EV Archives - WPTF-AM

Duke University study finds EVs quickly overcome their energy-intensive build to be cleaner than gas cars

DETROIT (AP) — Producing and manufacturing electric vehicles and their batteries uses a lot of energy, leading many to be skeptical about the environmental benefits of going electric. But a new study says that after two years of use, EVs have a cleaner bottom line than gas-powered vehicles. The study also found gasoline vehicles lead to two to three times more damage to the climate and air quality than EVs in the long term. The work offers insight into a transportation sector that makes up a big part of U.S. emissions. Researchers from Northern Arizona University and Duke University published their findings Wednesday in the journal PLOS Climate.… Continue Reading

Officials warn that EVs could catch fire if inundated with saltwater from Hurricane Helene

Electric vehicle owners who live in the path of hurricanes should be wary of the risk their cars could catch fire if they are inundated by saltwater as the powerful storm moves ashore. There have been several instances of electric vehicles igniting after past hurricanes, so Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged EV owners to get their vehicles to higher ground before the storm hits. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been tracking this problem since the first instances of it were reported in October 2012 after Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast. The problem is that the salt that remains after the ocean water evaporates can conduct electricity and allow the batteries to short circuit and catch fire.… Continue Reading