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It surprises me that emissions from the transportation industry seem to be increasing despite mainstreaming of EVs. I understand EVs are not a prefect solution

It surprises me that emissions from the transportation industry seem to be increasing despite mainstreaming of EVs. I understand EVs are not a prefect solution because they just pass the emissions to the power plants, but considering the documented improvements in our power infrastructure, I thought that would have at least a slight knock-on effect for transportation. I figure the rate should at least be decreasing, even if it's very slow. Is it just too soon to see the impact of EVs? Is it related the rise in delivered goods? Is there just more travel within the US in general?

perfunctory 7y ago
FWIW, "Surging SUV demand is canceling out the environmental benefit from electric cars" https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/17/surging-suv-demand-is-canceling-out-the-environmental-benefit-from-electric-cars.html https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/17/surging-suv-demand-is-cancel...
- CivBase 7y ago
  I reckon that most of the demand for SUVs is driven by interior space, carying capacity, and 4WD. I bet there's opportunity in the market for an affordable EV that offers those features. The Model X is cool, but it isn't "affordable" like the Model 3.
  - therealdrag0 7y ago
    Kia Niro EV seems pretty legit to cover those factors. Also Rav4 and Subaru Crosstrek hybrids. Ford Escape and Rav4 PHEV is coming this year. (Rav4 Prime looks dope) Another aspect of SUVs is just the feeling of sitting "high", it's hard to let go of after you've tasted it. And personally, I think sedans are harder on my back after long drives. Also I'd speculate that SUVs kinda replace the mini-vans of previous generations since now we're having less kids (and maybe they're being less social?).
  - perfunctory 7y ago
    > I reckon that most of the demand for SUVs is driven by interior space, carying capacity, and 4WD I believe it's driven by obnoxiously aggressive marketing.

perfunctory 7y ago

FWIW, "Surging SUV demand is canceling out the environmental benefit from electric cars" https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/17/surging-suv-demand-is-canceling-out-the-environmental-benefit-from-electric-cars.html https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/17/surging-suv-demand-is-cancel...

CivBase 7y ago
I reckon that most of the demand for SUVs is driven by interior space, carying capacity, and 4WD. I bet there's opportunity in the market for an affordable EV that offers those features. The Model X is cool, but it isn't "affordable" like the Model 3.
- therealdrag0 7y ago
  Kia Niro EV seems pretty legit to cover those factors. Also Rav4 and Subaru Crosstrek hybrids. Ford Escape and Rav4 PHEV is coming this year. (Rav4 Prime looks dope) Another aspect of SUVs is just the feeling of sitting "high", it's hard to let go of after you've tasted it. And personally, I think sedans are harder on my back after long drives. Also I'd speculate that SUVs kinda replace the mini-vans of previous generations since now we're having less kids (and maybe they're being less social?).
- perfunctory 7y ago
  > I reckon that most of the demand for SUVs is driven by interior space, carying capacity, and 4WD I believe it's driven by obnoxiously aggressive marketing.