As an energy guy who’s spent his entire career with AES Indiana, I know it’s possible to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in favor of renewables. Personally and professionally, I am focused on progress — for our city and our climate. I want more young people to plant roots here. And I can say with confidence, they’re looking for places that embrace innovation and sustainability.
We’re beginning to see more states step up when it comes to creating a more sustainable future. Just this past week the governors of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin joined forces to pass REV Midwest – a plan to build a new network for charging electric vehicles. As we see a more concerted effort to improve the region’s economy while also reducing toxic emissions, I believe Indianapolis has an opportunity to lead the charge toward EVs (pun intended), and in-so-doing to attract more young talent.
And as the infrastructure for electric cars improve, more people will be enticed to switch over from fuel powered. These are the top reasons why Indianapolis is going electric—faster than you may think.
Electric drivers help improve air quality.
The U.S. used nearly nine billion barrels of petroleum last year, two-thirds of which went toward transportation. This adds up to gas-powered transportation contributing the largest share of domestic CO2 emissions (EPA, 2019). Electric cars can reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improving public health and reducing ecological damage.
In 2020 in Indiana, electric cars produced 35% fewer emissions than gas cars. So, charging an electric car, with increasingly renewable energy, further reduces harmful emissions.
Electric cars are fun
Yes, reducing carbon emissions is a key societal benefit of electric car adoption, but that’s not the only reason drivers are making the switch. Electric cars fit into almost any lifestyle and are fun to drive.
Large, intuitive touch screens make navigation a breeze. Auto-pilot technology enhances safety and convenience behind the wheel (for example, each new Tesla is equipped with eight external cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors). Fully digital touch points (even the door handles on the new Ford Mach-E) create an even smoother ride and experience.
Electric car owners spend less on fuel, insurance, and maintenance. On average, people who drive electric spend 50% less on fuel than those who drive gas-powered vehicles. Electric drivers typically spend less on maintenance and insurance, too. Electric utility customers can apply to receive rebates and special rates, including time-of-use based options for their home or business. Drivers may even be eligible for a flat fee for designated public charging stations.
Charging is no longer a mystery – and range has improved
Indianapolis commuters are switching to electric thanks in part to the ease of installing at-home chargers, access to workplace charging, and charging stations throughout the city. With nearly 400 public charging stations in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson metro area, according to Plugshare.com, driving electric has never been more convenient.
Newer electric car models are also increasing the distance you can travel between charges, many offer more than 200 miles per charge.
Commuting is back and drivers want to upgrade
Lately, drivers are returning to the road. And, they’re discovering how far the electric car experience has come in the last 18 months.
In the racing capital of the world, drivers are replacing the roar of a traditional gas-powered engine with the smooth and fun ride and tech-forward features of an electric car — like rapid charging, intelligent touchscreen displays, and LED lighting. More drivers are discovering that electric cars fit into their lifestyle, and Indy is leading the way.
Programs like Motor, an electric car subscription incubated out of The AES Corporation, allow Indy-area drivers to choose an electric car, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model X, Nissan Leaf, or Audi e-tron, from their phone and have it delivered to their home or office within days.
Justin Sufan is Senior Director at The AES Corporation