Driving on gas is so yesterday. The future is electric.
Contents Where does your electricity come from? Electric vs. Gas Smart charging EVs: The new normal Other ways to help the climate: Green Options Climate leadership for our community
Where does your electricity come from? An Electric Vehicle is charged the same way you charge your phone—by plugging it in!
77%
About 90 percent of EWEB’s power comes from carbon-free resources.
Although EVs have no tailpipe emissions, generating the electricity used to charge them may create carbon pollution. Here in Eugene, we are fortunate to have some of the cleanest energy in the world, which means the electricity used to charge EVs is nearly carbon-free.
7%
Hydro
(incl. BPA)
6%
Nuclear Biomass
(from BPA)
6%
Wind
2%
Coal
1%
Natural Gas
0.1% Solar
The power of water Our beautiful northwest rivers not only support recreation, farms, and abundant fish and wildlife. They also are our primary source of energy. Because it's fueled by water, hydroelectric power does not produce air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly 80% of Eugene's power comes from hydroelectric projects, mostly owned by Bonneville Power Administration in the Columbia River Basin. The Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project, located 70 miles east of Eugene on the McKenzie River, is owned by EWEB customers, and has helped power Eugene since 1963.
Electric vs. Gas Compared to gas vehicles, electric cars have a small carbon footprint and cost less to own and operate.
3.64
0.05
EV charged in Eugene
Gas Vehicle with 28 MPG
$ 340
$ 2,000
Approximate Carbon Footprint (mtCO2e/Yr)
$ Approximate Cost to Charge/Fuel (per year)
How much is 3.64 metric tons (mt) of carbon dioxide? It’s about the same as burning 4,000 pounds of coal! In addition to fuel savings, electric vehicles cost$ less to repair and maintain (about half the cost of gas cars) since EVs don’t need oil changes and have fewer moving parts.
Myth Busted
MYTH: EVs are worse for the climate than gas cars because of the power plant emissions. FACT: EVs typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging. Check out this online calculator to see the greenhouse gas emissions associated with charging and driving an EV in your zip code: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=bt2
Meet Charlie A bit before acquiring our EV, the family also became a one-car household. Like many families, we always kept two cars, one for each adult. But in 2019 we acquired our first electric bicycle. It turned out that with an electric bike for commuting we no longer needed two cars. While an EV saves money on fuel and maintenance, those savings pale in comparison to the financial benefit of substituting the acquisition cost of an electric bike for that of a car. And no car insurance!
Smart charging Replacing fossil fuel-burning cars with electric vehicles is a great way to lower carbon emissions and fight climate change. But to achieve the greatest environmental benefit, it’s important to charge EVs at the right time.
PEAK POWER
6 AM
OFF PEAK
10 PM
6 AM
Peak power—when the highest level of electricity is consumed in our region within a specific timeframe—is more expensive, affecting power supply and infrastructure costs and, ultimately, your electric bill. The power supply during peak times also has higher greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to climate change. It’s best to charge EVs after 10 p.m., when electricity from the grid is the cleanest and lowest cost.
Electric cars: The new normal Have you noticed more electric cars on the road? EVs are becoming more and more common as many car makers commit to increased or even 100% electric offerings within the next 15 years. According to the International Energy Agency, 18 of the 20 largest car manufacturers have announced intentions to boost production of electric vehicles and increase the number of models available, including larger vehicles like SUVs and crossovers. An exciting example of this is the Ford F150 Lightning, an all-electric version of the bestselling pickup truck in the U.S. Technology improvements, government policies and car maker trends are all driving significant growth in the number of electric vehicles.
By 2040, 90% of the vehicles on the road could be electric! EWEB's recent Electrification Study finds that EVs provide benefits to vehicle owners, other electric ratepayers and society as a whole: All EVs, regardless of vehicle type, are expected to become cheaper than gas-powered cars before 2030. Because of EWEB's nearly carbon-free power, upgrading vehicles from gas to electric power can reduce air pollution and create a better, cleaner environment. By 2040, EV adoption could cut Eugene's total carbon emissions by almost 40%.
As an EWEB customer, you’re already using clean, renewable energy and investing in McKenzie Watershed protection. But together we can do more.
Carbon Conscious Programs Many EWEB customers want to do more to support renewable energy and take action on climate change. Through Green Options, you can: INVEST IN RENEWABLE ENERGY By purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs), you can help displace dirty energy sources with wind, solar and other clean sources. RIDE ELECTRIC Reduce air pollution and have fun getting around on an electric bike. EWEB’s $300 e-bike incentive will help increase access to more affordable, zero-emission transportation.
Save energy & water Find electric transporation incentives Support local solar Invest in natural climate solutions
eweb.org/GreenOptions
SHARE AN EV Promote access to clean, affordable transportation by becoming part of the GoForth community. Our partnership with Forth Mobility will bring three electric car sharing stations to Eugene, including a dedicated station for residents of St. Vincent de Paul’s Iris Place. FUND LOCAL CARBON SEQUESTRATION Support local carbon forestry projects aimed at expanding understanding of natural climate solutions to optimize carbon sequestration practices and protect the McKenzie Watershed. OFFSET YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT After you maximize ways to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint, you can neutralize your remaining emissions with carbon offsets. Purchased offsets will be added right to your EWEB bill.
Climate leadership for our community
Did you know EWEB has been Eugene’s citizen-owned utility for more than 10 years? EWEB has a long history of environmental stewardship, particularly in the areas of power resources, energy and water conservation, and watershed protection. Looking ahead, we’re committed to building on our environmental values. For EWEB, climate leadership means: Meeting our community’s electricity needs with affordable, low-carbon sources Advancing policies to mitigate carbon emissions in the energy sector Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from utility operations Assisting customers with carbon reductions in homes and businesses Preparing for the effects of climate change on our water and electric supply and infrastructure
Eugene Water & Electric Board 4200 Roosevelt Blvd. Eugene, OR 97402 541-685-7000 www.eweb.org