Zero Emission Vehicles: Driving into the future

Last month, Washington state reached our 2020 goal of having 50,000 zero-emission electric vehicles (ZEVs) on the road. This figure includes plug-in hybrids, all-electric, and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

Emissions from transportation contribute nearly half of Washington’s greenhouse gas pollution—the pollution that is causing climate change. That’s a huge deal to us at Ecology. It’s why we’re shifting more and more of our agency fleet to ZEVs, and it’s why we’re investing much of Washington state’s $140 million from the Volkswagen diesel cheating scandal into ZEVs and charging infrastructure. 

What is a ZEV? 

ZEVs are any vehicle that releases zero, or nearly zero, emissions during operation. ZEVs continue their clean operation throughout their lifespan, unlike standard vehicles which typically produce more air pollution as they age. 

There are two types of ZEVs:

• Battery electric vehicles (EVs & BEVs) run entirely on batteries and are recharged from the electrical grid.
• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) run on electricity produced from a fuel cell using compressed hydrogen.

Although not zero emission vehicles, the following hybrids are worth mentioning for those who are concerned about finding convenient charging stations, or need longer driving ranges, while still reducing their carbon footprint.

• Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) combine a smaller conventional gasoline-powered engine with a battery that can be recharged from the electrical grid.
• Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), are vehicles that you don’t plug-in. HEVs still provide the benefits of high fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions.

How much do ZEVs cost?

ZEVs come in all shapes and sizes, from compact cars to SUVs, and just like standard-engine vehicles, vary in price and amenities. Compact models can be as low as $24,000, but most ZEVS now cost around $40,000 new, similar to the cost of a conventional vehicle. Plus, you could always purchase a used ZEV.

Owners can expect to save around $6,400 in lower maintenance costs – even before tallying up the fuel savings. ZEVs don’t require oil changes, transmission fluid, spark plugs, or air filters. Brake pads usually last much longer in electric vehicles and can capture and reuse as much as one-fifth of the energy normally lost during braking through “regenerative braking.” This means, when you use your brake, you are helping charge your battery!

So… about those fuel savings. That’s where ZEVs really shine. Considering that Washington has some of the lowest electricity costs in the nation (80 percent of it is  generated from renewable resources, like hydro and wind) some ZEVs cost less than $1 to reach a full charge. Compare that to the cost of refueling a conventional car!

Are there tax breaks if I buy a ZEV?

Yes! The federal “Qualified Plug-In Vehicle Tax Credit” offers tax credits from $2,500 - $7,500 based on battery size, vehicle weight, and emission standards. 

Additionally, here in Washington, the Legislature just re-upped a sales tax credit on qualified zero emission vehicles reducing up to another $2,500 off.

You can get more information on these federal and state credits on the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy website. 

Is it easy to charge an electric vehicle?

A typical ZEV has a range of between 60 and 260 miles. In 2018, Washington had 2,401 public charging stations, and has awarded grants to install 15 more along highway corridors. Ecology is working with state and local governments to add dozens more charging stations at public offices, and there are a variety of other programs working to fill in that charging network in the months and years ahead.

To find a charging station on the west coast, visit the West Coast Green Highway map. For charging stations around the nation visit the Plug Share website that has over 300,000 charging locations mapped. There are three levels of charging: 

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Charging port on a Chevy Bolt.

• Level 1 – This type of charging takes about 12-24 hours for a full charge and plugs into any standard 120 volt outlet using an adapter.
• Level 2 – This type of charging takes about 4-5 hours to reach a full charge. It is a 240 volt circuit (similar to your dryer) and is the most common type found at public charging stations.
• Level 3 – Level 3 chargers provide an 80 percent charge in just 20-30 minutes. Level 3 chargers may be harder to find.

Many charging stations are free, accept credit cards, or a smartphone app to pay for charging. The unspoken “code” of charging gives priority to those whose battery is lowest, and courtesy requires moving your vehicle to a vacant parking spot once it is charged.

For the “techy” driver, there are a multitude of apps to help you find charging stations, show your current charge, notify you when your vehicle is fully charged, and allow you to set timers to start and stop charging.

What about the batteries?

A 2009 Nissan Leaf cutaway showing part of the battery.

Most electric vehicle batteries come with a standard 8-year warranty but can last years longer. Batteries are expensive to replace, so do your homework before buying a used ZEV with higher miles. 

What are they like to drive?

ZEVs are so quiet that when you first start them, you may think the car isn’t running. Electric motors produce their maximum amount of torque immediately, which means ZEVs usually provide snappy acceleration. And, the big electric motors in ZEVs also work in reverse. Simply letting up on the accelerator while in “low mode” will slowly bring you to a stop, allowing you to utilize one-pedal driving. Plus, you don't have to spend valuable time and money stopping for gas!

Washington is leading the transformation

Washington state is already a leader in electric vehicles thanks, in part to state sales tax incentives. Governor Jay Inslee signed an executive order in 2019 requiring that 50 percent of all new state-owned and leased passenger vehicles are electric by 2020.

Ecology has a number of electric vehicles in its state fleet. 
Currently, there are: 

• 36 hybrid electric
• Toyota Prius
• 6 plug-in hybrid electric
• 2 Ford Fusion
• 1 Chevrolet Volt 
• 1 Mitsubishi Outlander
• 16 fully electric
• Chevrolet Bolt 

Earlier this month, Ecology hosted an event for National Drive Electric Week to help staff learn more about the benefits of ZEVs and take a test drive.

Electric vehicles are the right choice

An average gasoline-powered car produces about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. A ZEV vehicles produces….zero (depending on where your electricity comes from). Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only harmless water vapor.

In order for Washington to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals we need to drastically reduce pollution from transportation, and we need to do it fast! Governor Jay Inslee has set a goal of having every vehicle in Washington run on electricity by 2050. Electric vehicles ensure cleaner, healthier air and less pollutants means less exposure to toxic substances. That is better for public health, and the environment. 

For more information, visit: Electric Cars 101: The answers to all your EV questions

By Kim Vaughn, Air Quality Communications

Central and Eastern Washington: Prepare for dust storm season

Every spring through fall, residents in Central and Eastern Washington are faced with the threat of dust storms. Dry conditions allow strong winds to pick up soil and blow it into vast clouds that can wreak havoc on the health and safety of anyone in their path.

Since the mid-1990s, dust storms have been occurring less frequently in Washington because farmers are using better management practices, such as soil erosion prevention techniques. For example, in the early ‘90s, Kennewick had seven dust storms in just one year! In more recent years, dust storms have become far more rare.

How we help protect you

Ecology and local clean air agencies monitor the air for dust and other types of air pollution. You can track air quality in your area and check on the levels on Ecology’s Air Quality Monitoring site.   

In Washington, we measure air quality using the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA). The color-coded WAQA categories show when air quality is good, moderate, unhealthy, or hazardous:

Ecology recently finished a High Wind Fugitive Dust Mitigation Plan. In this plan, Ecology will continue to focus on agricultural sources that contribute dust to areas around Kennewick during high wind events. We will convene a High Wind Dust Prevention Workgroup made up of Ecology staff, conservation districts, and the Benton Clean Air Agency. Ecology works with these local partners to promote voluntary, soil erosion prevention practices.

What you can do

When the winds are strong and the ground is parched, it can be hard to avoid dust. However, you can help reduce airborne dust by driving slower on unpaved roads and by postponing projects at home that stir up dust.

How dust storms affect your health 

When inhaled, tiny dust particles can settle deep into your lungs and irritate or damage sensitive tissues in the respiratory system. These tiny particles, known as particulate matter, or PM10, are about one-seventh the size of a human hair. Those most at risk are infants, small children, people with asthma, those with respiratory issues, the elderly, and those who engage in strenuous outdoor activities.

What to do during a dust storm

Protect yourself during a dust storm by:

• Staying indoors as much as possible.
• Closing windows, doors, and vents.
• Covering your nose and mouth.
• Wearing a mask designed to block dust particles.
• Watching for sudden changes in visibility while driving.
• Avoid driving during windy conditions when windblown dust is likely.
• Pulling over and turn on headlights as a safety precaution.

How to be alerted

Sign up for National Weather Service Wireless Emergency Alerts  to receive high wind warnings. Weather.gov has links to a number of alert services.

For more information

Contact the clean air agency for your area:

• Benton Clean Air Agency: 509-783-1304
• Ecology Central Regional Office: 509-575-2490
• Ecology Eastern Regional Office: 509-329-3400
• EPA Region 10 - Tribal Lands: 1-877-424-4372
• Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency: 509-477-4727
• Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency: 509-834-2050

Watch for future stories on: 

• Ecology, Benton County Clean Air Agency, and local conservation districts will meet to discuss efforts to reduce soil erosion and dust sources in Eastern Washington's Horse Heaven Hills.
• Field tours in Benton and Franklin counties to promote and reduce soil erosion. 

By Kim Vaughn, Air Quality Communications

Monitoring air quality in Washington

Did you know that April 29-May 3 is Air Quality Awareness Week? There's not much in this world that is more important than having clean air to breathe, so it makes sense to take a little time to appreciate the air around us - and the hard work that goes into keeping that air clean.

In Washington, Ecology, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, tribes, and local clean air agencies maintain a network of more than 90 air monitoring stations that continuously measure air pollution. Using continuous monitoring data, we can let you know when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels. Based on this information, people can adjust their daily activities to minimize unhealthy effects. That data also helps Ecology track long-term trends and identify areas where we need to do more to reduce air pollution.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

The federal Clean Air Act requires states to develop plans to monitor and reduce air pollution to protect the environment and public health. EPA sets national standards, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, for six of the most serious air pollutants:

• Carbon monoxide
• Lead
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Ozone
• Particle pollution and fine inhalable particles
• Sulfur dioxide

Air quality monitoring

We use the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) as a tool to advise people about air quality levels. The WAQA is very similar to the national levels set by the EPA, but our state standards are slightly more protective when it comes to particulate pollution - the kind of pollution that comes from wildfires and wood smoke.

Ecology and seven local clean air agencies help keep the air clean by:

• Developing and enforcing rules about air quality.
• Regulating harmful emissions from vehicles, burning, and industrial activities, and reducing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
• Issuing air quality permits and inspecting the businesses and industries that have those permits.
• Tracking air quality across our state.
• Developing plans to maintain and improve air quality.
• Informing the public about air conditions by:
• Issuing daily decisions for agricultural burn permit holders.
• Calling burn bans.
• Educating the public about making healthy, clean air choices.
  

Air quality and your health

Air pollution is a harmful mix of gases and toxic particles. In Washington, the largest sources of air pollution are emissions burning fossil fuels, smoke from wildfires and heating with wood, and industrial emissions. Kids, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with existing lung or heart diseases are the most sensitive to air pollution. The health effects of air pollution are a serious matter. 

Poor air quality can cause:

• Burning eyes
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Respiratory infections
• Asthma attacks
• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer
• Irregular heart beat
• Heart attacks and cardiovascular disease
• Stroke

You can protect your health by:

• Paying attention to fire and smoke related news reports
• Staying indoors with your windows closed
• Setting your air conditioner to recirculate and using a HEPA filter
• Leaving the area if possible
• Avoiding outdoor exercise when air quality is poor
• Consulting your doctor if your symptoms are severe.
  

What you can do to help reduce air pollution

Every time you drive to school, use your heater or air conditioner, clean your windows, or even style your hair, your choices affect air pollution. Follow these steps to help reduce air pollution:

• Drive less
• Combine errands or use public transportation
• Switch to a zero emissions vehicle, walk, or ride a bike
• Postpone travel until the weather cools when possible
• Don’t let your engine idle
• Refuel your vehicle in the early mornings
• Don’t use lawnmowers or other small engines during heat spells
• Don’t burn yard waste, instead try composting
• Don’t barbecue or use your fire pit while it’s hot out
• Follow burn bans
• Don’t paint or use aerosol sprays until temperatures cool off
• Replace your wood stove if it isn’t certified in Washington.

By Kim Vaughn, Air Quality communications