Gasoline Phaseout News – July 2024
Coltura in the News: Superuser Approach Making Waves Across States
Coltura’s data insights and Superuser approach are gaining traction in the news, spotlighted in two prominent publications that reach state governments.
Governing Magazine featured Coltura’s strategy to convert high-mileage gasoline Superusers into EVs. Policy Director Rob Sargent emphasized the impactful role states can play in helping the most gasoline-burdened households switch to an EV to save money and cut climate pollution.
Additionally, an op-ed in Capitol Weekly, which Coltura co-authored in partnership with The Greenlining Institute, urged the California legislature to pass AB2401, a bill that focuses incentives on low-income, high-mileage drivers.
“By targeting vehicles that contribute the highest emissions, California can make significant strides towards meeting its climate commitments while ensuring that the benefits of these programs lift up communities most in need and focus budget dollars on an effective program,” Coltura’s Janelle London and Greenlining’s Roman Partida-López write.
New & Used EVs – Now Less Expensive than Equivalent Gas Cars
The average price of a used EV in May 2024 was $28,767, compared to $40,783 a year earlier, a 42% decline, according to a recent study. The average EV now costs $2,657 less than the typical gas car.
In another study, long-range EVs with more than 300 miles of range are now less expensive than the average gas car. The new Chevy Equinox, for example, with a 319-mile range, costs under $35,000 with the new federal tax credit of $7,500. That price would be even lower in states with additional EV incentives such as California and Washington.
Coltura Data Insight of the Month: Switching to an EV Could Save Households 20% of their Income in Fuel Savings
New Coltura research shows the extent to which EV fuel savings can lift up gasoline-burdened families. For Superusers (drivers in the top 10% for US gasoline consumption) with household incomes less than $25,000 a year, fuel savings from switching to an EV average 20.7% of their household income. For instance, if a household making $25,000 a year switched to an EV and saved $5,000 on fuel (gasoline savings minus electricity expenditures), their savings would be 20% of household income.
Savings for the middle income brackets are also impressive, on average around 3%-8% of annual household income. The savings are even greater when considering the lower cost of maintenance for EVs.
This research demonstrates the potential savings of switching to an EV, especially for lower income families using the most gasoline.
New and Improved Coltura Data Tools
Check out Coltura’s new and improved data tools:
EV Cost Savings Calculator: This tool enables a driver to calculate the savings of switching from a gas car to an EV, depending on factors such as miles driven, gas and electricity costs where they live, EV price and monthly EV car payments.
Gasoline Consumption Map: The new map now enables users to see data by state legislative district (upper house and lower house), including variables such as concentrations and numbers of Gasoline Superusers and gasoline usage and costs. See the example for the state of Arkansas.
Let us know what you think at info@coltura.org.
Support Our Work: Slashing Emissions and Saving Families Money
Support Coltura’s efforts to transition Gasoline Superusers to EVs to save families much-needed income and to slash climate pollution more efficiently. If Superusers switch to EVs, the US could cut more emissions than those from the aviation industry, while saving many Superuser households more than 20% of their monthly income. |
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Gas Station of the Month: Marathon Station, Flint, Michigan
In response to neighbors’ complaints of odors, the Flint Fire Department discovered gasoline leaking from the ground at a Marathon gas station. The gasoline ran into the storm sewer system, which discharges into the Flint River nearby. The suspected cause was a leak in the gas station’s underground storage tanks. The pumps were shut down.
MLB Franchise Ironically Taking Money From Gas Stations to Promote Health
A recent LA Times column highlights the troubling irony of the MLB LA Dodgers Foundation’s partnerships with Phillips 66 and the Arco gas station chains owned by Marathon Petroleum. While these companies contribute significantly to air pollution and climate change, especially in California’s communities of color, they are sponsoring health initiatives and educational programs — masking their detrimental impacts.
The greenwashing strategy has allowed them to appear as benevolent community supporters while continuing to harm public health and the environment. It’s time to end these misleading partnerships and focus on real solutions to the climate crisis, writes the columnist Sammy Roth.
Culture Corner: EVs Allow Radical New Vehicle Designs
The “skateboard chassis” of EVs allows the battery, motors, and other heavy electrical components to be stored in a flat package underneath the car. The design allows a wide range of vehicles– coupes, sedans, hatchbacks, convertibles, or entirely different vehicles– to be built on top.