Low-Carbon Transportation
We’re proud to be able to rely on Missoulians to take action and be a part of making our community climate smart. Transportation accounts for the largest portion of Missoula’s greenhouse gas emissions, representing 37% of our overall carbon footprint. On Road Gasoline makes up a majority (72%) of our total transportation emissions and is therefore a top priority for us to tackle. While we think that a range of active transportation options are great, we do understand that there is often a need for people to drive. With that in mind, a primary way to combat climate change and reduce our emissions is to drive electric vehicles.
We’re proud to be able to rely on Missoulians to take action and be a part of making our community climate smart. Transportation accounts for the largest portion of Missoula’s greenhouse gas emissions, representing 37% of our overall carbon footprint. On Road Gasoline makes up a majority (72%) of our total transportation emissions and is therefore a top priority for us to tackle. While we think that a range of active transportation options are great, we do understand that there is often a need for people to drive. With that in mind, a primary way to combat climate change and reduce our emissions is to drive electric vehicles.
Missoula Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 2017
Why EVs?
Environment & Climate
Using electricity as a transportation fuel instead of petroleum can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Over its lifetime, an internal combustion engine (ICE) will emit 69 metric tons of CO2. An electric vehicle (EV) powered by the current US grid will be responsible for 30.82 metric tons over it’s lifetime. However, if it were powered by 100% renewable energy that figure would drop significantly to 6.3 metric tons after you factor in the vehicle's production. The electricity provided to Missoula is roughly 60% renewable, meaning that your car will be charged with majority non-fossil fuels.
Once Missoula achieves 100% Clean Electricity, "filling up" will be emissions and guilt free!
Using electricity as a transportation fuel instead of petroleum can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Over its lifetime, an internal combustion engine (ICE) will emit 69 metric tons of CO2. An electric vehicle (EV) powered by the current US grid will be responsible for 30.82 metric tons over it’s lifetime. However, if it were powered by 100% renewable energy that figure would drop significantly to 6.3 metric tons after you factor in the vehicle's production. The electricity provided to Missoula is roughly 60% renewable, meaning that your car will be charged with majority non-fossil fuels.
Once Missoula achieves 100% Clean Electricity, "filling up" will be emissions and guilt free!
Health
No tailpipe emissions means better local air quality. Keeping Missoula's air clean and breathable is a top priority, especially in an area that is prone to inversion and seasonal wildfire smoke.
Affordability
EVs may have a higher upfront cost when compared to ICE counterparts, but due to the stability and lower cost of electricity, it is more affordable to power an EV than it is to fill up a tank of gas. Compared to driving an ICE which costs $2.64/gallon in Montana, driving an EV would cost $1.07/egallon.
With no tune-ups, spark plug or oil changes, or transmission repairs necessary, it costs 35% less to maintain an EV than an ICE.
EVs are a viable option for most lifestyles and budgets. There are over 50 models commercially available and over 1 million Americans are now driving electric vehicles. Used Evs are a great budget and environmentally friendly option.
All of these factors contribute to a significantly lower total cost of ownership of EVs than ICE vehicles.
The average US household spends one-fifth of its total expenditures on transportation.
EVs may have a higher upfront cost when compared to ICE counterparts, but due to the stability and lower cost of electricity, it is more affordable to power an EV than it is to fill up a tank of gas. Compared to driving an ICE which costs $2.64/gallon in Montana, driving an EV would cost $1.07/egallon.
With no tune-ups, spark plug or oil changes, or transmission repairs necessary, it costs 35% less to maintain an EV than an ICE.
EVs are a viable option for most lifestyles and budgets. There are over 50 models commercially available and over 1 million Americans are now driving electric vehicles. Used Evs are a great budget and environmentally friendly option.
All of these factors contribute to a significantly lower total cost of ownership of EVs than ICE vehicles.
The average US household spends one-fifth of its total expenditures on transportation.
Performance
Instant torque, smooth ride, low maintenance
Energy Security
contributing to reduced dependence on foreign oil and fluctuating petroleum costs. diversifying our national energy grid (resilience building).
What are EVs?
An electric vehicle (EV) is any vehicle that is powered by electricity derived from a power plug.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) is an electric vehicle that drives solely on power from a plug.
Plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) is a vehicle that can run on both electricity and gasoline. They typically run first on electricity and then draw on gasoline to supplement the ride when the electric power runs out.
Check out this EV Handbook
How Do EVs Work?
Engine
Instead of an internal combustion engine, an EV relies on an electric motor combined with a large battery pack. The batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an outlet or power source.
Fuel Economy
Just as miles per gallon (mpg) tells you how many miles your vehicle can travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe tells you how many miles per gallon your electric vehicle would get if it were fueled with gasoline. This equivalent is often seen on electric vehicle labels.
An egallon is another way to compare fueling costs that is expressed as the cost of fueling a vehicle with electricity compared to a similar vehicle that is fueled with gasoline.
A kWh is an energy unit for electricity equivalent to energy used in one hour by one kiloWatt of power.
kWh/100 miles tells you how many much energy your vehicle uses to travel 100 miles. This figure relates directly to the amount of electricity used to power your vehicle and therefore is indicative of efficiency and fueling cost.
Charging
Level 1 Charger: your EV will come with a plug that is compatible with a standard 120V household wall outlet. This is a great option for overnight charging. Your EV will gain 3-5 miles of driving range for every hour it is plugged in.
Level 2 Charger: These are typically installed in public charging stations or private office buildings. Using a 240 volt circuit, every hour your EV is charging will add 10-25 miles of driving range. Your vehicle will be fully charged overnight.
DC Quick-Charge: This is the fastest charging circuit and is only available at commercial locations. Depending on the charger and vehicle combination your EV will gain anywhere from 65-130 miles of driving range in 20-30 minutes.
Driving Range
Driving range varies between models and is dependent on the vehicle's battery quality and efficiency.
Instead of an internal combustion engine, an EV relies on an electric motor combined with a large battery pack. The batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an outlet or power source.
Fuel Economy
Just as miles per gallon (mpg) tells you how many miles your vehicle can travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe tells you how many miles per gallon your electric vehicle would get if it were fueled with gasoline. This equivalent is often seen on electric vehicle labels.
An egallon is another way to compare fueling costs that is expressed as the cost of fueling a vehicle with electricity compared to a similar vehicle that is fueled with gasoline.
A kWh is an energy unit for electricity equivalent to energy used in one hour by one kiloWatt of power.
kWh/100 miles tells you how many much energy your vehicle uses to travel 100 miles. This figure relates directly to the amount of electricity used to power your vehicle and therefore is indicative of efficiency and fueling cost.
Charging
Level 1 Charger: your EV will come with a plug that is compatible with a standard 120V household wall outlet. This is a great option for overnight charging. Your EV will gain 3-5 miles of driving range for every hour it is plugged in.
Level 2 Charger: These are typically installed in public charging stations or private office buildings. Using a 240 volt circuit, every hour your EV is charging will add 10-25 miles of driving range. Your vehicle will be fully charged overnight.
DC Quick-Charge: This is the fastest charging circuit and is only available at commercial locations. Depending on the charger and vehicle combination your EV will gain anywhere from 65-130 miles of driving range in 20-30 minutes.
Driving Range
Driving range varies between models and is dependent on the vehicle's battery quality and efficiency.
What to Consider When Buying an EV
Click here to read the full Used EV Buyer's Guide
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Click here for an interactive guide to EV fuel economy labels
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cost upfront vs. Total cost of ownership (Calculate your potential total cost of ownership.) ( Take a look at the existing federal tax incentives for each EV model)
efficiency
mpge
battery quality
emissions potential. ev vs phev - Calculate your potential emissions by EV or PHEV model and zip code.
Flanagan Motors used Evs (specific model infographic)
What is the City of Missoula Doing to Reduce Transportation Emissions?
MIM
Mountain Line
UDash
Mountain Line
UDash
Charging Station Map
Below is a national fueling station map provided by the US Department of Energy. Plan a trip or find nearby charging stations by entering different locations and selecting "Electric" as your fuel type.
Loading alternative fueling station locator...
