Epoch Times is taking a look at each of the major options for going green while shopping for your next vehicle.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of electric cars, with some savings tips along the way.
Still to come: A look at hybrid cars, and cars that run on natural gas, biogas, hydrogen, and even coffee!
Pros
- The electric car does not emit pollutants. It doesn’t even have a tailpipe.
- One of the best things about electric motors is they are quiet as a mouse.
- Electrical energy is stored in batteries. While this energy can come from a power outlet, the greenest way is to power the battery with solar panels on the car.
- It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions (although, it’s not quite that simple. It depends on how the electricity is produced in your region; see more under “Cons” below).
- It can be charged overnight or at a quick-charge station. In 30 minutes it can reach full power and you’re good to go. It’s like charging your cell phone. So how far can you drive before it needs a boost? This depends on what type of battery the car has. The lithium-ion battery is the best, and can run up to 220 miles before it needs recharging. A lead acid battery will last at least 80 miles.
Cons
- It may be hard to find charging stations today, but they’re coming. So if you’re going for an electric car, it will be best suited for commuting to work or school, for local travel, and for shopping trips.
- The electricity sources used for charging the car can sometimes be a little less than environmentally friendly. Electricity can come from coal, natural gas, nuclear reactors, or renewable sources such as hydropower. Professor David MacKay states in his book “Sustainable Energy-Without the Hot Air” that electric vehicles are about five times more efficient than baseline fossil-cars. But, in states where the grid is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, such as Kentucky and Indiana, it is better to get a hybrid vehicle, according to a 2013 Climate Central report. The report contains maps showing the best options for particular states.
- Electric cars can reduce fuel costs dramatically because of the low cost of electricity compared to conventional fuel, oil changes, etc.
- Most electric cars are slightly more expensive than an average gasoline or diesel car; the pricey part is the battery.
Costs and Savings
Fuel: The average price of electricity in the United States is about 12.5 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). If the vehicle consumes about 34 kWh to travel 100 miles (a figure provided by the U.S. Department of Energy), the cost per mile is about 4 cents.
In comparison, AAA estimates the average cost per mile for a sedan that runs on fossil fuel is anywhere from 50 to 80 cents.
Lower-priced cars: Some of the cheaper electric cars are electric drive Smart Car ($12,500), and Chevrolet Spark EV ($19,185); they cost $139 and $199/month to lease respectively.
Mid-range: The new Nissan Leaf costs about $21,300, with tax reductions included. The Chevy Volt costs $26,685, and the Fiat500e costs $31,800.
High-end: The BMWi3 is one of the newest electric cars. It’s a small, advanced city car that costs about $50,000, and can go from 1–60 mph in 7.6 seconds, faster than some sports cars.
The Tesla Roadster is the most expensive and luxurious electric car, selling for over $100,000, plus $3,000 for the battery pack. But this car has it all, including a solar roof.
Electric drive Smart Car. (Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)
Nissan Leaf (Bryan Mitchell/Getty Images)
Tesla Roadster (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Developments on the Horizon
The electric car is in a development period and the market is expanding at a slow pace. Experts think the electric car will be the next new thing, especially for use as company cars.
Useful websites:
If you want to compare fuel costs between regular and electric cars, see the U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Cost Calculator.
Want to check out how far you can go? Tesla Motors offers a fun calculator that’ll give you the facts.
*Image of gas pump vs. electric car charger via Shutterstock
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