Transportation

sign to indicate plug-in charging for electric/hybrid vehicles

As of 2021, transportation accounts for 29% of U.S. Greenhouse Gas emissions. Sources of transportation air pollution include on-road engines like cars and trucks to non-road engines such as airplanes, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc. Here are some ways to reduce personal transportation:

  • Consider an electric vehicle.
    • Electric vehicles save on fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are a couple different options when considering an electric vehicle.
      • All-Electric Vehicles- are battery operated and must be charged to run. Driving ranges can be anywhere from 150 to 400 miles on a single charge.
      • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles- operate on an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that is powered by a battery. The battery must be charged by being plugged in to fully operate. These vehicles can run on just the battery for up to 60 miles where it will then switch to using just gasoline.
      • Hybrid Electric Vehicles- operate on battery and an internal combustion engine. The vehicle uses gasoline to power the internal combustion engine while the battery charges through regenerative braking. This vehicle does not plug in.
    • There are federal tax credits available to those who purchase electric vehicles. The amount of tax credits depends on when the vehicle was purchased and how the vehicle was made. Find out if you are eligible for a tax credit by going to https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxcenter.shtml
    • Charging stations are a common concern when it comes to purchasing an electric vehicle. Use this website to find charging stations nearby https://afdc.energy.gov/stations/#/find/nearest
    • Find more information on clean transportation at https://www.dfwcleancities.org/
  • Consider switching to electric lawn equipment.
    • Electric lawn equipment runs on electricity rather than gas and can either come in battery operated or cord operated models.
    • Some benefits of using electric lawn equipment are that it is quieter, weighs less, and reduces carbon emissions.
  • Use the Via Grand Prairie ride option when traveling around Grand Prairie.
  • Avoid idling.
    • Idling contributes to ground-level ozone which can lead to negative health impacts.
    • If the line is long at the drive-thru, turn off the car and run inside instead.
    • Turn off the car when waiting in the pickup line at school.
    • Try not to leave your car running for more than 10 seconds.
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