Tech Square Celebrates Earth Day with Fireside Chat About EVs and the Environment
In honor of Friday, April 22 being Earth Day, we thought none better than to take a deep dive into the current and future impacts on climate. So, we invited four energy and electric vehicle (EV) experts to serve as panelists for our Fireside Chat: EV Effects on the Environment.
During lunch on Friday afternoon, community members and guests came to The Clubhouse for a live panel discussion from the following four enthusiasts around the sourcing, consumption, and effects of electricity in our world today, as well as how EVs are hurting or helping the planet:
From a vehicle’s carbon footprint to government policies that directly impact our environment, attendees became more informed on our energy usage and what that means for the present and the future. And in addition to being asked about energy consumption, sustainability, infrastructure choke points, and charging networks, we also learned:
1. There are more than 30,000 EVs on the road in Georgia, but only about 930 public charging stations. This is creating a big accessibility issue for current owners and people thinking of purchasing an EV.
2. The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that in Georgia, only 12 percent of our energy comes from renewable sources.
3. According to Lincoln Wood, manufacturing an electric vehicle causes more negative environmental impact than a traditional vehicle, but causes less harmful pollution in the long-run.
Following the Fireside Chat, panelists and attendees continued discussions over complimentary beverages and light snacks, making new connections and sharing their perspectives and ideas. It was truly an eye-opening and enlightening experience for all!
What are your thoughts on how EVs are impacting the environment? Let us know in the comments below.