By Devin Partida, Editor-in-Chief, ReHack.com
Twitter: @rehackmagazine
The positive relationship between the healthcare industry and electric vehicles is clear. It has significant effects on public well-being, employee time and operational costs. A general transition away from gas-powered transportation could bring substantial benefits.
Life-Saving Capabilities of Electric
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) would benefit the healthcare industry. It could improve the general well-being of the public. There’s a strong connection between an individual’s physical wellness and a facility’s operational costs.
Internal combustion engines produce harmful fumes and contribute to atmospheric contamination. The World Health Organization states air pollution causes nearly 7 million deaths worldwide. Out of that total, around 135,000 occur in the United States. In total, it costs about $5 trillion in economic welfare losses. While only part of those effects stems from transportation emissions, EVs undeniably have a more positive impact.
In the next three decades, a nationwide transition to electric could save up to 110,000 lives, prevent almost 2.8 million asthma attacks and result in 13.4 million gained working days. The general savings for the combined benefits total $1.2 trillion, with an extra $1.7 trillion in environmental impact. Individual electric ownership has a ripple effect impacting the health care industry.
Benefits of EV Infrastructure
While electric adoption has general positive impacts, the synergy between the healthcare industry and EVs goes beyond its effect on the public’s well-being. Increasing the availability of resources could significantly help professionals. Consumer health care providers would save around $1,000 annually since the cost of EV charging is similar to paying $2 per gallon of gas. Lasting savings for workers in the sector may translate to improved well-being.
The rising popularity of EVs makes a reliable infrastructure essential. While about 57,500 public charging stations exist in the United States, more are necessary to meet growing demand. Adding some in hospital parking lots could be especially useful, considering health care professionals typically work long hours. Instead of spending more time on the road to refuel, they could plug their car in for a short period right in the parking lot to streamline the process.
Many have already made an effort to increase availability. For example, a health organization in Utah installed 156 free charging stations in its clinics and hospitals to incentivize EV ownership. It’s a relatively simple and effective method to improve the professional lives of staff. In addition, it can reflect well on the facility. The public often notices environmentally-conscious efforts and appreciates them. Also, infrastructure essentially stands out as its own marketing tool.
Positive Impact on the Industry
The healthcare industry can further incorporate EVs into facility infrastructure outside of incentivizing their use. Overhauling emergency transportation fleets would have significant short and long-term benefits. Hospitals could initially save up to $10,000 for each vehicle when transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric. Since it’s also more affordable to operate and maintain them, they’d likely see continued savings.
It seems like a significant undertaking, but phasing out the old is reasonably straightforward. One company showed proof of concept when it unveiled its all-electric fleet in 2022. Compared to ambulances with internal combustion engines, they only produce 10% of the emissions on average. Its largest group consists of nearly 100 vehicles, but it has smaller operations in multiple cities across the United States. The technology offers a safe and sustainable alternative.
The positive relationship between EVs and the healthcare industry is apparent. Using electric emergency vehicles instead of gas-powered versions would save facilities money and contribute no greenhouse gas emissions. With the addition of in-house charging stations, they would also be easier to operate.
EVs Improve Healthcare
Since EVs are better than gas-powered vehicles in cost and use, the health care industry’s adoption of them would be beneficial. Incorporating them into facility infrastructure could help staff, lower operational costs and streamline transportation-related processes.
