EV Talking Points

• Make it personal - if you have relevant personal experience, include in the testimony.

• Include information to emphasize your point of view. Check out the talking points listed below for ideas. Rephrase the points into your own words.

• Include your position on the matter at the start and end of your testimony.

• If you don’t have time, you can add a simple sentence that communicates your perspective, e.g., "I strongly support HB…..”
  

• EVs have significantly lower total ownership costs due to their superior efficiency and minimal maintenance. Consumer Reports shows fuel savings alone can exceed $4,700 over seven years.

• EVs require no oil changes and have fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered vehicles, with 1,000+ parts. No engine, transmission, spark plugs, valves, fuel pump, muffler, or catalytic converter to maintain or replace.

• With Hawaii's high electricity generation from renewable sources (approaching 80% by some measures), EVs charged here produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than the mainland average.

• EVs enable Hawaii to keep energy dollars in-state rather than exporting hundreds of millions annually for imported petroleum.

• Transportation accounts for 27% of Hawaii's petroleum usage and 53% of greenhouse gas emissions - electrification is essential to meet our climate goals.

• As we transition away from gas vehicles, we must ensure low-to-moderate income households can participate and benefit from the significant fuel savings EVs provide.

• Consider the impact of policy on people who depend on vehicles for their livelihoods, have long commutes, or face financial barriers to the EV transition, even though they benefit most from fuel savings.

• Strategies that democratize clean transportation include:

  • Encourage the sale of affordable new and pre-owned EVs by offering incentives for used EVs.

  • Vehicle and charger purchase incentives with household-income caps to prioritize those who need assistance most.

  • Allow leases and pre-owned vehicles in rebate programs - not just new vehicle purchases.

  • Provide point-of-sale rebates versus tax credits, as low-income households may lack tax liability to benefit from credits.

  • Optimize public charging infrastructure for demographics with limited access to home charging by siting chargers along critical commute corridors.

  • Support mass transit with improved first-and-last-mile coverage to reduce overall vehicle dependency.
    

• Adequate public charging is essential for transportation equity. While many benefit from home charging, residents in apartments, condos, or rentals need reliable public charging to adopt EVs.

• Public charging infrastructure remains the top barrier to EV adoption.

• Modern fast-charging technology allows 80% charge in 10-15 minutes, but infrastructure deployment must keep pace with this capability.

• Public charging is critical for Hawaii's visitor industry - tourists will rent EVs when assured of reliable Level 2 and DC Fast Charging networks.

• Hawaii's NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) program is building out DC fast charging corridors - supporting this buildout is essential for statewide EV adoption.

• Diesel exhaust contains toxic and carcinogenic particles and gases. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels causes significant premature deaths globally.

• Traditional school buses expose children and drivers to dangerous exhaust fumes daily during their commute.

• Electric school buses eliminate this exposure while providing a lower total cost of ownership for operators through reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

• Counties nationwide have already begun transitioning their school bus fleets; Hawaii should accelerate this transition to protect keiki health.

• Financial incentives are proven effective in accelerating EV adoption, particularly among moderate-income households who benefit most from fuel savings.

• More Americans (56%) buy used vehicles than new vehicles. Used EVs are increasingly available as early lease returns enter the market.

• Point-of-sale rebates eliminate uncertainty about tax credit eligibility and make EVs immediately more affordable at purchase.

• With average EV ranges now exceeding 300 miles and fast charging times under 15 minutes, the traditional barriers of range and convenience have been largely eliminated - cost remains the primary obstacle.

• Incentive programs should prioritize high-mileage drivers (gasoline superusers) who will realize the greatest economic and environmental benefits from electrification.

• Approximately 65,000 drivers (6.8% of Hawaii's driving population) qualify as "gasoline superusers" - the top 10% of fuel consumers.

• These drivers consume 25.9% of all gasoline used in Hawaii despite being less than 7% of drivers.

• Superusers drive over 40,000 miles annually compared to 8,500 miles for average non-superuser drivers.

• They use at least 1,270 gallons of gasoline per year, often in fuel-inefficient trucks and SUVs required for their work.

• Superusers are disproportionately rural residents and include higher proportions of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian, and Hispanic drivers, often working in construction, home healthcare, housekeeping, ride-share, or delivery services.

Economic Impact of Superuser Transition

• A typical superuser household spends $13,700 annually on gasoline - a crushing financial burden.

• By switching to an EV, superusers could save up to $5,300 per year in fuel costs alone - equivalent to about four months of groceries for a Hawaii family of four.

• Additional savings come from lower maintenance costs, as EVs have far fewer moving parts requiring service.

• If all superusers switched to EVs, $568 million per year would remain in Hawaii's economy instead of going to foreign oil suppliers - comparable to the state's annual road construction budget.