EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and are much better for the air we breathe. There is, however, an environmental footprint associated with production of the car, battery and the electricity needed to power the engine. But that footprint is expected to be significantly less than conventional vehicles— around a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Northwest energy sources, such as water and wind, emit far fewer emissions than the coal-fired power plants and energy sources in other areas of the country.
Further, electricity generation is directly influenced by local, state and national public policy and regulation. The same cannot be said about imported oil, which is not under our direct control. Over the last several decades, government regulations and improved technology have helped reduce emissions produced by power plants. In recent years there has been a big push to support renewable energy sources, which are now producing a growing percentage of our country's electricity. This trend toward "greening our electric grid" will further reduce the environmental impact of EVs.