Lower-Cost Operation
EV operation can be 3 to 5 times cheaper than gasoline and diesel-powered cars, depending on your local gasoline and electric rates.
Reduced Emissions
EVs also reduce tailpipe emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improving public health and reducing ecological damage. Charging your EV on carbon-free or renewable energy minimizes these emissions even more.
Home-Based Charging
Electric vehicles do not require gasoline and can be charged at home with a standard 120V outlet, or a 240V level 2 charger can be installed for faster, more efficient charging.
EV Performance Benefits
Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation, have stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than gasoline-powered internal combustion engines.
EV Driving Range & Recharge Time
EV range is typically around 80 to over 300 miles on a full charge. The average American’s daily round-trip commute is less than 30 miles. Fully recharging the battery pack can take four to eight hours. A “fast charge” to 80% capacity can take 30 minutes.*
Our Energy Security
EVs can help the United States have a greater diversity of fuel choices available for transportation. Our reliance on petroleum makes us vulnerable to price spikes and supply disruptions. EVs help reduce this threat because almost all U.S. electricity is produced from domestic sources, including nuclear, natural gas, hydropower and other renewable sources.
If you’ve been curious about EVs, or are considering the purchase of an EV, visit our Electric Vehicles page for more information.
*Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Celebrate National Clean Energy Week & National Drive Electric Week in September!
National Clean Energy Week is September 26 through 30. The annual celebration of clean energy innovation helps raise awareness of nuclear, solar, wind, wave, hydropower, geothermal, natural gas, biomass, carbon capture, storage and waste-to-energy technologies. The celebration is made possible by a network of leaders in clean energy dedicated to reducing emissions while growing the economy through smart policy and technological innovation.
Learn more by visiting the National Clean Energy Week website.
PenLight’s most recent fuel mix report shows 97% of our electricity purchases came from carbon-free sources – with 80% being hydropower! The region is fortunate to have abundant hydro resources to generate electricity. Hydropower produces zero carbon emissions, helping provide clean energy to homes and businesses.
One clean energy innovation gaining popularity is electric vehicles. National Drive Electric Week is September 23 through October 2.
The Pacific Northwest is an ideal place to own an EV because most of our power comes from hydroelectric and other renewable energy resources. That means when you drive an EV, you are replacing your fossil fuels — gasoline and diesel — for energy generated from hydro, wind and, in some cases, solar power.
EVs use batteries as an energy source and do not directly emit any exhaust from combustion or associated contaminants and greenhouse gases. Therefore, they are categorized as zero-emissions vehicles by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have both a battery that powers an electric motor and an internal combustion engine that relies on gasoline or diesel.
Learn more by visiting the Drive Electric Week website and Electric Vehicles page.