To the editor: Your recent article on evacuation challenges during fires overlooked a critical point about electric vehicles (EVs). Many residents, including myself, have experienced firsthand how EVs offer distinct advantages in emergency situations. During the Woolsey fire of November 2018, we faced significant difficulties evacuating with a gas-powered hybrid. However, subsequent evacuations with an EV have been far smoother, highlighting the reliability and efficiency of electric vehicles in crisis scenarios.

Empowering Communities with Reliable Transportation Solutions Amidst Natural Disasters

The Unseen Challenges of Gas-Powered Vehicles During Evacuations

During the Woolsey fire, our hybrid vehicle's fuel gauge hovered just below a quarter tank. A journey that typically takes 20 minutes stretched into five grueling hours. Each passing minute increased our anxiety as we encountered one powerless gas station after another. The stop-and-go traffic further depleted our fuel reserves, making our situation even more precarious. Flames crept closer to Pacific Coast Highway, intensifying the stress. This experience underscored the vulnerabilities inherent in relying on traditional gas-powered vehicles during emergencies.The limitations of gas-powered cars became starkly apparent. With power outages rendering gas stations inoperative, refueling became nearly impossible. Hybrid vehicles, despite their dual-power capability, still depend on gasoline for extended operation, especially in heavy traffic conditions. This reliance can lead to a rapid depletion of fuel, heightening the risks during prolonged evacuations. Moreover, the carbon emissions from these vehicles contribute significantly to climate change, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

Enhanced Reliability and Efficiency of Electric Vehicles in Crisis Situations

Our transition to an electric vehicle has transformed our approach to evacuations. The owner’s manual advised us to maintain the battery charge between 20% and 80%, ensuring optimal performance. In slow-moving traffic, EVs consume minimal energy, unlike gas-powered vehicles whose range diminishes rapidly under similar conditions. This characteristic proved invaluable during subsequent evacuations, where our stress levels dropped significantly.Modern EVs boast impressive ranges, often exceeding 300 miles, providing ample capacity to escape disaster zones safely. For those equipped with solar panels and battery backups, recharging remains feasible even without access to the electric grid. Solar power ensures continuous charging capabilities, offering peace of mind during prolonged outages. Additionally, the environmental benefits of EVs cannot be overstated. By reducing carbon emissions, they mitigate the very factors contributing to extreme weather patterns and wildfires.

A New Reality Demands Responsible Choices

Living in an era defined by climate change necessitates preparedness and responsible decision-making. Keeping a sufficient charge in an EV or fuel reserve in a gas car is essential for responding effectively to evacuation orders. Fearmongering about the safety of EVs during emergencies only serves to spread misinformation and undermine public confidence. It is crucial to recognize that both gas and electric vehicles face challenges during long-term power outages, but EVs offer unique advantages that enhance safety and reliability.Continuing to rely on gas-powered vehicles not only poses immediate risks during evacuations but also perpetuates the cycle of carbon emissions driving climate change. Ignoring this reality endangers communities and exacerbates the destruction caused by natural disasters. We must embrace sustainable transportation solutions like EVs to protect ourselves and future generations. Our collective responsibility lies in adopting technologies that safeguard both our immediate safety and the long-term health of our planet.