Diamond: “I had become very, very concerned about CO2 emissions as part of our lifestyle in general. I started figuring out, well, ‘What are my own household emissions like?’ and they were not too different from the typical American’s. So I was determined to do something about it.”
That’s Jim Diamond. In 2013 he purchased the first all-electric Chevy Spark available in Oregon.
Although it still creates some carbon pollution because of the power used to charge it, Diamond’s new electric car is a significant improvement. In fact, studies indicate its emissions are equivalent to a gas-powered car getting 111 miles per gallon.
He acknowledges, though, that running out of juice is a downside.
Diamond: “One time my wife and I went on a drive through the wine country and it was about 100 miles. The calculated range for our car is actually 82 miles.”
They made it back, and most of the time driving his car gives Diamond peace of mind.
Diamond: “When I’m stuck in traffic, I used to just get so angry because I would be sitting there idling, pumping CO2 into the atmosphere. Now when I’m stuck in traffic, I don’t care, I’ll put some good music on.”
”Early Click To TweetFor Diamond, plugging in is paying off.
Reporting credit: Analeah Rosen/ChavoBart Digital Media.
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