Los Angeles Wildfires Highlight Electric Vehicle Charging Challenges
In the wake of recent wildfires in Los Angeles, residents are confronting a significant downside to electric vehicle (EV) ownership: the inability to charge during power outages. These outages, exacerbated by high winds, have stressed the local electricity grid, posing a dilemma for those relying solely on EVs. If evacuation orders are given and the battery is only partially charged, reaching safety becomes a complex issue. Long queues at charging stations, compounded by potential power unavailability, add to the challenges.
The power companies’ practice of shutting off electricity to prevent fire outbreaks and avoid legal repercussions further complicates matters. In contrast, gasoline-powered vehicles, which are being phased out by California’s Governor Newsom by 2035, do not face these challenges.
Shift Towards Hybrid Vehicles
As the limitations of EVs become apparent, many Californians are pivoting towards hybrid vehicles. These offer a compromise, combining the eco-friendliness of electric power with the reliability of internal combustion engines. Hybrid sales have surged, with data from Edmunds showing a 63% increase in 2023 and a 29% rise in 2024, reaching 1.8 million units. In contrast, EV sales grew by 34% and 13% over the same period, totaling 1.2 million vehicles.
Major automakers are responding to this trend. Ford, for example, has slowed its EV rollout in favor of hybrids, with nearly 25% of its F-150 pickups being hybrids. Hyundai has introduced the Hyundai Way initiative, focusing on a range of powertrains, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, with a 46% increase in hybrid sales in 2024.
Hybrid Technology and Future Prospects
The automotive industry is gearing up for a wave of new hybrid models in 2025. These include both traditional and plug-in hybrids, which blend a small battery with an internal combustion engine to enhance fuel efficiency. Traditional hybrids recharge via the gasoline engine, whereas plug-in hybrids, with a 30 to 50-mile range, can be charged using standard home outlets and switch to gasoline when the battery depletes.
Challenges with Electric Infrastructure
Electricity generation for EVs and plug-in hybrids remains a contentious issue. Governor Newsom’s push for renewable energy has led to reliance on intermittent sources like wind and solar, necessitating expensive storage solutions. A recent fire at a battery storage site in Monterey County, touted as the largest globally, underscores the safety concerns. This facility, capable of storing 750 megawatts, has faced multiple incidents over the years, raising questions about the safety and reliability of such infrastructure.
These safety concerns have sparked local opposition, exemplified by a ballot measure in Morro Bay to prevent Vistra from constructing a new battery facility. Despite the measure’s approval, political backing has expedited the project’s permitting process.
Original Story at www.instituteforenergyresearch.org