Electric Vehicles and Georgia

Thanks in part to forward-looking state policies, Georgia has become one of the fastest-growing markets for electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. As of July 2014, Georgia had the second-most registered EVs in the country, while Atlanta surpassed Seattle to claim the second-highest percentage of EV registrations among major U.S. metropolitan areas.

These advanced vehicles bring substantial economic benefits to Georgia. Driving the average new gasoline vehicle 100 miles cost Georgia’s drivers around $13.57 in 2014. Driving the same distance on electricity cost an average of $3.53 in the state, and as little as $0.40 if the EV was charged on the lowest-cost nighttime electricity. These fuel-savings can translate to spending in other sectors, creating more jobs—and benefiting local economies—far more than if the money were spent on gasoline alone.

Electric cars are also helping reduce Georgia’s oil use, benefiting Georgia’s climate. An average battery-electric vehicle in Georgia is linked to fewer global warming emissions than a gasoline-powered vehicle that gets 47 mpg. In 2014 alone, EVs saved Georgia from burning 4.5 million gallons of gasoline and emitting more than 22,000 tons of harmful climate change emissions.

Extending Georgia’s EV tax credits—and further increasing support for electric vehicles in the state—would help cement Georgia’s position as an EV leader.