Will electric vehicles become superior in the Mountain State?

BECKLEY (WVNS) – Electric vehicles can possibly shape the future of the automotive industry. Living in the Mountain State presents a new set of challenges that these vehicles have to face. 

Stopping by the gas station to fill up your vehicle is becoming a thing of the past in some states.

With many automotive companies stepping into the world of electric vehicles, the Mountain State is starting to take part in this movement.

59News traveled to a local dealership to learn more about the ins and outs of electric vehicles.

Wayne Byrge, Manager at John Howerton Honda, said the environment plays a huge role in the effectiveness of an electric vehicle.

“When temperatures reach 40 degrees or less, your range on your battery of your electric vehicle, your range can drop as much as 35 percent. That’s a pretty good jump. In addition to that, that’s just the cold temperatures. The mountains, if you turn up your heat,” said Byrge.

With our terrain being quite different from many other states, this raises one question.

How well do electric vehicles operate in states like West Virginia?

Byrge said vehicles with only electric capabilities are not as reliable in the Mountain State, but there is another option that is catching the attention of many.

“Actually in the mountainous areas, not just West Virginia, they don’t perform as well as people expect them to. I will say this, the hybrid technology around here is actually becoming more popular now and mainly for that reason. It has the gasoline and electric engine,” said Byrge to 59News.

Byrge said there are pros and cons to electric vehicles. He said they are great for the environment.

With the electric automotive industry getting more popular, he believes it will be hard to convince Mountain State residents to switch from gas powered vehicles.