Summary
- Twin Falls, Idaho is experiencing temperatures over 100 degrees this month that affect the performance of electric vehicles
- Idaho has a low number of registered EVs compared to neighboring states like Oregon and Washington
- Extreme temperatures in Idaho cause EVs to lose range and reliability, making them unsuitable for the state’s weather conditions
- Lack of charging infrastructure and long distances between charging stations make it difficult for EV owners to recharge their vehicles
- Cost of upgrading infrastructure for EVs in Twin Falls is estimated to be around $10-20 million and could lead to increased taxes for residents
Article
Temperatures over 100 degrees in Twin Falls, Idaho, have hindered the performance of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. Despite a new Environmental Protection Agency mandate requiring that 70% of new cars sold be electric by 2032, Idaho still lags behind neighboring states like Oregon and Washington in EV adoption. Scott Mason, sales manager at a local Toyota dealership, noted the minimal interest in fully electric vehicles in the area, with no such vehicles available on the lot. Kent Atkin, a project manager, raised concerns about the reliability of EVs in extreme temperatures and the potential safety risks for drivers in rural Idaho.
Extreme weather conditions in southern Idaho, including winter temperatures in single digits and summer temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, pose challenges for battery-powered EVs. In cold weather, batteries use charge to heat themselves, leading to up to 40% range loss. Conversely, in hot weather, battery ions move faster, causing internal pressures that reduce battery life and range. Additionally, high freeway speeds in Idaho can further drain battery power, leaving drivers stranded before reaching their destinations. Gas-powered vehicles outperform EVs in handling temperature extremes and ensuring reliable ranges.
Charging EVs in extreme temperatures presents further challenges, with cold weather diverting a significant portion of charging power to battery heaters. This results in slow charging speeds and potential delays in recharging when temperatures are below freezing. The limited availability of charging stations in rural areas further complicates EV ownership, with long distances between stations requiring significant infrastructure upgrades. Estimates suggest that upgrading city infrastructure in Twin Falls alone could cost millions of dollars and result in increased taxes for residents, adding to the overall cost of EV adoption in the state.
Idahoans’ reservations about EVs extend beyond performance and charging concerns to practicality and functionality. Battery-powered trucks, while claiming comparable towing capacity to gas-powered counterparts on paper, experience significant range loss when carrying heavy loads. For industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and mining that rely on transporting large loads over long distances, the limitations of EVs make them unsuitable for rural communities. The state’s economy and critical sectors depend on the ability to transport goods reliably, a need that current EV technology cannot fully meet.
The push for EV adoption in Idaho, driven by federal mandates and environmental goals, conflicts with the practical considerations of residents and the state’s economic needs. The decision on vehicle choice, particularly in a state like Idaho where extreme weather and rural infrastructure challenges are prevalent, should be left to the people. The current statistics and limitations of EV technology suggest that Idahoans are not yet convinced that electric vehicles are the ideal solution for their transportation needs, particularly in industries where reliability and performance are paramount.
In conclusion, while the shift towards electric vehicles is gaining momentum nationwide, the unique challenges faced by Idaho present significant barriers to widespread EV adoption in the state. From extreme weather conditions to limited infrastructure and practical concerns about functionality and reliability, Idahoans have valid reasons for hesitating to embrace electric vehicles. As policymakers and industry stakeholders work to address these challenges and improve EV technology to better meet the needs of rural communities, the debate over the future of transportation in Idaho will continue to evolve.
Read the full article here
