EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER / iStock / Getty Images Plus
By Elliot Negin
There has been a spike in good news recently when it comes to the future of electric vehicles (EVs). That's encouraging, given the transportation sector is now the largest source of US carbon emissions and vehicles are the main culprits.
<p>Late last month, President Biden signed an executive order directing federal officials to come up with a plan to convert all federal, state, local and tribal fleets to "clean and zero-emission vehicles." That amounts to roughly 645,000 vehicles, which currently travel some 4.5 billion miles every year, consume nearly 400 million gallons of gasoline and emit more than 7 billion pounds of carbon pollution.</p>
<p>This is a big deal. If every vehicle in the federal fleet were electric, the number of all-electric EVs in the United States would jump by more than 50 percent. Biden's announcement alone, by guaranteeing greater demand, should spark automakers to amp up their investments in EV technology.</p><p>As if on cue, just a day after Biden signed the executive order, General Motors (GM) announced it hopes to stop selling gas- and diesel-powered passenger cars and light sports utility vehicles (SUVs) by 2035. That target date is likely no accident. Last fall, China announced that 50 percent of the new cars sold in the country by 2035 will have to be electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell vehicles, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order banning the sale of gasoline-powered passenger cars and pickup trucks in his state by then.</p><p>Of course, transitioning from gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles to EVs will not happen overnight. Cars remain on the road for an average of 12 years and trucks average 15, so it will take some time to turn over the entire <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/859950/vehicles-in-operation-by-quarter-united-states/" target="_blank">US fleet of 280 million cars</a>, light trucks and heavy duty rigs. In the meantime, a UCS member from Terre Haute, Indiana, who used to work in the auto industry, wanted to know if it would make the most sense to promote gasoline-powered hybrids and stronger fuel efficiency standards, not pure EVs, for the time being.</p><p>"There is certainly a lot of hype about electric vehicles," Terry S. wrote. "If electricity production were 100 percent renewable, then electric vehicles would be a big step in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. But transitioning to electric vehicles is likely to take decades. I applaud UCS for working to accelerate that transition. However, it seems a larger emphasis should be on pushing the adoption of hybrids, such as the Prius, and higher mileage standards over the next decade."</p><p>Does the US electricity grid have to be completely carbon pollution-free before EVs can make a significant difference? And would it make more sense to recommend that car buyers purchase hybrids instead of EVs for the next 10 years or so? These are good questions.</p>
<p>I turned to <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/about/people/david-reichmuth" target="_blank">David Reichmuth</a>, a senior engineer in the UCS Clean Transportation Program to respond. Reichmuth, who holds a PhD in chemical engineering, is an expert on California's Zero Emission Vehicles regulation and has authored several reports on the benefits of EVs.</p><p><strong>EN: Let's start with Terry S.'s comments. Based on your research, what would be the best way to go over the next decade? Do EVs make sense when some parts of the country still get their electricity from coal-fired power plants? Would it make more sense to buy a hybrid instead of an EV?</strong></p><p><strong>DR:</strong> To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we'll need stronger gasoline fuel efficiency and emissions standards and a quick transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs. It will take both at the same time. But for nearly everyone in the United States, the best option today for reducing carbon emissions is an EV.</p><p>Last year, we updated our analysis of EVs by comparing lifecycle emissions from EVs and gasoline-powered cars. For gasoline cars, we calculated the total emissions from extracting crude oil, shipping it to a refinery, manufacturing gasoline, and then trucking it to filling stations, in addition to their tailpipe emissions. For EVs, our calculation included electric power plant emissions as well as the emissions from producing coal, natural gas and the other fuels that power plants use.</p><p>We found that the average EV is responsible for <a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/dave-reichmuth/are-electric-vehicles-really-better-for-the-climate-yes-heres-why" target="_blank">lower carbon emissions</a> than a 50 miles-per-gallon gasoline car for 94 percent of the US population. But that's for the average EV, because the most efficient EVs currently available are better than any gasoline-powered car virtually anywhere across the country. And in regions with cleaner electricity grids, EVs are also much cleaner than gasoline cars. For example, the carbon emissions associated with an average EV driven in California are equivalent to the emissions from a hypothetical 122-mpg gasoline car, while an EV in upstate New York is even better. It would have emissions equivalent to a 231-mpg gasoline car.</p><p>It's also important to consider that a new EV purchased today will be powered by an electricity grid that is getting increasingly cleaner as the nation moves away from coal and adds renewable sources like solar and wind power. The amount of electricity from coal-fired plants dropped from 45 percent of all US output to 28 percent between 2009 and 2018, which helped make driving on electricity cleaner. Unlike gasoline cars, EVs already on the road are going to get "cleaner" over time.</p><p><strong>EN: Let's turn to some of the recent developments. What's the significance of President Biden's recent executive order? What challenges will be have to be overcome to make his administration's goal a reality?</strong></p><p><strong>DR:</strong> First off, it's an important signal from the new administration that it recognizes the need to move rapidly to electric vehicles. The federal government's purchasing power will help push automakers to offer more EV models at higher production volumes, given the certainty of demand. It won't be easy to make Biden's executive order a reality, though. While there are a lot more EV models available now, there are some types of vehicles, like pickups and full-size vans, where electric options aren't yet available. The government also will have to install infrastructure at federal facilities across the country to recharge these EVs.</p><p><strong>EN: GM won plaudits for its recent announcement, but unlike BMW, Ford, Honda and Volkswagen, the company has not agreed to comply with California's emissions standards, which are more stringent than the Trump administration's watered-down targets. How do you see GM's commitment, and how does the company stack up against other automakers?</strong></p><p><strong>DR:</strong> I'm all for auto companies setting targets to electrify their vehicle offerings. However, GM only said that it aspires to getting rid of tailpipe pollution. At the same time, it still supports the last administration's weakened emissions standards and has decided not to join the four automakers that have agreed to comply with California's emissions standards. And while GM has announced plans to release new electric models, less than 1 percent of its US sales last year were EVs. If the company were serious about committing to an electric future, it would support standards that ensure the country will have 100-percent zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2035.</p>
<p><strong>EN: What needs to happen to enable the switch from gasoline cars to EVs?</strong></p><p><strong>DR:</strong> To accelerate the transition from gasoline to electricity, several barriers have to be overcome.</p><p>First, automakers have to manufacture more EV models, including sedans, full-size SUVs, pickups and minivans. Regulation is powerful tool to make that happen. There are more options for EV buyers in Europe right now because their emissions standards are ahead of the United States.</p><p>Second, EV owners need a lot more recharging infrastructure to support long-distance travel and options if they can't charge at home because, for example, they live in an apartment building and have to park on the street. Private charging companies will play a role, but electric utility and government investments can help ensure that infrastructure is available so more people can buy an EV and not have to worry about where they can charge it.</p><p>Finally, automakers have to provide car buyers with the information and resources they need to have the confidence to choose an EV over a gasoline car. Virtually every driver knows how to refuel a gasoline car. Charging an EV isn't hard, but EV owners will understandably have questions about where they can plug in.</p><p>EVs are cheaper to drive and maintain than gasoline cars, but they still have a higher upfront cost. Battery—and therefore EV—costs are coming down quickly as production volume increases, but federal and state incentives will be critical during this transition period to address both the upfront cost and consumer uncertainty over a new technology. It will also be important to make it easier for low- and moderate-income households to go electric by, for example, providing incentives for used EV purchases and ensuring that renters in apartment buildings have access to nearby charging stations.</p><p><strong>EN: What else should car buyers be thinking about when considering an EV?</strong></p><p><strong>DR:</strong> We want to get to the point where everyone in the United States can choose an EV and meet their mobility needs. We're not there yet. We need more EV models and charging availability for everyone. Even so, a lot of people could make their next car purchase or lease an EV, either a fully electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid, especially given the fact there are more affordable long-range models available this year. Switching to an EV is a step people can take right now to make a significant reduction in their carbon emissions. Plus, owning an EV has real advantages: They are cheaper to refuel, have lower maintenance costs, run quietly, and often perform better than a gasoline car. The bottom line: Buying an EV will save car owners money, reduce toxic air pollution, and cut carbon emissions at the same time. That sounds like a good deal to me!</p><p> <em><a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/author/elliott-negin" target="_blank">Elliot Negin</a> is a senior writer in the Communications Department at the <a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/" target="_blank">Union of Concerned Scientists</a>.</em></p>
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By Grant Smith and Bill Walker
President Trump's proposed budget for 2020 would eliminate the federal tax credit for buyers of electric vehicles. The oil industry is backing the proposal, as well as a bill to impose a "user fee" — that is, a tax — on drivers of electric vehicles and trucks.
<p><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/big-oil">Big Oil</a> is panicked by the looming end to the domination of the U.S. transportation system by the internal combustion engine. The fear is justified.</p>
<p>A few years ago, the oil industry was shrugging off the threat of electric vehicles, predicting that EVs would reach <a href="https://www.ogj.com/articles/2017/01/bp-energy-outlook-global-energy-demand-to-grow-30-to-2035.html" target="_blank">only 5 percent</a> of global market share by the mid-2030s. Other analysts were far more bullish, projecting that EVs would have up to a third of the market by that time.</p><p>According to EnergyWire, EV sales in the U.S. grew by <a href="https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060127593" target="_blank">more than 80 percent</a> last year. <a href="https://energyinnovation.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-09-13-Future-of-EVs-Research-Note_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">Energy Innovation</a> expects EVs to make up to 75 percent of sales by 2050 — more than 15 million electric cars and trucks a year. Big Oil may be trying to slow the shift but can read the writing on the wall: Oil companies are <a href="https://qz.com/1542499/oil-companies-and-utilities-are-buying-up-all-the-electric-car-charging-startups/" target="_blank">investing heavily</a> in startups building electric vehicle charging stations.</p><p>EVs are already cheaper to drive than gas guzzlers. Comparing a fully electric Chevy Bolt to a car that gets 25 mpg at $2.50 per gallon, the Illinois <a href="https://citizensutilityboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017_The-ABCs-of-EVs-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Citizens Utility Board</a> found that the Bolt would cost almost $800 less to drive per year than the conventional car.</p><p>And they're going to get much cheaper to buy. <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-the-good-news-in-that-alarming-report-on-climate-change-2018-11-27" target="_blank">The price of batteries</a> for EVs dropped by 80 percent from 2010 to 2017. As that trend continues, <a href="https://about.bnef.com/blog/electric-cars-reach-price-parity-2025/" target="_blank">Bloomberg New Energy Finance</a> predicts the costs of buying and operating an EV will be cheaper than comparable gasoline-powered cars by the middle of next decade.</p>
<p>That's a win-win for the climate and for public health. Here's why.</p><ul> <li><strong>EVs are essential for fighting climate change. </strong>According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/car-emissions-and-global-warming" target="_blank">almost one-fifth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions</a> comes from cars and trucks — 19 pounds of emissions for every gallon of gas burned. To head off the worst impacts of climate change, we must not only switch to renewable energy sources to generate electricity but also slash tailpipe pollution. UCS says an electric vehicle is responsible for fewer emissions than a car that gets 80 mpg.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>EVs save lives.</strong> According to the <a href="https://news.mit.edu/2013/study-air-pollution-causes-200000-early-deaths-each-year-in-the-us-0829" target="_blank">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a>, vehicles kill 53,000 people annually prematurely from particulate or microscopic soot pollution. The <a href="https://www.energy.ca.gov/2017publications/CEC-999-2017-008/CEC-999-2017-008.pdf" target="_blank">California Energy Commission</a> says putting five million EVs on the road — about one-third of the vehicles currently on the road in the state — would save $640 million in health costs from reduced air pollution.</li></ul><p>The oil industry and other supporters of ending the EV tax credit say they're only trying to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2018-11-19/big-oil-vs-electric-cars-carbon-tax-would-level-playing-field" target="_blank">level the playing field.</a> But compare the EV tax credit, which currently totals about <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-the-good-news-in-that-alarming-report-on-climate-change-2018-11-27" target="_blank">$400 million per year,</a> to federal subsidies to the oil industry, which total <a href="https://cleantechnica.com/2017/10/14/u-s-tax-code-4-6-billion-u-s-oil-company-subsidies-per-year/" target="_blank">$4.6 billion</a> a year. Let's end taxpayer handouts to the likes of ExxonMobil and Chevron instead of penalizing car buyers who want to save money, lives and the planet.</p>
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More and more Americans are retrofitting their bathrooms with high-end bidets, allowing them to enjoy cleanliness and hygiene without creating as much paper waste. Not all bidets are created equal, however, and before deciding on a particular brand, it's important to do your homework. Take a look at our comprehensive Toto bidet review, and our reviews of Tushy and Omigo, to learn more about all of their options.
<h2>Toto overview</h2><p>Toto is a company that has been around for over 100 years. They aim to improve people's quality of life, and they do that specifically by focusing on bathrooms. To that end, Toto is known for high-quality products including toilets, faucets, showers, bathtubs, and bidets. </p><p>Toto has also expressed an admirable commitment to ecological stewardship. As <a href="https://www.totousa.com/about-toto/toto-way" target="_blank">their corporate website</a> notes, they strive to "protect the global environment by conserving finite natural resources and energy." One example of this is their donation of any imperfectly fired porcelain products for recycling and reuse as porcelain floor tile. Their <a href="https://www.totousa.com/about-toto/living-toto-library/smart-sustainable-packaging-solution" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">packaging</a> uses differing levels of recycled post-consumer paper products while their forklifts operate using <a href="https://www.totousa.com/about-toto/living-toto-library/plant-based-hydraulics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">plant-based hydraulics</a> made from soybean oil instead of traditional hydraulic oil.</p><p>Toto is definitely a company with a superior reputation when it comes to bathroom accessories in general, and bidets in particular. Here are reviews of some of the specific products in the Toto line.</p><h2>Toto bidet reviews</h2><p>There are two different bidet product families available from Toto: standalone bidets and bidet seat attachments. Their standalone models include the Piedmont bidet, the Lloyd bidet, and the Clayton bidet, while their bidet toilet seat offerings include a wide selection in the popular Washlet line. Here are details on the three standalone options and three of the most popular bidet seat attachments.</p><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><h3>Toto standalone bidets</h3><h4></h4>
<h2>Toto bidet pros and cons<br></h2><p>Whether you're considering a standalone bidet or a bidet seat attachment, here are some of the pros and cons to help you compare your options.</p><h3>Pros</h3><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Standalone bidets, such as the ones offered by Toto, are designed in a wider range of elegant, contemporary styles. If you are looking to remodel your bathroom, splurging for a standalone bidet makes sense.</li><li>Toto offers a wide selection of bidet and bidet attachment options. Some of their more advanced units feature night lights, adjustable nozzle positions, warm air dryers, and adjustable settings for the temperature of the water.</li><li>All of the Toto bidet attachments we reviewed include self-cleaning nozzles for added hygiene. They are also designed for DIY installation, and easily connect to your existing toilet's water supply without the need for a plumber or electrician.</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Toto's line of standalone bidets and bidet seat attachments are more expensive than some other brands, especially some of their more high-end models.</li><li>Standalone bidets may not be as convenient for those who have mobility issues.</li><li>All of Toto's bidet seat attachments are electric, and don't feature an eco or energy-saving mode like some other options.</li></ul><h2>The benefits of buying a bidet</h2><p>Why buy a bidet at all? There are plenty of perks, both for you and the planet:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Bidets offer a more thorough, hygienic cleaning than toilet paper.</li><li>They're considerably more eco-friendly, using less water and paper.</li><li>Because you'll use so much less toilet paper, bidets are also more cost-effective.</li><li>Compared with TP, bidets can be really soothing to the skin.</li><li>They have special benefits for women, and especially pregnant women, helping minimize the risk of a UTI.</li><li>Bidets are highly accessible, even to those with limited mobility.</li><li>A bidet makes it much easier to teach your children about proper bathroom hygiene.</li></ul><h2>Considerations when buying a bidet</h2><p>As you consider all of your options for getting a bidet, here are a few of the key factors to consider:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Look for a bidet with a self-cleaning nozzle. This will help keep things hygienic.</li><li>Electric vs. non-electric? Electric bidets can offer more comfort features, like a heated seat, but they also use more energy than a non-electric one.</li><li>Is it a standalone bidet, a bidet seat, or a bidet attachment? While a standalone bidet is a completely separate fixture from your toilet, a bidet seat will completely replace your existing seat and a bidet attachment will be installed onto your existing toilet seat. These are usually the least expensive, but also come with the fewest features.</li><li>Does the bidet connect to your home's hot water? If it doesn't, you will only be able to clean with cold water.</li><li>Make sure you can adjust the settings. For the most comfortable bidet, look for controls that let you customize the water pressure, the angle of the water stream, the temperature of the water, and the temperature of the seat, if it is heated.</li></ul><p>Use these questions to determine whether the bidets from Toto are right for you.</p><h2>Toto bidets: a leader in comfort and efficiency</h2><p>Toto makes durable, elegant, and highly functional products that will allow you to enjoy all the hygienic and environmental benefits of a bidet. You can also read our full review of the best bidets to compare with other brands like Brondell, Kohler, Tushy, and BioBidet.</p><p><em><strong>Josh Hurst </strong></em><em>is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. His writing on natural health, nutrition, and supplements has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.</em></p>
Piedmont
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgyMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjI3MjE3Nn0.QqBs95yaFQnGwAuf0t3XaSCc7pvrSEUalnl9UulrODg/img.jpg?width=980" id="a0c63" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9d10ad2b08c5d00642b44787c1b099ad" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-BT500B-01-Piedmont-Vertical/dp/B00084P3GO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=ZG6AGN0U9VQL&dchild=1&keywords=toto+piedmont+bidet&qid=1613591898&sprefix=toto+piedmo%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Toto's Piedmont bidet</a> offers an elegant, classic design, and it also comes with built-in safeguards that prevent it from ever overflowing. It is available in several color options, and will look good with any contemporary bathroom design.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> This is the most affordable standalone bidet in Toto's catalog. This bidet is a good option if you are remodeling your bathroom or are building a home and want to save water and paper waste from the start. Priced starting at $533, you can find it through other retailers for around $280.</p>
$533
Lloyd
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgzMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTU0Nzk0Nn0.h9XeFBojZff_4Un8swlIoamX7xAwO1wH3RKAiiZb96k/img.jpg?width=980" id="e5d22" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="83ff9c9b3ed8f1b5e92ff99c14ad9b0c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-BT930B-01-Vertical-Cotton/dp/B0015IVUOQ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=toto%2Blloyd%2Bbidet&qid=1613592001&sr=8-2&th=1" target="_blank">Lloyd bidet</a> has a much bolder, "skirted" design, but it also shares the Piedmont's flushing rim and integral overflow features, which keep you from ever experiencing spillage.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>This is a fancier product with a more striking appearance, and is mainly suited for a larger, more formal design. It retails for a slightly higher price point: The Lloyd model starts at $780 in total, but you can find it for $526 through other retailers.</p>
$780
Clayton
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgzMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NTI4MTYyNn0.xNOnfejHaWbEVHRbO1vFVdUoWbFvevja40qRVr6L4dI/img.jpg?width=980" id="df200" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0cdb567e670fb2e46f50fbc43c99158c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>The company's flagship standalone bidet is known as the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-BT784B-01-Clayton-Vertical/dp/B0018L9JUC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=toto+clayton+bidet&qid=1613592108&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Clayton</a>. It includes the same overflow safeguards as the other two, and of course, each of these products is backed by Toto's longstanding commitment to excellent craftsmanship.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>This is the most traditional in its visual style, and, with a number of colors to choose from, it will look great in almost any bathroom design. The Clayton starts at $734, but is available through other retailers for around $426.</p>
$734
<h3>Toto bidet seats</h3>
Toto Washlet C200
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgzNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTY3OTY1M30.3coYAuyqJLBcw8hQszI8Shbcfyr6nn9V0ek-kXv2kgQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="61762" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b7c91d2511149e271c7f0139f1580788" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>This electronic smart bidet seat fits onto your existing toilet bowl and offers a number of comfort features, including a heated seat, automatic air deodorizer, adjustable warm water, warm air dryer, self-cleaning wand, and a wireless remote control.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> We chose the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UCIOX2Q/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=-XjvJQOmffOcAmiCOZvtAA&hsa_cr_id=7413316040901&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=0e0e7f3d-0baf-4977-85d3-663f618a76d8&pd_rd_w=Yi3yF&pd_rd_wg=LUFHB&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi3d_asin_1_img" target="_blank">Toto C200</a> as the overall best bidet in <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/best-bidet-toilet-seats-2650502928.html" target="_self">our review</a> of top brands. In addition to the features mentioned, its dual action oscillating and pulsating spray and pre-mist function provide a comfortable and sanitary clean.</p>
$715
Toto Washlet S500e with EWATER+
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgzOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTgzNTIyMH0.idaacYO4MzHGTeajRkSCVHOo3TH7tehRN8TAH2s75ko/img.jpg?width=980" id="f6ed5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="87fa67b17e4c8e06f74bfbce87bf4809" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-SW3046-01-Electronic-Contemporary/dp/B078GTKSXK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15NGPC9YFANKH&dchild=1&keywords=toto+s500e&qid=1613960063&sprefix=toto+s500e%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Toto Washlet S500e</a> bidet seat includes the features found in the C200, plus instantaneous water heating, front and rear wash functions, two-user preset memory, and the company's <a href="https://www.totousa.com/technologies/ewater" target="_blank">EWATER+ technology</a>. This system uses electrolyzed water to keep the wand and toilet bowl clean.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> This high-end Toto electric bidet seat can help you reduce water and toilet paper use, and it can help reduce the need for chemical cleaning products with its EWATER+ technology.</p>
$1530
Toto Washlet A100
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDg0Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MzU0OTU3MH0.g2PYzguGXvB1l7RvWBcw_xNtlpy8hsmcwui8Twr3CMA/img.jpg?width=980" id="08295" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d3d798b5d7737cddaadfd9f6fa5a84d6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-SW2014-01-Electronic-SoftClose/dp/B0165UFOGS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=30E9Y1LAN9ZRW&dchild=1&keywords=toto+washlet+a100+elongated+bidet+toilet+seat&qid=1613589664&sprefix=toto+washlet+a100%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFBR1FMUTdJR1hXNUEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAyNjIwOTkxUE1EWk5CQjg2QTZPJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NDc1MzExSk1UMk5CQzJYVUhVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==" target="_blank">A100</a> is an entry-level Washlet bidet attachment, but still offers numerous comfort features. It includes a heated seat with temperature control, aerated warm water with a dual action spray, and an attached arm control panel.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>One of the most affordable Toto bidet options, it still lets you adjust the water temperature and pressure settings, and features rear and front cleaning functionality for a feminine wash.</p>
$499
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The Need for EV Charging Stations
By Jeremy Deaton
A driver planning to make the trek from Denver to Salt Lake City can look forward to an eight-hour trip across some of the most beautiful parts of the country, long stretches with nary a town in sight. The fastest route would take her along I-80 through southern Wyoming. For 300 miles between Laramie and Evanston, she would see, according to a rough estimate, no fewer than 40 gas stations where she could fuel up her car. But if she were driving an electric vehicle, she would see just four charging stations where she could recharge her battery.
<p>The same holds true across the country. Gas stations outnumber public charging stations by around <a href="https://qz.com/1007304/there-are-now-16000-public-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-in-the-us-and-china-is-way-ahead/" target="_blank">seven to one</a>. It's no wonder people get so nervous about driving an electric car.</p><p><a href="https://www.theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/Consumer-EV-Awareness_ICCT_Working-Paper_23032017_vF.pdf" target="_blank">Numerous studies</a> have shown that consumers steer clear of EVs because they worry about the lack of charging stations. Studies also show that consumers are more likely to buy an electric car when they see stations around town. While fears about range anxiety are largely unfounded — even the cheapest EVs sport enough range to serve <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nenergy2016112" target="_blank">nearly all</a> of a driver's needs — the paucity of charging stations is a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-tesla-road-trip/" target="_blank">real concern</a> on longer trips, and it is deterring consumers from going all-electric.</p><p>To be clear, it's not just consumers who want to see more chargers. Charging stations are a boon to automakers, who want to sell electric cars, as well as to power utilities, who want to sell more electricity. <a href="https://www.greenbiz.com/article/why-pge-national-grid-and-enel-are-charging-power-evs" target="_blank">Some utilities</a> and automakers are investing huge sums into setting up charging stations — including Volkswagen's <a href="https://www.electrifyamerica.com/" target="_blank">commitment</a> to spend $2 billion on EV charging infrastructure as part of their settlement over the diesel emissions scandal. But by and large, automakers and power companies are not putting a lot of money towards charging infrastructure.</p>
<p>"I think the biggest problem with charging stations is there is no one responsible for installing charging stations," said Nick Sifuentes, executive director at <a href="http://www.tstc.org/" target="_blank">Tri-State Transportation Campaign</a>. "So you see some automakers, like Tesla, installing charging stations. You see charging stations occasionally getting put out as part of a municipal planning process," he said, "but for the most part, there is no one entity or group that feels responsible for that duty."</p><p>Power utilities have a big interest in EVs. Despite continued economic growth, demand for electricity has <a href="https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/2/27/17052488/electricity-demand-utilities" target="_blank">stayed flat</a> over the last decade, as businesses slash energy use and consumers switch to more power-thrifty appliances — LED light bulbs, flat-screen TVs, high-efficiency washers and dryers. EVs could drive up the demand for electricity, throwing a lifeline to power utilities. And yet, these companies largely aren't building charging stations.</p><p>"For power utilities, the question is whether they see it as something that's actually in their bailiwick or not," Sifuentes said. Policymakers have not directed utilities to build out EV infrastructure, and with so few electric cars on the road, utilities are unlikely to take it upon themselves to start building charging stations.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTI4NDY0OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTM5NDYxN30.O53Vr2FbHJJO28t4q40ZOfWwVkGfyBdYaljZ4UqnrXg/img.jpg?width=980" id="81131" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7022387125bf688463fa8e890eaa3405" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
The Tesla Model 3.
Tesla
<p>"The problem is that the charging infrastructure doesn't have a viable business model yet," said David Greene, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Tennessee. "Although, there are some companies who are working on it really hard."</p><p>Private firms like <a href="https://www.evbox.us/" target="_blank">EvBox</a> and <a href="https://www.chargepoint.com/" target="_blank">ChargePoint</a> are looking to <a href="https://www.globalclimateactionsummit.org/international-infrastructure-boost-for-roll-out-of-zero-emission-vehicles-at-global-climate-action-summit/" target="_blank">radically expand</a> the number of available charging stations, but these plans depend on exponential growth in the sale of EVs. ChargePoint is looking to add 2.5 million charging stations to its global network of just 50,000, a goal it said is based on a "conservative view" of future EV sales. EvBox, meanwhile, is aiming for 1 million new charging stations. A spokesperson noted this target is "at least partly dependent on the number of electric vehicles on the road," though he was similarly bullish on the growth of EVs. Analysts expect EV sales to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2017/09/14/the-future-of-electric-vehicles-in-the-u-s-part-1-65-75-new-light-duty-vehicle-sales-by-2050/#6fbaebffe289" target="_blank">increase</a> dramatically in the coming years, though <a href="https://nexusmedianews.com/consumers-dont-know-jack-about-electric-cars-f75892567226" target="_blank">major</a> <a href="https://nexusmedianews.com/car-companies-arent-even-trying-to-sell-electric-cars-cd11790cc994" target="_blank">roadblocks</a> stand in the way of future adoption.</p><p>Even if EV sales take off and charging stations proliferate, barriers will remain. Making EVs more viable means installing not just more chargers, but more fast chargers that allow drivers to take long journeys. The difference between a fast charger and a slow charger is the difference between a family stopping for coffee while they refuel their car and a family stopping overnight.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTI4NDY2Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTkzMjQxMn0.btvu4Cn6188VETZMyR4xl6RXhJ7n1sxGRRWuyIAi9Xs/img.jpg?width=980" id="15617" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b9311c67c36eec30d9790415084731b4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
A Chargepoint electric vehicle charging station.
Tony Webster
<p>"It's 180 miles from Knoxville to Nashville. Supposedly there's a [direct current] fast charger at a Cracker Barrel in Cookville, which is almost exactly halfway, but it almost never works," Greene said. "The fact that the range is limited and the recharging time can be quite long if one does not have access to fast charging, that's another problem."</p><p>There is also the fact that the technology isn't standardized. Different cars use <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-electricity-charging/plug-wars-the-battle-for-electric-car-supremacy-idUSKBN1FD0QM" target="_blank">different plugs</a>. Ford and GM use one kind. Tesla uses another. Fast charging requires a different kind altogether. So, while charging stations <a href="https://www.plugshare.com/" target="_blank">dot the country</a>, not every station meets every driver's needs. Until manufacturers arrive at an industry standard — or policymakers mandate that standard — <br>"charging stations are going to need to have two or three different types of plugs, and people will need to be able to charge at different speeds because their car might not have a supercharger," Sifuentes said.</p><p>Sifuentes believes that policymakers have a key role to play in building out charging stations. "They have to actually put in place laws and incentives that encourage the development of the necessary infrastructure, and I think that takes place in two ways," he said. "One, encouraging utilities to do that. But also, I think we can't ignore the role that public transit plays here."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTI4NDY0NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTcwMDc5Mn0.STQzo7IOhDMTt6mQQ5Wkuo2RA9lbEt9kBMTsigKK-HY/img.jpg?width=980" id="e8639" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="83ecd6a9ae8c1ebce509eaac5e5bba00" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<p> <em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://nexusmedianews.com/everybody-wants-ev-charging-stations-almost-nobody-wants-to-build-them-video-dedf40cdffeb" target="_blank">Nexus Media</a>.</em><em></em></p>Different types of EV plugs.
<p>New York City, he said, has pledged to switch to <a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26042018/nyc-air-pollution-electric-bus-public-transportation-mta-clean-technology" target="_blank">all-electric buses</a> by 2040. "That means they're going to have to put some serious charging infrastructure in place," Sifuentes said. "If there's a charging location that has to be put in because buses need to charge there but that's available for private use as well, great."</p><p>In addition to building public charging infrastructure, governments can also encourage the development of private charging infrastructure. Policymakers in <a href="https://www.utilitydive.com/news/iowa-proposes-rules-for-commercial-public-ev-chargers/548132/" target="_blank">Iowa</a> and <a href="https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/austin-energy-sees-third-party-ev-charging-win-win" target="_blank">Austin, Texas</a>, for example, are working to lower barriers to setting up charging stations, allowing private firms, as opposed to power utilities, to resell electricity. "I think the other role that policymakers have to play here is they have to actually put in place laws and incentives that encourage the development of the necessary infrastructure," Sifuentes said.</p><p>In Norway, where EVs account for <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-02/electric-cars-on-course-to-be-the-new-normal-in-norway" target="_blank">around a third</a> of all new car sales, the government has gone a step further. The government is <a href="https://wpstatic.idium.no/elbil.no/2016/08/EVS30-Charging-infrastrucure-experiences-in-Norway-paper.pdf#page=4" target="_blank">installing</a> a fast charging station every 30 miles on main roads. EV drivers can get free charging at public stations in <a href="http://www.eafo.eu/content/norway" target="_blank">addition</a> to free parking and free access to toll roads. Sifuentes said these kinds of policies are needed to spur the growth of EVs and support the installation of EV charging stations.</p><p>"We're absolutely on the tipping point," Sifeuntes said. "The more that we see EVs rolling out, the more and more it's going to look like the right move to be putting this infrastructure in place."</p>
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Trending
Mario Gutiérrez / Getty Images
By Jim Motavalli
The future of the auto industry is increasingly likely to be electric—although you wouldn't necessarily know that from sales numbers. Just under 200,000 plug-in cars were sold in the United States last year (out of a new-car market of 17.25 million). In California, cars with plugs made up 4.6 percent of the new-car market in 2017, while nationwide the number increased only slightly, to 1.16 percent of total auto sales. But 2018 is shaping up to be better, with 36 percent higher EV sales in the first four months than in the same period the previous year.
<p>Elsewhere, meanwhile, EV sales are booming. Last year China's EV sales were more than three times those of the United States, accounting for nearly half of all plug-in vehicles purchased worldwide. In tiny Norway, thanks to great incentives, more than half of all new-car registrations in 2017 were either hybrid or battery electric. </p><p>The United States has a chance to catch up. Amid a welcome proliferation of EV models, the general trend is that most new cars will be offered with a plug-in variant. The consumer today has a lot of good EV choices that are much cleaner than conventional vehicles, even factoring in emissions from the electricity used to charge them. Both range and performance are improving as prices come down. If electric cars can travel 300 miles on a charge—as do some versions of the Tesla Model S and upcoming cars from Volkswagen and Porsche—then the old shibboleth of range anxiety may no longer apply. </p><p>Here are six noteworthy 2018 models, both full battery electric and plug-in hybrid. It's important to point out that all these cars come with federal incentives of up to $7,500. Many states offer further financial subsidies as well as perks such as priority parking and single-passenger privileges in HOV lanes. All prices stated below are base prices, without federal and state incentives or destination charges (the cost of shipping the car from manufacturer to dealer).</p><p><strong>Toyota Prius Prime</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The Prime is a big step up from the first Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. Based on this model's 25 miles of battery-only range, it will save the average commuter $561 a year in fueling costs, compared with driving the average car. With savings like that, the quirky styling will grow on you. Base price: $27,300. The $33,300 advanced package includes a tablet-like screen and a full range of infotainment and safety technology.</p><p><span></span><strong>Kia Niro Plug-in-Hybrid</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The standard Niro arrived last year, but it's the plug-in hybrid version that has my attention—not least because it offers 26 miles of electric travel (and up to 560 miles of total range) via its 8.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The subcompact SUV pairs its electric motor with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. There's a really useful cargo capacity of up to 54 cubic feet, and five adults can ride comfortably. Base price: $27,900.</p><p><span></span><strong>Chevrolet Bolt</strong></p><p><strong></strong>With 238 miles on a charge of its 60-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, the 200-horsepower Bolt pioneered the affordable long-distance EV. "The Bolt is my third electric vehicle, but the first one that allows me to completely forget about range," a California Bolt driver told me. (A downside of the big battery is a long full-charge time—9.5 hours at 240 volts/32 amps—although drivers rarely start charging on "empty.") The Bolt is futuristic inside and out, handles well, and is very fast off the mark—zero to 60 in less than seven seconds. It has essentially the same value proposition as the Tesla Model 3 but without the long wait. Base price: $37,495.</p><p><span></span><strong>Chrysler Pacifica</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan is outstanding in its field—but it's the only one in that field. The minivan remains more practical than most SUVs for transporting families and cargo, but it suffers from an unfortunate image problem in a market that celebrates sexier formats. Chrysler is to be commended for taking a leap of faith. The front-drive Pacifica will accommodate seven passengers and has 32 cubic feet of cargo room. The third row of seats can be fully stored in the floor with the press of a button. The Pacifica is rated at the equivalent of 84 miles per gallon in combined driving, or 32 mpg with just its 3.6-liter Atkinson-cycle V6. But it has more than 30 miles of electric-only range, and its 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery charges in just two hours on 240-volt power. Base price: $39,995.</p><p><span></span><strong>Tesla Model 3</strong></p><p><strong></strong>If you can get your hands on one, the Tesla Model 3 EV sedan is worth the effort. With similar performance to the vaunted Model S in a more compact package, it's a technological marvel and (compared with other Teslas) something of a bargain—which is why more than 400,000 people are on the list to buy one. Tesla's production line is having teething problems; if you sign up now, the wait will be up to 12 months. The Model 3 is hugely fun to drive and boasts a very futuristic dashboard. Forget instruments—all the functions are on a touch screen that can be updated remotely. Most buyers will opt for the long-range battery, which gives 310 miles on a charge. (In fact, that's the only option in early production.) Base price: $35,000; with long-range battery, $49,000. (Disclosure: Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a major donor to the Sierra Club.)</p><p><em>This article was funded by the Sierra Club's Electric Vehicles Initiative (<a href="http://sc.org/evguide" target="_blank">sc.org/evguide</a>).</em></p><p> <em><em>This article appeared in the September/October 2018 edition with the headline "A 2018 Buyer's Guide for Cars with Plugs."</em></em></p><p><em><em></em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2018-4-september-october/feature/6-best-2018-evs-both-full-battery-electric-and-plug-hybrid" target="_blank">SIERRA Magazine</a>.</em><em></em></p>
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iStock
By Gina Coplon-Newfield and Sung-Jae Park
Recently, 10 major transnational corporations launched EV100, a new global initiative to slash emissions by increasing the number of corporate fleet electric vehicles (EV) on the road. EV100 companies, including Ikea, Unilever and HP, are committing to, by 2030, integrate EVs into their owned or leased fleets and install EV charging stations for customers and employees.
The full initial list of companies, many of which operate many thousands of fleet vehicles, includes: Baidu, Deutsche Post DHL Group, Heathrow Airport, HP Inc., IKEA Group, LeasePlan, METRO AG, PG&E, Unilever and Vattenfall. Vattenfall, the Swedish power company that serves most of Europe, intends to meet the campaign's commitments, and then some. "Replacing our whole 3,500 car fleet with EV in the coming five years, working with our customers to deploy charging infrastructure, and building northern Europe's biggest connected charging network, are three examples of actions we are taking to promote a sustainable and climate smarter living for customers and citizens," Magnus Hall, CEO of Vattenfall, said.
<p style="">EV100 is filling a gap created by the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-watch/">Trump administration</a>. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under the Obama administration set up the Workplace Charging Challenge, which provided technical assistance to hundreds of companies, agencies and organizations small and large interested in installing EV charging stations for employees and customers, adding EVs to their fleets, and otherwise accelerating EV adoption. Members included the Coca-Cola Company, Kohl's and Pacific Gas & Electric. However, the Trump administration has ended the program. Some of the program's <a href="https://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_charging_workplace.html" target="_blank">information is still available on the web</a>, and there are <a href="https://energy.gov/eere/vehicles/technology-areas" target="_blank">other important DOE advanced vehicle technology programs</a> that appear to exist (for now), but the Trump DOE is no longer taking new members of the Workplace Charging Challenge or otherwise actively supporting workplaces for EVs. This, despite the fact that an employee is at least <a href="https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/01/f34/WPCC_2016%20Annual%20Progress%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">six times more likely</a> to drive electric if there is access to a charging station at their workplace, according to a survey by the previous administration's DOE.</p><p style="">Other private small-scale efforts are working to scale up corporate engagement on EVs. For the past few years, Plug In America and Reach Strategies been hosting "ride and drive" <a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/files/u/news_events/document/document_url/293/WPCC_rideanddrivewebinar-reachstrategies_0215.pdf" target="_blank">EV showcase events</a> at business locations, such as the Google campus, to inspire workplaces to install charging stations to better accommodate and increase the usage of EVs.</p><p style="">The transportation sector is the fastest-growing contributor to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a>, accounting for 23 percent of global energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the U.S. this number is even higher, transportation is now the largest single source of carbon emissions. But electric vehicles, with no tailpipe emissions, are a clean alternative to the traditional vehicles that pump out dangerous pollution that leaves our air dirty, our families sick and our climate in peril. Even factoring in the emissions from the electricity used to power EVs, they are lower in GHG emissions than conventional vehicles. As we shift to more renewable sources of electricity, EVs become even cleaner over time.</p><p style="">The EV100 initiative is organized by <a href="https://www.theclimategroup.org/" target="_blank">The Climate Group</a>, a non-profit networking organization focused on building relationships with world businesses in order to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions all the way down to zero. Founded in 2004, the Climate Group has grown to incorporate more than 80 multinational businesses across the entire world. Over the past few years, they have worked as a member of <a href="https://www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org/" target="_blank">We Mean Business</a>, a global coalition of business leaders focused on taking action on climate change. Through this relationship, The Climate Group has launched a number of campaigns to accelerate <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/renewable-energy/">renewable energy</a> and clean energy production. Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group, <a href="https://www.theclimategroup.org/news/multinationals-launch-global-program-speed-switch-electric-vehicles" target="_blank">said</a>, "We want to make electric transport the new normal ... EV100 will use companies' collective global buying power and influence on employees and customers to build demand and cut costs. The members being announced today see the business logic in leading a faster transition and addressing local air quality issues in their markets."</p><p style="">Meanwhile, transit fleet leaders are considering a shift to zero emission buses. LA Metro, for example, which operates the second largest bus fleet in the U.S., just committed to switch to all zero emission buses by 2030. And individuals are making the switch too. In September of 2017, electric car U.S. sales—mostly among individual consumers—<a href="https://insideevs.com/monthly-plug-in-sales-scorecard/" target="_blank">rose 24 percent over September of 2016</a>. But to meet our climate and public health goals, we need to rapidly accelerate EV adoption by individuals, corporations and transit agencies.</p><p style=""><em><a href="http://www.sierraclub.org/other/authors/gina-coplon-newfield-0" target="_blank">Gina Coplon-Newfield</a> is the director of Sierra Club's Clean Transportation for All Campaign. </em><em><a href="http://www.sierraclub.org/other/authors/sung-jae-park" target="_blank">Sung-Jae Park</a> is an intern with Sierra Club's Clean Transportation for All campaign.</em></p>
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The Parker Project
In Europe, electric vehicles are not just a low-emission way of getting from A to B, they are also being built as mobile generators. Newly designed Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) models can both receive electricity from the grid and supply excess power right back during peak demand.
Notably, the Parker Project in Denmark—carried out by grid integration specialists such as Enel, Nuvve and Insero, as well as automakers Nissan, Mitsubishi and PSA Groupe—has allowed V2G drivers to actually earn money just by parking the car at two-way charge stations.
<p style="">
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-11/parked-electric-cars-earn-1-530-feeding-power-grids-in-europe" target="_blank">Bloomberg New Energy Finance</a> reports that fleet operators in Denmark are earning up to $1,530 annually at these charge points.</p><p style="">"You can compare it to Airbnb where you have an asset, in this case not an apartment or a room, but a car, and you want to make the most out of that asset by letting someone else use it as well when you are not using it," Parker Project manager Peter Bach Andersen
<a href="http://parker-project.com/introducing-parker/" target="_blank">explained</a> in the clip below.<br></p><p>
"So in this case maybe you use your car 5 percent of the time, but the rest of the time, when it is just standing there, and you are not using it, you can allow the power system to benefit from this car, and in that way you get a compensation for doing so," he said.
</p><p>According to <a href="https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/18/v2g-pilot-in-italy-hopes-to-define-operating-standard/" target="_blank">CleanTechnica</a>, the Danish installation utilizes 10 V2G chargers and 10 Nissan e-NV200 electric vans, which are capable of feeding power back to transmission system operator Energinet.dk.<br></p><p>
The program is designed to increase the stability of the European power grid and to assist with the distribution of
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/renewable-energy/">renewable</a> energies such as solar and wind power.
</p><p>
"Enel is taking major steps in the development of smart grids with the aim of effectively integrating renewables into distribution grids, as well as creating an active role for the customer in the energy market,"
<a href="http://parker-project.com/danish-project-defines-the-electric-vehicle-of-the-future/" target="_blank">said</a> Livio Gallo, the head of Global Infrastructure and Networks at the Italian utility. "V2G is one of the most promising technologies through which these challenges can be tackled."</p><p><span></span>Bach added that the Parker Project could help ease the electrification of transportation as
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/future-electric-cars-2457903804.html" target="_blank">demand for EVs</a> surges globally.</p><p>
"There's a strong push, both on an international and European level, to go from fossil fuel cars to electric cars. Ultimately, this will lead to a higher demand of power and energy in the power system," he said.
</p><p>
"The immediate effect is a challenge to the power system, but if done intelligently, these electric vehicles can actually be used as an asset to ensure an economic power system based on renewable energy."
</p><p>
<em></em>Watch here to learn more about the Parker Project:
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b54ac6b754bd7c8330bba697d4143913"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/98dfIwhXKqc?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
</p>
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TU/Ecomotive
Students in the Netherlands have built a biodegradable electric car that seats up to four people and can travel at 50 miles (80 km) per hour.
The "Lina" is said to be the world's first biocomposite car.
<p>
According to
<a href="http://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/2017/05/dutch-students-present-lina-worlds-first-biocomposite-car/" target="_blank">Composites Manufacturing</a> magazine, the Lina only weighs 660 pounds, as its chassis consists of a honeycomb core made of polylactic acid (a completely biodegradable resin derived from sugar beets) sandwiched between two flax fiber composite sheets, giving the car a strength to weight ratio similar to glass fiber.
</p><p>
"Only the wheels and suspension systems are not yet of bio-based materials," Yanic van Riel, one of the developers from the <a href="http://tuecomotive.nl/" target="_blank">TU/Ecomotive</a> team at the Eindhoven University of Technology, told <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-netherlands-biocomposite-car-idUSKBN1AO1BL" target="_blank">Reuters</a>.
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMDIxNTE1MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNDc2NjI5N30.uOfxdXuXshnLI8OjyF3i5M19wJT2HOLR1z2DfsH3K-w/img.jpg?width=980" id="41748" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="91ad59433d52bb3f8c21e26fc437a5a3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"><small placeholder="add caption..." class="image-media media-caption">The car's frame is made of sugar beet resin sandwiched between Dutch-grown flax.</small><small placeholder="add photo credit..." class="image-media media-photo-credit">TU/Ecomotive</small>
</p><p>
Another advantage of the car's light weight is that it significantly reduces battery size. Team leader Noud van de Gevel said only 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of battery packs were needed to power the Lina for a range of about 100 kilometers (62 miles).
</p><p>
That's "about four times more efficient than the BMW i3 ... and that's in real city driving, [which includes] breaking, stopping and accelerating," he quipped.
</p><p>
<span></span>Van de Gevel told Reuters that the prototype has not yet passed crash tests as the material "will not bend like metal, but break."
</p><p>
The group intends to test drive the Lina later this year on city streets once it's approved by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority.
</p><p>
Watch here to see the car in motion:
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To help spur the "electric vehicle revolution," Australia will build a superhighway consisting of a network of free, fast-charging electric vehicle stations.
Much of the 1,118-mile route will stretch along the coast of the Australian state of Queensland, near the Great Barrier Reef, Reuters reported.
<p>
Environment Minister and Acting Main Roads Minister Steven Miles <a href="http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/7/27/the-future-is-electric-for-queensland-motorists" target="_blank">said</a> the highway will be the world's longest in one state once complete and will be powered by <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/renewable-energy/">renewable energy</a> purchased through green energy credits or offsets.
</p><p>
"EVs can provide not only a reduced fuel cost for Queenslanders, but an environmentally-friendly transport option, particularly when charged from renewable energy," he said.
</p><p>
Miles said that 18 towns and cities will make up the first phase of the "Electric Super Highway." Once it's up an running in the next six months, EV drivers will be able to coast from the state's southern border to the Far North.
</p><p>
<span></span>The 18 stations, which can recharge a vehicle in half an hour, will offer free power for at least one year.
</p><p>
"They will be available for use at no cost for the initial phase of the super highway so we can encourage as many people as possible to start using them," Miles said.
</p><p>
As the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/27/queensland-to-build-one-of-worlds-longest-electric-vehicle-highways" target="_blank">Guardian</a> noted, Australia's new EV highway will be about the same length as the West Coast Green Highway, which spans from California to Oregon and Washington state. The world's longest EV highway is the massive Trans-Canada EV highway, which is about 4,850 miles in length.
</p><p>
"This project is ambitious, but we want as many people as possible on board the electric vehicle revolution, as part of our transition to a low emissions future," Miles said.
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Felix Kramer / Wikimedia
By Jason Mathers
The high level of confidence that automotive industry leaders have in the future of electric vehicles (EVs) has been on full display recently.
<p>In just the past few weeks:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/tesla">Tesla's</a> Model 3 started to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/03/business/tesla-model-3-elon-musk.html" target="_blank">roll off the assembly line</a>.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Daimler announced a <a href="https://electrek.co/2017/07/05/daimler-battery-factory-china-mercedes-benzs-electric-cars/" target="_blank">$740 million investment</a> to produce EV batteries in China.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Cummins noted it would have a <a href="http://www.trucknews.com/equipment/cummins-put-fully-electrified-powertrain-system-road-2019/1003079224/" target="_blank">fully electric truck platform</a> available by the end of 2019.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Lyft <a href="https://blog.lyft.com/posts/2017/6/14/lyft-climate-impact-goals" target="_blank">pledged to provide</a> a billion rides a year powered by electricity by 2025.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Porsche set a 2023 target for having <a href="http://www.thedrive.com/news/11881/porsche-wants-half-of-its-cars-to-be-electric-by-2023-ceo-says" target="_blank">50 percent of its production be electric vehicles</a>.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Volvo Cars announced that "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/05/business/energy-environment/volvo-hybrid-electric-car.html" target="_blank">all the models it introduces starting in 2019 will be either hybrids or powered solely by batteries</a>."</li></ul><p>This spurt of corporate announcements has been paired with a bevy of statements of international leadership:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>France <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/business/energy-environment/france-cars-ban-gas-diesel.html" target="_blank">declared</a> it would be all electric by 2040.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>India <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2017/06/03/technology/future/india-electric-cars/index.html" target="_blank">challenged itself</a> to be gas free by 2030.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>China <a href="http://www.mckinsey.com/global-themes/china/chinas-electric-vehicle-market-plugs-in?cid=china-eml-alt-mkq-mck-oth-1707" target="_blank">took the global lead</a> in terms of number of EVs on the road.</li></ul><p>These developments are more than just excitement about an emerging solution. They are indicators that the market for EVs is developing faster than anticipated even just last year.</p><p>Consider the findings of <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-06/the-electric-car-revolution-is-accelerating" target="_blank">a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance</a>:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"[L]ithium-ion cell costs have already fallen by 73 percent since 2010."</p><p>The report updated its future cost projections to reflect further steep cost reductions in the years ahead, with a price per kilowatt-hour in 2025 of $109 and in 2030 of $73.</p><p>Cost reductions on this order would result in EVs achieving cost parity with some classes of conventional vehicles by 2025—and across most vehicle segments by 2029, according to the report. EV sales are expected to really take off once they achieve cost parity with conventional vehicles, as the vehicles are significantly less expensive to fuel and maintain.</p><p>The acceleration in the EV market is great news for <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate protection</a>, too. A recent assessment found that zero-emission vehicles, such as EVs, need to <a href="https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/content/final_public_white_paper_post_2026_co2_reductions2.27_clean.pdf" target="_blank">comprise 40 percent of new vehicles sold by 2030</a> in order for the automotive sector to be on a path to achieve critical mid-century emissions targets. With the momentum in the EV market, we have a critical window to further boost this market by ensuring greater access of electric vehicles and a cleaner electric grid to power them.</p><p>Unfortunately, the U.S. has not demonstrated the same appetite for national leadership on EVs as other countries. Even worse, we are going in the wrong direction—with serious implications for our health, climate and economy.</p><p>Instead of leading, the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/trump-watch/">Trump Administration</a> is undermining critical clean air and climate protections including the <a href="https://www.edf.org/media/retreating-clean-cars-wrong-america" target="_blank">landmark clean car standards for 2022 to 2025</a>. The actions of individual automakers, however, tell a very different story from the "can't do it" mantra put forth by the administration.</p><p>In their <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/07/all-the-promises-automakers-have-made-about-the-future-of-cars/532806/" target="_blank">commitments</a>, <a href="https://electrek.co/2017/04/28/vw-invesment-electric-vehicles/" target="_blank">investments</a> and <a href="http://fortune.com/2016/02/19/gm-powertrain-propulsion/" target="_blank">new product introductions</a>, automotive manufacturers and their suppliers are clearly telling us that low emissions vehicles can play a much bigger role in the near future.</p><p>The fact is that automakers can meet the existing 2022 to 2025 federal greenhouse gas standards through <a href="https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/content/final_edf_tar_comments_9.26.16.pdf" target="_blank">deployment of current conventional technology alone</a>. Now, in addition to the robust pathway automakers have through existing technologies, EV adoption rates in the U.S. will be <a href="https://about.bnef.com/electric-vehicle-outlook/" target="_blank">10 percent in 2025</a> if the Bloomberg New Energy Finance forecasts hold true. This is further proof that the existing standards are highly achievable. Rather than weaken the standard, the administration should be pursuing options to further scale EVs over the next decade.</p><p>Investing in clear car solutions is <a href="https://www.bluegreenalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Backgrounder-Vehicle-Standards-and-Jobs-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">sound economic policy</a>. These investments enhance the global competitiveness of the U.S. automotive sector.</p><p>This is why the UAW in a <a href="http://blogs.edf.org/climate411/files/2017/03/UAW-proposed-determination.pdf" target="_blank">letter supporting</a> the existing 2022 to 2025 clean car standards, noted:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"UAW members know firsthand that Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards have spurred investments in new products that employ tens of thousands of our members."</p><p>Like other key aspects of the potential of the emerging EV marketplace, the role it can play as an employer has been in the news recently, too.</p><p>An AM General assembly plant in northern Indiana was acquired by electric vehicle manufacture <a href="http://www.sfmotors.com/" target="_blank">SF Motors</a>. The company <a href="http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2017/06/22/electric-vehicle-maker-buy-am-general-plant-indiana/419339001/" target="_blank">announced</a> that it will make a $30 million investment in the facility and keep on all the 430 employees.</p><p>Fittingly, most of the 430 jobs that were saved to manufacture an emerging, clean technology are represented by UAW Local 5—the oldest continuously operating UAW Local in the country.</p>
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By Andy Rowell
The UK has followed France in banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040, as part of its plan to tackle chronic air pollution in cities. The government has been coming under intense pressure to act, with an estimated 40,000 people dying prematurely a year from air pollution.
<p>A government spokesman told the press, "Poor air quality is the biggest environmental risk to public health in the UK and this government is determined to take strong action in the shortest time possible.</p><p>"That is why we are providing councils with new funding to accelerate development of local plans, as part of an ambitious £3bn [$3.9 billion] program to clean up dirty air around our roads."</p><p>But critics have said the ban is already "too little too late," with many highly critical of the proposals.</p><p>"Air pollution is poisoning our children and leading to causing avoidable deaths across the country," said Jenny Randerson, opposition Liberal Democrat shadow transport secretary. "Instead of properly fighting this silent killer, the government has flip-flopped, offering tax breaks for cars that they are now banning. The government's feeble attempts to tackle air pollution are too little too late.</p><p>"The Liberal Democrats have called for all new diesel sales to end by 2025 and a scrappage scheme to help drivers convert to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/electric-vehicles">greener vehicles</a>. We are serious about fighting air pollution, this government is not."</p><p>Former Labour leader <a href="https://twitter.com/Ed_Miliband/status/889981200563150848" target="_blank">Ed Milliband</a> tweeted this morning, "Fear that new car petrol/diesel ban in 23 years time is smokescreen for weak measures to tackle 40,000 deaths a year from air pollution now."</p><p>Green Party co-leader <a href="https://t.co/Cr4iIBvOWJ" target="_blank">Caroline Lucas</a> also tweeted, "Welcome start but need urgent plan to cut air pollution *now*—proper clean air zones, funded diesel scrappage, invest in public transport."</p><p>Areeba Hamid, the clean air campaigner at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/25/britain-to-ban-sale-of-all-diesel-and-petrol-cars-and-vans-from-2040" target="_blank">Greenpeace,</a> added, "The high court was clear that the government must bring down toxic air pollution in the UK in the shortest possible time. This plan is still miles away from that."</p><p>The Government plan will be released on Wednesday after it was forced in the courts to release its clean air strategy after months of legal in-fighting. A judge had ruled that the government's original plans were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/nov/02/high-court-rules-uk-government-plans-to-tackle-air-pollution-are-illegal" target="_blank">so bad as to be unlawful</a>.</p><p>"A clear policy to move people towards cleaner vehicles by banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans after 2040 is welcome, as is more funding for local authorities," said James Thornton from ClientEarth, the campaign group that has pursued the government through the courts over air quality.</p><p>"However, the law says ministers must bring down illegal levels of air pollution as soon as possible, so any measures announced in this plan must be focused on doing that."</p><p><a href="http://priceofoil.org/2017/07/17/the-internal-combustion-engine-will-be-long-decimated-by-2040/" target="_blank">But as I recently blogged</a>, many experts believe that the internal combustion engine will not exist by 2040.</p><p>David Bailey, an industry expert, told the BBC this morning <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40723581" target="_blank">exactly the same thing</a>: "This sets a very clear direction of travel, but petrol and diesel cars won't exist by 2040."</p>
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By Ben Jervey
Just last week, we fact-checked and debunked every line of The Dirty Secrets of Electric Cars, a video produced by Fueling U.S. Forward, a Koch-funded campaign to push fossil fuels. That video represents the group's first public pivot from fossil fuel boosterism to electric vehicle (EV) attacks. More electric vehicle experts are also picking the video apart.
One effort is this video highlighting many of the same falsehoods we wrote about, and which adds key context about some of the video footage. Like, for instance, the fact that the photo that Fueling U.S. Forward claims is a lithium, cobalt or cerium mining operation is actually a copper mine.
<p>Another notable response is on HybridCars.com, where Editor-in-Chief Jeff Cobb has a <a href="http://www.hybridcars.com/oil-lobbyists-video-takes-cheap-shots-at-electric-cars/" target="_blank">lengthy and fact-filled take down</a> of the <em>Dirty Secrets</em> video. Cobb wrote:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"If a disinformation and error-filled video co-sponsored by a front group for oil merchants the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/koch-brothers">Koch Brothers</a> has its way, people will want to think twice about 'dirty' electric cars.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span>Making the rounds by a coordinated effort including sponsored Facebook posts widely disseminated, and being picked up here and there by media, the video decries their toxicity and makes them complicit with the exploitation of children in poor nations.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span>The product of Fueling U.S. Forward, a pro-fossil fuel advocacy founded August 2016, and presently focusing its message on lower income Americans, the video titled 'Dirty Secrets of Electric Cars' has clean-car advocates on the alert."</p><p>Getting into the meat of the video, Cobb explained:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Regarding the FUSF's [Fueling U.S. Forward] second paragraph, they were able to squeeze in no less than six outright factual inaccuracies.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span>1) None of the metals in modern electric car batteries are classified as being a human or plant toxicity concern; (2) None are considered particularly rare in occurrence or hard to extract; (3) None are classified as "rare earths;" (4) Lithium is not a rare earth metal; (5) Cobalt is not a rare earth metal; (6) Only cobalt is mined primarily in China and DRC, and the rest of battery metals (which make up the majority of the battery) are extracted elsewhere. And many <a href="http://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/critical-metals-investing/cobalt-investing/top-cobalt-producing-countries-congo-china-canada-russia-australia/" target="_blank">other countries produce cobalt</a>, including Canada which produces almost the same amount as China. And hand mining only makes up a very small portion of extraction and is already being banned by Apple and others. So the notion that electric cars depend on the mining shown in the video is misleading."</p><p>As of July 18, the original Fueling U.S. Forward video has reached more than 1.3 million views on Facebook and it appears that Fueling U.S. Forward is investing in promotion on users' feeds. Since the <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/2016/08/14/new-koch-back-campaign-rolled-out-red-state-gathering-aims-promote-positives-fossil-fuels" target="_blank">public launch of Fueling U.S. Forward</a>, the <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/" target="_blank">DeSmog</a> project <a href="http://www.kochvsclean.com/" target="_blank">Koch vs Clean</a> has been tracking the group, and <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/fueling-us-forward" target="_blank">revealing its ties to and funding from Koch Industries</a>. </p><p>We will continue to track the campaign as more attacks are launched, and will continue to fact-check and share the work of other EV experts who fight back against these deceptive, fact-starved efforts from Fueling U.S. Forward and other parties in the Koch network.</p><p> <em>Reposted with permission from our media associate </em><em><a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/2017/07/20/dirty-secrets-electric-cars-debunked-fueling-us-forward" target="_blank">DeSmogBlog</a>.</em></p>
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Philip McMaster / Flickr
By Kieran Cooke
The car maker Volvo has shed its reputation for safe but rather boring models—sledges rather than sleek runabouts—as it takes a decisive step towards electric cars.
The Sweden-based auto manufacturer—since 2010 owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding group—is set to become the first of the world's major car makers to wave goodbye to the traditional internal combustion engine.
<p>Emissions from cars and trucks make up a large proportion of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate-changing</a> greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Scientists in the U.S. calculate that <a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/car-emissions-and-global-warming#.WWdr7bTIVUQ" target="_blank">cars and trucks account for up to 20 percent</a> of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"></p><div id="c4c7f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="IZ1YDI1553274948"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="886696972358438912" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">The Road Ahead for Electric Vehicles to Create a Sustainable, Equitable Future https://t.co/oWTT1p6yhq @FordDriveGreen @evchels</div> — EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)<a href="https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/886696972358438912">1500240006.0</a></blockquote></div><p></p><p>Fumes from diesel- and petrol-fueled engines also cause severe pollution problems, particularly in big cities; there is increasing concern about <a href="http://www.who.int/sustainable-development/transport/health-risks/air-pollution/en/" target="_blank">the impact of these fumes on health</a>. </p><p>Starting in 2019, Volvo will be producing only cars with electric motors, or hybrids—vehicles that run on combined electric and petrol-driven engines.<br></p><p>"This announcement marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered car," said Hakan Samuelsson, Volvo's chief executive. "People increasingly demand electrified cars."</p><p>Volvo said it plans to launch five new models—all either fully or partially electric—between 2019 and 2021. Three of them will be marketed under the Volvo brand; the other two more powerful vehicles, designed to compete with the California-based <a href="http://fortune.com/2017/03/01/tesla-consumer-reports-brand/" target="_blank">Tesla high performance electric car</a>, will be part of a new Polestar brand.</p><p>Volvo, which started producing cars in 1927, has been expanding its sales in recent years, with <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volvo-cars-sales-idUSKBN0UM0FV20160108" target="_blank">more than half a million vehicles sold in 2015</a>, up eight percent on the previous year.</p><p>Heavy investment—particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles—by the company's Chinese owners is said by industry specialists to have spurred Volvo's revival.</p><p><strong>Chinese lead</strong></p><p>China is the world's biggest market for both electric and hybrid vehicles, with <a href="https://cleantechnica.com/2017/01/25/china-electric-car-sales-demolish-us-european-sales/" target="_blank">approximately 350,000 sold last year</a>. China gives considerable incentives to purchasers of electric vehicles with various subsidies and tax breaks available; there has also been multi-million dollar investment in networks of charging stations.</p><p>Many countries in Europe—where a total of 220,000 electric and hybrid vehicles were sold last year—are <a href="https://electrek.co/2017/05/22/renault-zoe-leads-european-electric-vehicle-sales/" target="_blank">also planning to increase electric car sales</a>. </p><p>Norway, with the world's highest number of electric cars per capita, and where 40 percent of newly registered vehicles last year were electric powered, aims <a href="http://e360.yale.edu/features/with-norway-in-the-lead-europe-set-for-breakout-on-electric-vehicles" target="_blank">to end all sales</a> of petrol and diesel cars within eight years.</p><p><a href="http://insideevs.com/german-chancellor-merkel-sticks-to-target-of-1-million-electric-vehicles-on-roads-by-2020/" target="_blank">Germany</a> plans to have more than one million electric cars on its roads by 2020, while <a href="http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/03/only-electric-cars-to-be-sold-in-netherlands-from-2025/" target="_blank">the Netherlands</a> proposes to ban combustion engines by 2025. </p><p><strong>Improved batteries</strong></p><p><a href="https://phys.org/news/2017-07-france-sales-petrol-diesel-vehicles.html" target="_blank">France</a> recently joined the high-powered rush to electric vehicles, saying it would end all sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2040 as part of its commitment to meeting the targets of the 2015 <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement">Paris agreement</a> on climate change.</p><p>Developments in technology, such as batteries capable of giving driving ranges of <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2015/09/15/five-emerging-battery-technologies-for-electric-vehicles/" target="_blank">between 280 and 350 miles</a>, are stimulating electric car sales.</p><p>The U.S. has tended to <a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1029053.shtml" target="_blank">lag behind in the race</a> to go electric, with sales of electric-only cars falling in each of the last two years; they now make up less than 0.4 percent of the total U.S. car market.</p><p>The big surge in electric vehicle use is expected to happen in the developing world; India, now one of the world's biggest car markets, announced plans earlier this year to have <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-11/india-s-2030-all-electric-car-target-seen-ambitious-by-iea" target="_blank">only electric cars on its roads by 2030</a>.</p><p><em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="http://climatenewsnetwork.net/sweden-blazes-trail-to-electric-cars/" target="_blank">Climate News Network</a>.</em><br></p>
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