Climate change and its effects can be felt all across the world today. Rising global temperatures, a rise in heat wave frequency, intensified wildfires, and an increase in severe weather events are all examples of the impact that climate change has on the Earth. Reducing emissions from transportation, however, is a key step that can be taken to stop these impacts. That’s where volunteers like Don Ross come in. As a member on Green Newton’s board and the city’s EV (Electric Vehicles) Task Force, Don helps residents learn about electric vehicles and the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future. Recently, I interviewed Don about his volunteer work and electric vehicles in Newton.
Why should we drive electric?
Electric vehicles are a climate-friendly way to get around, and they’re also better for our health. Gas-powered cars pollute the air, contributing to asthma and other health issues, while electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions. Driving electric helps reduce carbon emissions, supports cleaner air, and fights the climate crisis – all at the same time.
For residents considering an electric vehicle, what do you see as the most common questions or concerns they bring to the EV Task Force?
The two biggest concerns residents have are cost and range. Initially, options were limited and expensive – many early electric vehicles, like Teslas, were out of reach for most people. Now, prices have become more accessible, and the range of most cars is improving every year. Today, a typical EV has a range of about 200 to 300 miles, with higher-end models going further.
For example, I drove to a conference in Springfield in my EV and didn’t need to charge there or on the way back. While driving across the country can still require planning for charging, the network of chargers is growing rapidly, making long-distance trips increasingly practical.
Newton has been working to expand its public charging network. What progress has the EV Task Force made so far, and what are the biggest obstacles to installing more chargers across the city?
The Task Force has made good progress in Newton. The city has been very supportive, installing chargers at key locations like City Hall, the library, and schools, and plans to add more through the new Climate Action Plan. While there are already plenty of chargers for daily use, many residents are unaware of where they are located. To address this, the Task Force is working on better signage and encouraging the use of apps that show local charging stations.
The Task Force is also encouraging new apartment buildings to plan ahead when constructing parking garages. Even if they don’t initially install chargers, they can lay the underground wiring during construction. That way, when demand grows, they can easily add charging units without having to dig up the entire garage.
How is the Task Force engaging with the Newton Public Schools on the transition to EV school buses, and what needs to happen for that shift to accelerate?
The biggest challenge is land – finding space to park buses where chargers can be installed. Currently, Eastern Bus Company provides buses to Newton, and they control the land where the buses rest. The Task Force is working to bring in new bus companies over the next few years, which would allow space for electric buses and storage.
The hope is for a phased conversion. Newton uses about 40 buses daily, and most buses are retired after five years. As they are replaced, the goal is to gradually introduce electric buses—starting with one or two each in the first five years, then adding more over time.
The Task Force has been working with Highland Bus Company, a local bus provider. Like early electric cars, electric buses are still expensive because they aren’t yet mass-produced. Highland is working to reduce costs over time. The transition is especially important for health reasons: children are currently exposed to diesel exhaust while sitting on idling buses, which can affect their respiratory health. Making the shift to electric buses is a high priority, and it has been included in the Newton Climate Action Plan.
Looking ahead, what does the EV Task Force see as the most important priorities for Newton in the next few years?
The Task Force is working on the electric bus fleet and is continuing to educate residents about EVs. Even though federal incentives for EVs have ended, there are still state rebates available that can reduce the cost. The goal is to make EVs and clean transportation more accessible, while continuing to improve public charging infrastructure and encourage long-term adoption across the city.
The work of Don Ross and the EV Task Force is motivating the city to expand charging infrastructure, educating the community, and working on a gradual transition to electric school buses. These efforts show that with careful planning and community support, a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Newton is within reach.
Devan Kathiresan is a senior at Milton Academy and a Green Newton intern.