Nuts and Bolts of Battery EVs

NUTS AND BOLTS OF BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES Is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) more expensive than a gas-powered vehicle? The answer is both “yes” and “no.” The initial purchase price of a BEV may be somewhat higher than a similar gasoline vehicle (though look out for tax credits, rebates and other incentives), but BEVs cost much less to operate. Driving on electricity is cheaper than driving on gasoline, and BEVs have fewer parts, which means less maintenance and fewer repairs. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BEVS What are the operating cost advantages of BEVs? Though specific savings will depend on gas prices and your driving habits, BEVs cost less to operate than gas-fueled vehicles because electricity costs are equivalent to approximately $1 per gallon of gasoline. Electricity prices are far more stable than gasoline prices, which means less fluctuation in how much you’ll pay throughout the year. Furthermore, because the U.S. electric supply does not rely on imported petroleum, the long-term outlook for pricing is better. What are the energy efficiency advantages of BEVs? BEVs are highly efficient, converting about 80% of their energy input into moving the car. In contrast, gas-powered cars are only about 20% efficient; the remaining 80% of the energy input is lost to engine inefficiencies or used to power accessories. Most BEVs have a regenerative braking system that captures energy and restores it to the battery when you stop. Charging an electric vehicle at home is not a huge power drain. A BEV driven 10,000 miles a year may use between 2,500 and 3,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to charge; that is between $325 and $390 per year assuming an average residential electricity rate of 13 cents. This is approximately the same amount of energy used to operate an electric water heater for a family of four. What are the environmental advantages of BEVs? BEVs run on locally generated electricity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The vehicles have less of a negative environmental impact because of higher efficiency, lower energy consumption and no tailpipe emissions. Electricity is not a “fuel” in the same way gasoline is. Cooperatives and other utilities produce electricity from many sources, including hydropower, nuclear, natural gas, coal, and increasingly, wind and solar generation. As the source of electricity gets cleaner, so does the vehicle. 1