In the next 20 years, experts predict there will be a drastic increase in the adoption of electric and hybrid cars. How are Texas cities including San Antonio preparing for more electric vehicles?
Last quarter, EV sales in the U.S. outpaced those of manual transmission cars by nearly 1% for the first time since their introduction to the market a decade ago. Still, EVs only account for around 2% of total automotive sales.
Although sales are minimal now, several automakers are expanding their fleets to offer lower-priced electric vehicle options that appeal to younger demographics.
Concerns related to climate change and environmental impacts caused by tradional gas-powered engines are also fueling EV adoption.
What are the opportunities and challenges related to EVs? How will they affect transportation and energy infrastructure?
How do these kinds of vehicles work and what do they cost? What incentives exist to encourage EV purchases?
What role do EVs play in the City of San Antonio's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and Bloomberg’s Climate Challenge initiative?
How will an increase in electric powered vehicles affect local power grids? What else is needed to accommodate additional EV ownership?
Click here to take the City of San Antonio's Electric Vehicle Transportation Survey. Have a suggestion for where to put EV charging infrastructure? Click here to submit ideas.
Guests:
- Lyle Hufstetler, Clean Cities program manager for the Alamo Area Council of Governments
- Doug Melnick, chief sustainability officer for the City of San Antonio
- Dave Tuttle, research associate for the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Thursday, November 14.
