Lifestyles

Claremont Energy Advisory Committee: Why drive an electric vehicle?

By CLAREMONT ENERGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
By Claremont Energy Advisory Committee

Why might an electric vehicle be in your future? Electric vehicle drivers save hundreds of dollars in operating costs compared to those of a gasoline powered vehicle. Plug-in electric automobiles can be “fueled-up” during off peak energy hours to save substantial savings on electric charges. The U.S. Department of Energy states that electric vehicle owners who home charge will pay half the amount for fuel as those who drive gasoline powered cars. Additionally, electric vehicles mitigate negative environmental impacts by reducing emissions, and thus, counter the effect of air pollution, a significant respiratory health risk.

electric vehicles come in many shapes and sizes from hatchbacks, SUVs and sedans to pickup trucks. From the top of the line Tesla S to the moderately priced Toyota Prius, electric vehicles are some of the best cars on the road, according to rankings in this year’s Consumer Reports car issue. Prices for new vehicles range from $24,000 to $140,000. There are models from 17 auto makers with new models coming out this year and next. Polestar, a spinoff from Volvo, has an all-wheel drive hatchback with a vegan fabric interior that reduces the amount of phthalates or plastics used in conventional auto fabrics The Rivian R1t is an all-electric pickup truck and the Rivian R1s is a luxury SUV with three rows of seats.

Electric vehicles come in three types.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are fully electric vehicles with batteries that store the electric energy that powers the motor, in rechargeable battery packs. They have no other source of propulsion.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) run on gasoline or electricity. They operate with an electric motor and internal combustion engine. Onboard batteries are charged by “regenerative braking” and by the internal combustion engine.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) run on gasoline and batteries but the batteries in these cars can be recharged by plugging in to an external source of power like BEVs as well as the braking mechanism available in the HEVs.

Batteries can be charged in many ways and are classified by the source of power and strength.

Level 1 chargers use a standard household 110 volts They are the slowest way to charge a vehicle taking approximately eight to 12 hours.

Level 2 chargers use 240 volts through a heavy-duty outlet such as one used for electric clothes dryers. They charge at a rate four times faster than Level 1. Dedicated chargers are sold at Home Depot and Amazon.

Level 3 chargers, also called DC Fast Chargers, can add 100 miles range in 30 minutes. They are usually owned by commercial enterprises and municipalities and are located along interstates and at shopping centers. The availability of charging stations in the Upper Valley is increasing as electric vehicle ownership continues to grow.

Reliability is a hallmark of electric vehicles due to their electric motor and simple single speed transmission. There are fewer components than a gas engine that can wear out and be expensive to repair. Electric vehicle batteries do degrade with time. On average, an electric vehicle with a battery life starting range of 149 miles will be reduced to approximately 132 miles after five years. The owner can reduce this degradation by charging at 20-80% and by not draining the battery to zero or charging to the max at 100%. During the winter, cold weather can reduce performance but housing the auto in a partly heated garage will help.

Federal tax credits on a new electric vehicle, purchase incentives from electric companies such as New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, insurance discounts, rebates and savings from fuel and maintenance may make an electric vehicle the right choice for you.

For more information, see Consumer Reports April 2020 car issue.

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