Electric vehicles save money and take a big step towards the net zero CO² goal by 2050

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – For the nation and the world to meet a “net zero” CO² emissions target by 2050, climate experts say vehicles and light trucks must dominate US auto sales by the end of this decade.

But what will it take to make such a big change in America’s vehicle fleet so quickly? What does this mean for Jacksonville? What benefits will we see?

There is already an option to buy an electric or hybrid car when purchasing a new vehicle, even for vans and sports cars. Making this choice is a big step towards sustainability and zero emissions.

we spoke with a new electric car owner – and a doctor – about the transition and the impact it can have.

Erik Gonzalez has always loved and driven European cars, but he recently invested in a Tesla Model 3.

“In my day, having owned a Model 3, so far I’ve driven about 6,000 miles and that equates to savings of around $ 1,000 to $ 1,100 so far,” Gonzalez said.

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The electric vehicle market is about much more than Tesla. Most mainstream manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo already sell electric cars in the United States.

Megan del Pizzo, Vice President of Tom Bush Volkswagen, is excited about the future of the electric car.

“Volkswagen is really getting into electric vehicles,” she said.

Not only will the vehicles save money because you don’t buy gas, most new electric cars sold in this country can also earn you a federal tax credit of $ 7,500. And without changing the oil, spark plugs and other requirements of gasoline engines, maintenance costs for electric vehicles are also reduced.

It also helps to clean the air since around 20% of air pollution comes from vehicles.

“The increased levels of air pollution actually increase your risk of hospitalization for COPD, COPD exacerbations, emergency room visits, asthma,” said Dr. Scott Helgeson, senior associate consultant, medicine. pulmonary and intensive care unit at the Mayo Clinic.

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Jacksonville is a growing city with more and more traffic and studies show that those most affected by pollution live closer to freeways, which also makes it a concern for environmental justice.

“It would drastically reduce this potential development of these respiratory cardiovascular diseases,” Helgeson said.

Net-Zero America’s research at Princeton University concluded that Florida could prevent nearly 10,000 premature deaths by 2050 if electric cars dominate new sales.

It is estimated that $ 20 billion in health care costs could also be saved.

This month, JEA launched a new program for electric vehicle owners that saves them even more money on electricity by offering them a $ 7 / month incentive if they charge their car overnight at from a dedicated charging port.

“I just signed up. I was approved last week (as) a fact, ”Gonzalez said.

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JTA is also on board, already acquiring a few fully electric, zero-emission buses for its fleet this year – taking a first step towards long-term sustainability.

“Electric transportation is available now for everyone and you can participate in one way or another,” said Dave Mckee, JEA’s electrification program manager.

Switching to electric transport is just one way to improve sustainability. Alternative energy jobs in Florida grew 2.9% last year, increasing 3,480 jobs since 2019.