Electric vehicles tackle CO2 emissions

Port Houston’s investment in the Chevy Bolt electric vehicles and charging stations was made possible by a Houston-Galveston Area Council emissions reduction incentives grant of US$72,438, received last year.

“Port Houston’s 100 percent asset-based renewable electricity contract makes these electric vehicles truly zero emissions,” said Kelli Gallagher, environmental compliance coordinator for Port Houston.

CO2 reduction

In addition to cutting CO2 emissions by 18 metric tonnes per year with the use of the vehicles, the port is expected to save more than US$400 a year per car as electricity is much cheaper than fuel. Life cycle savings are estimated at seven cents per mile. The vehicles each have a 259-mile battery.

Port Houston’s maintenance department installed the charging stations and ran the electrical lines underground at the port’s facilities.

“Port Houston staffers are excited and proud to be using electric vehicles. These vehicles are clean, meaning they pollute less, but they are also more efficient than gasoline-fuelled vehicles,” said Mike Gignac, manager of central maintenance for Port Houston.