According to the advocacy group Coltura, EV policy will achieve the greatest climate benefits by prioritizing those who use the most gasoline.
The team recently published a new study based on findings published in 2021 that found that one in 10 motorists suffers burns. almost one-third of all gasoline in the United States. Coltura coined the term “gasoline superusers” to describe these drivers and went on to argue that they should be at the heart of policies to promote electric vehicle use.
Such a narrowing of focus would have far-reaching benefits for the climate, while also benefiting the super-gas users themselves, according to the study.
Gasoline superuser and overall gas consumption (via Coltura)
In California, which will ban the sale of new internal combustion vehicles (not certain plug-in hybrids) by 2035, a 50% reduction in emissions would require 9 million electric vehicles on the road if super-users Gasoline usage switched first, compared to 24 million according to research, if superusers switched last.
According to the study, while California leads the country in electric vehicles, 95% of vehicles on the road still run on gasoline, so the state’s gas consumption figures reflect those across the country.
It also means that a large number of what Coltura calls “gasoline-burdened families” could greatly benefit from the switch to electric vehicles. Of the super-gasoline California households identified in the study, 56% have below-average household incomes—and pay a lot to drive their gas-powered vehicles.
Gasoline superuser and overall gas consumption (via Coltura)
According to research, super gas users spend an average of $500 a month on fuel and $300 a month on vehicle maintenance and repair. Switching to an EV can significantly save on fuel costs. A 2022 study shows that petrol cars can six times more expensive to fuel delivery than EVs cost to charge.
Whether there are any real policies to be put in place based on the concept of super-use of gasoline remains to be seen, but it has been proposed. California is consider providing an incentive that will be calculated around the applicant’s gas usage and Washington State has also tried inform your electric vehicle policy on this matter.
