CREATE A CLIMATE SMART HOME
Our transportation choices significantly impact the climate and the health of our planet. Traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and climate change. By choosing sustainable transportation options like electric vehicles, public transit, biking, and walking, we can reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment. Adopting these eco-friendly alternatives not only helps combat climate change but also improves air quality and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
Licking County Transit offers an easy and inexpensive way to get around Granville, Newark and other areas of the community. The 25-stop, Deviated Fixed Route, dubbed the Granville “Green Line,” includes stops at Bryn Du Mansion, the Eisner Center at Denison, Otterbein SeniorLife, Ross’ Granville Market and Granville Public Library as well as areas along West Main Street in Newark.
Whether you are thinking of buying an Electric Vehicle (EV), or you have been driving one for years, you may have questions about environmental impacts, technology, legislation, or even just the logistics of owning an EV. The landscape of EV driving is continuously evolving; technology is advancing and infrastructure is evolving. Where can you get trusted information? Is an EV right for you?
There are dozens of EV models on the market and more coming each year. One of the biggest deciding factors for choosing an EV is it’s driving range. Compare your typical driving habits with the driving ranges for various EV in your price-range. Depending on the car model, an EV can drive distances between 100 miles and more than 400 miles. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) have a significantly shorter range than an EV, typically between 20 and 50 miles.
Another deciding factor for choosing an EV is knowing how it will be charged. Most people charge their EV at home, which is a convenient option if you live in a home where you can install a charger. An EV can also be charged at public charging stations and these vary by speed and by cost. You will want to understand where your charging options are, how much they will cost, and how long they will take. To understand the different types of chargers, see the Energy Sage online article about Level 1 vs. Level 2 vs. Level 3 EV chargers: Which is right for you.
From tax incentives to energy infrastructure, US and Ohio legislation is shaping EV ownership.
A great way to learn more and get engaged in the current issues for EV drivers and charging networks is through nonprofit EV Communities.
"My plug-in hybrid fills all my needs! My home has solar panels & I love the ability to charge it with renewable energy."
-Judy H.
Granville resident
"I love not burning fossil fuels, and having much lower maintenance and repair costs"
-Karen S.
Granville resident
"I love the fact I never have to go to a gas station. I also love powering it with renewable energy via the Granville Renewable Electricity aggregation program."
-Frank O.
Granville resident
"We love how quiet and comfortable our EV is, plus it has great safety features. In the parking lot, strangers often comment on its styling and beauty."
-Carol & Ken A.
Granville residents
Because EV do not burn fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel, they do not directly emit the greenhouse gasses associated with fuel combustion. Considering the full life cycle analysis (LCA) of an EV compared to a conventional ICE vehicle, over the lifetime of the vehicle, EV have a smaller footprint. The LCA evaluates the environmental impacts from “cradle to grave”, meaning impacts from raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal of a product.
Energy Sage: Electric vs. gas cars: Which is better for the environment?
Depending on EV model, electricity cost, and price of gas, the difference in cost to operate and maintain an EV verses a conventional ICE will vary. In general, though, the operation and maintenance costs of the EV will be significantly lower. Depending on the vehicle, you may qualify for a tax rebate to offset a portion of the purchase price. In addition to the price of the car, also consider increased costs for Ohio vehicle registration and Auto Insurance (check with your insurance provider for cost difference).
CLEAResult: EV Savings Calculator
The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) trains and certifies qualified electricians on the proper installation of EV equipment, ensuring it is safely installed. Ohio has numerous electrical contractors who employ EVITP Certified electricians
Level II EV charger at Granville Inn | Photo by Susan King
With all the information and opinions about EV, how do you know what is true and what is fiction? The US EPA explains some of the more common myths about EV and provides links to the evidence.
Ohio has state-specific laws, incentives, regulations, and other initiatives related to electric vehicles. The Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center has summarized them and provided links to the Ohio programs. Find information on charging and infrastructure initiatives, grants and rebates, and the added Electric Drive Vehicle Registration Fee.
Interested in getting more involved with sustainability initiatives in Granville? Would you like to nominate a resident or business for a Sustainability Spotlight on the website? Want to connect with Go Green Granville?
We'd love to hear from you!
EV (sometimes referred to as Battery Electric Vehicles or BEV) are vehicles relying entirely on electricity and batteries to power the vehicle. Depending on the car model, an EV can drive distances between 100 miles and more than 400 miles. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are a combination of the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV. Typically, the PHEV car can drive entirely on electric battery for a limited distance, then switch to the ICE, burning fossil fuel when the electric battery is depleted. The electric range of the PHEV is significantly shorter than an all-EV, typically between 20 and 50 miles. The distance an EV can drive before needing to charge is the driving range. For more information, see the US Environmental Protection Agency: Electric & Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Just like the “rated miles per gallon” published for a conventional car can vary depending on weather, load, and driving habits, the “rated range” for an EV will also vary from the published range based on similar factors. To better understand EV range, see these helpful websites:
EVConnect: What Affects Electric Car Range and How to Maximize It
InsideEVs: 2024 U.S. Electric Car Range Ranking (by Mark Kane)
When choosing a charger to install at home, you will want to choose a charger compatible with your EV and that will charge at a rate that fits your driving needs. Also, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Additionally, you will want to speak to an electric about your home’s electrical capacity and local codes. When installing the charger, be sure to have it installed by a certified electrical contractor. Find
information here:
In some cases, yes! The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) included the 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit which provides an income tax credit for EV chargers.
If you purchase EV charging equipment for your principal residence, you may be eligible for a tax credit for the charging station. This credit is 30% of the cost of 1) the EV charging port, 2) components and parts that are essential to the operation of the charging port, and 3) labor for constructing and installing the charger, up to $1,000. A credit in the same amount is also available for energy storage associated with the home charger.
Eligibility is based on time of installation and installation location being in an eligible census tract. Some areas of the Granville area qualify, while others don't. To help you determine if your installation location is in an eligible census tract, visit the 30C Tax Credit Eligibility Locator page and mapping tool from Argonne National Laboratory. Refer to Individuals and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
(PDF) for more details.
Are you considering an EV and/or home EV charger and have questions? Attend our upcoming EV event and/or contact Go Green Granville at hello@gogreengranville.org and our local EV experts can help!
Go Green Granville leaders are happy to answer your EV-related questions. Attend our upcoming EV event and/or contact Go Green Granville at hello@gogreengranville.org and our local EV experts can help!
Growing the network and infrastructure for public fast charging is important. With more EV’s on the road, more fast charging is needed. Organizations who are driving these efforts:
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP): Ohio EVIP Certified electricians
Drive Ohio: National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI)
Edison Electric Institute: National Electric Highway Coalition
Bike path near the Village Roots' tallgrass prairie | Photo by Susan King