Shakaya Cooper
Program Manager
Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to co-author the “Accelerating Our Transition To Electric Cars” paper on transportation electrification in Virginia. Here, I recap the top takeaways.
Supporting this work was both exciting and eye-opening. I got to collaborate with great partners like Virginia Conservation Network, Southern Environmental Law Center, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and The Nature Conservancy to analyze Virginia’s landscape and dig into the barriers and opportunities for our state’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). One thing became clear: Virginia’s EV future isn’t just about technology — it’s about protecting our health, advancing equity, tackling climate change, and saving money for everyday Virginians.
Why Transportation Is the Big Climate Challenge
Transportation is Virginia’s largest source of carbon emissions. Cars, trucks, and buses emit harmful pollutants linked to asthma, heart disease, and premature death. Diesel vehicles hit hardest in certain communities, including low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and the students riding diesel school buses every day.
The good news? EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and produce far less carbon pollution over their lifetime than gas-powered cars — and that number will drop even more as our grid gets cleaner. Plus, EVs save money:
- Lower fueling costs (around $1.28 per gallon equivalent in Virginia)
- Less maintenance costs, saving up to $12,000 over the life of the vehicle
Where Virginia Stands
Virginia’s EV landscape reflects both progress and challenges:
Clean Car Standards were adopted in 2021 to bring more EVs to Virginia, reduce pollution, and improve air quality. The current administration has halted implementation.
- Charging access remains uneven. Rural communities, renters, and residents in multi-unit housing often face barriers, even as the charging network grows.
Utilities have a key role to play. With the right planning and policies, they can make charging more affordable and help EVs strengthen the grid.
