Berkeley on Electric Vehicles

The University of California Berkeley has released a study examining the electric vehicle market. It includes the economic and environmental benefits of mass-market adoption. The study shows rapid EV adoption will decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, increase employment, and reduce transportation emissions.

The study also predicts:

• A net gain of up to 350,000 new jobs by 2030 related to EVs
• Reduced emissions by as much as 62% from 2005 levels
• Healthcare savings up to $205 billion from emissions reductions
• Reduced oil imports up to 3.7 million barrels per day (equivalent to Persian Gulf and Venezuela import rates)

Worldwide growth in energy demand could drive 2030 U.S. gasoline prices to $6 per gallon. Widespread EV adoption could be a significant factor to reduce demand and keep gasoline prices at a lower $4 per gallon.

The complete study is available here.