As wildfires continue to devastate parts of California, some electric vehicle (EV) owners are expressing concerns about the practicality of their cars in emergency evacuations, with some even considering switching to hybrid or gasoline-powered vehicles.
Over the past week, wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, have displaced over 82,000 residents, according to CBS News. However, evacuating in an EV has proven to be a challenge for many, particularly as power outages disrupt charging availability. In response, some residents are rethinking their vehicle choices, worried about being stranded without power in a crisis.
Los Angeles attorney Matthew Butterick voiced these concerns in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, noting that gas-powered vehicles offer more flexibility in emergencies.
“A gas-powered car can evacuate in any direction on any road and still get fuel when needed,” Butterick said. “The EV stations on evacuation routes would have massive lines and delays, gasoline stations less so. And the electric grid may not be available.”
Val Cipollone, a Berkeley resident who owns a fully electric Nissan Leaf, echoed similar concerns. Although she has supported EV technology, the recent crisis has made her reconsider.
“Who knows how far you’d have to drive?” she said. “I used to think I’d only need to drive to my place of work. But who knows, I might have to go much farther.”
Cipollone now plans to sell her EV and purchase a hybrid vehicle instead, citing both environmental considerations and the need for greater range reliability.
Industry analysts have noted an increase in hybrid vehicle sales, particularly in regions facing extreme weather events.
Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with Edmunds, explained that EV ownership requires significant planning.
“Electric vehicles require a different relationship with your vehicle than people have had before,” she told the Los Angeles Times. “They require a lot more planning,” including home charging setups and accounting for extended charging times at public stations.
Despite the ongoing push for EV adoption, including incentives from the Biden administration and California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to phase out new gas-powered car sales, the recent wildfires highlight potential gaps in the transition. The crisis has pointed out the importance of infrastructure resilience and evacuation preparedness, reinforcing the idea that a full shift to EVs may still require further advancements in charging accessibility and energy grid stability.
