Originally I intended to write this column comparing the total cost of owning and operating a gas car to an electric vehicle (EV). Instead I am going to look at fuel cost comparison, and I want to touch on some of the factors involved in deciding to purchase an electric vehicle.
As with any analysis, the "facts" and data can be easily manipulated. Those considering purchasing an EV over a gas vehicle may be less concerned with perceived and/or actual cost and alternatively look at overall cost, concern in regard to impacts on society, and the environment, perhaps making a lifestyle statement. It is likely that in the long term an EV is often the better choice if it fits your driving habits, and commute requirements – especially if fueled with solar electricity.
A U.S. Dept. of Energy analysis shows the energy cost per mile is much lower for an EV than a gas vehicle. EV's can be as low as two cents energy cost per mile where as a gasoline vehicle can be 10 cents and higher. Of course the cost for gasoline, MPG, and the cost for electricity weigh in. Some parts of the country like the Pacific NW can pay less than 10 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh). Hawaii on the other hand can pay over 40 cents per kwh. PGE charges roughly 12 to 34 cents per kwh, depending on usage, tier level, etc. Many households on the Central Coast average about 20 to 25 cents per kwh with PGE. A solar electric system on your property can deliver at 10-12 cents per kwh.
The pundits who favor gas engines talk about the cost of electricity, but rarely mention or compare the cost of solar electricity. They may also point out that much of our electricity is generated by coal — a valid point and concern that driving an EV with coal produced electricity has its air quality impacts. Solar electricity is clean, more affordable than PGE in our area and it offers inflation protection. Once you invest in solar your electricity costs are locked in for decades…imagine being able to buy a 25-30 year supply of gasoline at prices less than today's!
I recently read an article claiming the EV market is unsustainable, bad for the economy, and robbing the treasury with its tax credits and other incentives (I wonder who's paying his salary). The same was said about hybrid vehicles when they entered the market place. Toyota introduced the Prius about 10 years ago. It was met with skepticism, but has proved to be a market place winner — very popular, practical, reliable and economical. I have no doubts that EV's will follow a similar path. Granted, the EV has some obstacles to overcome — primarily range (how far it can travel on a full charge) and charge time.
Some claim that a hybrid like the Prius or a very efficient gas car is a better option than an electric car from an economical standpoint. On one hand they are correct, it probably pencils a little better given the perceived cost to the car owner. However I would argue that when you consider the environmental impact and factor in air pollution, it's health impacts, and other indirect costs (Valdez Oil spill, Gulf BP spill, wars etc.) of petroleum based fuel that EV's will come out on top for our families, communities, and our country. The health care and other societal costs associated with air pollution in major cities are staggering.
Naturally, one needs to take several things into consideration when looking at purchasing an EV. Consider your needs and wants. Be practical and think through the process – start to finish. Ask yourself why you want to purchase an EV? Ponder, reflect, do some research. How far is your commute? Make sure you have plenty of range or access to charging stations. Networking with other EV owners is possible with such sites as Plug Share or with projects like the West Coast Green Highway West Coast Green Highway.
Be aware that the manufactures stated range can vary greatly based on how much one uses the ac/heat, driving habits like fast starts and stops, and weight in the car (payload). For example if you have four large adults and luggage in the EV, it will travel less distance than with one small adult. Towing, hilly terrain, and extreme hot or cold climates are other factors that impact the battery and thus range. If you were to miscalculate the range, had not made arrangements for offsite or down the road charging, then you may find yourself walking down the road, hitchhiking or calling a tow truck.
In the short term there will not be charging stations every other block as with gas stations. Don't be discouraged, EV's are gaining in popularity and there is increasing availability and creativity in accessing charging stations. Consider a back up vehicle, or access to a back up vehicle, if all you have is the electric vehicle and circumstances require a longer trip out of your range. Check our local source, Fun Ride, for your back up vehicle or to try an EV.
One can charge an EV with a standard 110v outlet. Generally speaking, a standard 110 volt outlet may not meet your needs. It is a much slower charge (up to 15-20 hours) than a 220 volt outlet will deliver. Check to see if your home garage or parking area has easy access to a 220 volt outlet. The cost for a 220 volt charging station is approximately $1000 plus $500 to a $1000 labor to install it.
There is a federal tax credit of $7500 available for qualified EV's and a federal tax credit up to $1000 to help pay for a charging station. California State also offers rebates of $2500 for some EV's. All in all, there are a number of incentives to encourage the short term purchases of EV's and help increase the volume of sales and thus reduce the future cost thru economies of scale in production.
Back to solar charging, or offsetting your EV charging with solar electricity. The Nissan leaf has a 24kwh battery with an estimated range of 100 miles per charge. So let's say you drive 50 miles a day on your commute, and an additional 50 on the weekend, and a two week vacation away from the EV, equaling about 15,000 miles a year. Without going into the details, you could invest in a solar system and add about $8000 ($5000 after rebate and tax credit) in additional solar panels for the EV and have solar fuel for 25+ years. Compare that to a car that averages 30 mpg and drives the same distance with gas at $4/gallon. Fuel cost for the first year alone is $2000. Making a very generous assumption of markedly increased fuel efficiency in cars, and low inflation on gas prices, thus keeping your future annual fuel cost at $2000/year equates to a minimum of $50,000 in fuel over 25 years. I am referring only to fuel costs, putting aside repair or replacement of the EV battery, the gas vehicles transmission, fuel filters, oil changes etc. Hmmm…. Let's see, fuel costs… $5K vs. $50K+?
Now, remember this is solar electricity cost estimates. If you are paying PGE, you'll likely be paying a minimum of 20 cents per kwh and susceptible to inflationary pressures, and energy price volatility. If you're buying your fuel from PGE then your annual electric cost for the car might be ~$720+. Historically PG&E averages approximately 6-7% inflation.
An EV with solar fuel is a powerful combination. As is often the case it is pay me now or pay me later. Locking in your fuel rate for decades is a rather attractive offer. In addition many will have the peace of mind knowing they are minimizing their carbon footprint, reducing air pollution, and contributing toward the EV future. One may not keep their original EV for decades but will likely upgrade over the years to a more efficient, longer ranged, faster charging EV and continue to enjoy the benefits of clean solar electricity and a clean running vehicle.
