Hidden advantages of electric vehicles and climate change for governments

electric vehicles and climate change

Climate change is one of the biggest drivers of the electric vehicle transition. Experts claim that electric vehicles produce just 200 grams of CO2 per mile, which is nearly half the emissions of traditional vehicles (350 grams of CO2 per mile).

The federal government has passed several laws to encourage state and local organizations to make the switch. It has also invested heavily in electric vehicle education to inform decision-makers about their impact on climate change.

But despite the large body of documentation related to electric vehicles and climate change, many lesser-known benefits are worth your consideration. This article discusses the obscure benefits of electric vehicles and climate change, particularly as they relate to government bodies managing public fleets.

Why electric vehicles and climate change matter to governments

The transportation industry accounts for nearly 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions, of which government fleets play an essential role. After all, it is the responsibility of government organizations to serve their public to the highest degree, which means ensuring comfort, health, and continuous well-being for civilians and their children.

Today, reducing the impact of emissions on the public should be the dominant goal for governments of all sizes.

Three unique ways that electric vehicles impact climate change

Electric vehicles are primarily known for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. However, they do far more for the environment than simply reduce carbon output; researchers have found new and interesting applications that benefit civilians across North America.

Here are three unique ways electric vehicle vehicles can impact climate change, starting with the most heavily researched.

1. They improve air quality

Emissions are more than just invisible fumes; they also affect humans, pets, and animals. Today, more than 125 million Americans live in areas where the air quality falls below regulated standards. Poor air quality is linked to significant health concerns, including asthma, COPD, and even lung cancer.

Fortunately, the electric vehicle can make a positive impact on below-average urban air environments. States that are rapidly adopting electric vehicles (like California) have seen air pollutants and emergency room visits related to asthma drop significantly.

The acquisition of electric vehicles could be an important factor in air quality improvements. State and local governments in more concentrated areas may see the most significant improvement after transitioning their public fleets.

2. They cool off cities

We often think of the electric vehicle as a solution to environmental pollution. However, studies also link its adoption to another component of habitat preservation: a cooler climate.

Studies repeatedly find that electric vehicles have the potential to cool off metropolitan areas. Researchers suggest that they may reduce near-surface air temperature by approximately 0.6 degrees Celsius, or 1.08 degrees Fahrenheit. This is largely due to lower heat production from electric motors rather than fuel-powered engines.

A single degree may seem like a small number in the grand scheme of things. However, in urban environments with temperatures up to 1 and 7 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than surrounding areas, every improvement helps. You may be able to reduce excess heat in your local community, leading to a healthier environment and a cooler Earth for all.

3. They produce less waste

All vehicles produce some form of waste as a natural byproduct of operation. But while traditional vehicles only convert 12% to 30% of their input (gas) into power, electric vehicles can turn 77% or more of their input (electricity) into power at the wheel.

The resources needed to produce electric vehicle power are also more carbon neutral than those for gasoline production. This can help future-focused governments further reduce emissions and protect local climates more holistically.

Where to find electric vehicles for your government fleet

Even if you’re excited to implement electric vehicles for your school or government entity, you might be uncertain where to begin your search or hesitant to get started without guidance.

Fortunately, acquiring electric vehicles for your government fleet is now easier than ever. You can find them through one of two processes:

  1. Write a traditional RFP and vet supplier bids on your own. You may need to review applicable compliance information, then employ internal evaluators to make a more informed decision. Keep in mind that RFPs can take up to thirty-six months to complete, making your vehicle acquisition process last three years or longer.
  2. Work with the team behind Sourcewell to find electric vehicle components through cooperative contracts. The process typically takes four weeks or less. You can also work with electric vehicle purchasing partners like Climate Mayors Electric Vehicle Purchasing Collaborative to find the right solutions fast.

With Sourcewell, you can easily browse competitively solicited contracts, contact suppliers for more information, and chat with value-added experts about specific requirements for your fleet.

See how easy it is to get the electric vehicle fleet you need without the hassle using Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing program. Streamline the public procurement process by choosing from hundreds of suppliers already on contract. Sourcewell’s procurement experts competitively solicit and award contracts on behalf of 50,000 participating agencies in North America. Sourcewell has been a government-empowering organization since 1978. Check out our contracts here.