role in advancing electric transportation as they are the main energy suppliers, oversee the electrical grid, and fund electrical infrastructure. Yet the Southeast represents just 6% of the country’s approved utility investments in electric transportation, with Florida utilities leading the region. However, when Hurricane Milton barreled down on Florida this past fall, Florida Power & Light deployed the “Monster” (a custom-built mobile charging trailer complete with six fast chargers) and the “Mini Monster” (a smaller mobile charging station). These EV chargers were strategically placed to assist Floridians as they evacuated the state. Read more.
Florida Power & Light’s mobile chargers helped Floridians as they evacuated the state during Hurricane Milton. Source: Crystal Stiles
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SACE’s Electrify the South program leverages research, advocacy, and outreach to accelerate the equitable transition to electric transportation across the Southeast. Visit ElectrifytheSouth.org to learn more and connect with us.
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