By Gary S. Vasilash

Maybe it is listed in no particular order, but on a page headlined “Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations” on the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center (whew!) site, those benefits and considerations are listed  as follows:

• Energy Security
• Costs
• Fuel Economy
• Infrastructure Availability
• Emissions
• Batteries

It would seem that there are more in the way of “considerations” than benefits here.

I suspect not a whole lot of people think “geopolitics” when they buy a new vehicle.

In the “Costs” section it explains:

“Although energy costs for EVs are generally lower than for similar conventional vehicles, purchase prices can be significantly higher. Prices are likely to equalize with conventional vehicles, as production volumes increase and battery technologies continue to mature. Also, initial costs can be offset by fuel cost savings, a federal tax credit, and state and utility incentives.”

The “purchase prices can be significantly higher” is probably a red flag for many people. And that costs will go down with greater volume doesn’t help someone who is buying an EV today. The free money from the government is certainly something that is a bonus compared to buying an ICE vehicle. And the fuel cost savings go to the next two points on the list, with fuel economy being better for light-duty vehicles, although there is the issue of charging, with the acknowledgement that “Public charging stations are not as ubiquitous as gas stations,” something of a massive understatement.

While people generally consider batteries in the context of the range provided, the folks at the Alternative Fuels Data Center acknowledge “The advanced batteries in electric vehicles are designed for extended life but will wear out eventually.” And it points out that should a battery need to be replaced outside of warranty “it may be a significant expense.”

And then there’s the “Emissions” item. Presumably the one that is of most interest to people who are concerned about the environment. According to the Center, “Electric and hybrid vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles.” Note the can. The outfit goes on to note the life cycle emissions for EVs in areas where the electricity is generated with “low-polluting energy sources” have better performance than those that are operated “In regions that depend heavily on conventional electricity generation, electric vehicles may not demonstrate a strong life cycle emissions benefit.” Note the conventional.

A question that arises is that of how many people—regular everyday people—consider buying an EV because of its environmental benefits versus other characteristics, like its generally peppy off-the-line performance or the opportunity to forego visiting gas stations or because it is a Tesla and that’s considered cool?

This week Goodyear introduced a replacement tire for EVs, a tire that is available in sizes to fit an array of EVs from The Model Y to the Mustang Mach-E to the Audi Q4 e-tron.

About the tire, David Reese, vice president, Product Development, Goodyear Americas, said: “We know EV drivers prioritize performance and a more-sustainable tire. The ElectricDrive 2 was designed with at least 50% sustainable materials, a focus on providing greater traction and maintaining a quiet ride.”

Tires are a big concern for EVs because (a) the propulsion system is much quieter than a vehicle with combustion propelling it and (b) they are comparatively heavy:

While not an apples-to-apples comparison, the heaviest Mustang Mach-E EV has a curb weight of 4,838 pounds; the heaviest ICE ’23 Mustang is 3,932 pounds.

Heavier vehicles have an effect on tire wear.

While it is absolutely laudable of Goodyear to be using sustainable materials in its new tire, arguably people who drive vehicles that aren’t EVs could benefit from the fitment of such tires.

And it gets back to the question of whether performance, traction and a quiet ride are really what EV drivers are looking for in a tire rather than its environmental characteristics.