Featured The EV version of the "Dust to Dust" report

& that's not the case with the ICE?

 

That's not always true as it's an oversimplification.

While everyone's driving ranges and styles and all different, if you take a true-cost-to-own calculator EV still aren't always the cheapest to own and operate even in areas where "fuel" costs are cheaper on an EV. For an example, here are the numbers when I plug in my ZIP code into Edmunds TCO:

New:

1. Nissan Versa S (manual transmission): $33,900
2. Prius $34,400
   
3. Toyota Corolla hybrid: $34,800
4. Nissan Leaf S: $42,500
5. Tesla Model 3 standard range: $54,200

Used 2020:

1. Nissan Leaf S: $26,000
2. Nissan Versa S (manual transmission): $34,000
3. Toyota Corolla hybrid: $36,600
4. Prius Prime: $36,600
5. Prius: $37,600
   
6. Tesla Model 3 standard range: $43,800
   
7. BMW i3 w/range-extender: $56,700
8. BMW i3 wo/range-extender: $45,200

Now, I'm sure there are case scenarios that someone may save more money in a Tesla than in a Nissan Versa. But generally EV's are more costly to own and operate, not cheaper to own and operate. The exception is a used Nissan Leaf. Of course that car doesn't go very far on a charge and doesn't have active battery cooling. I know it wouldn't work for me, not for that price.

 

Electric cars seem to be a poor answer to environmental concerns and may even be more expensive to own after total cost is included - insurance, initial purchase price, skyrocketing electric cost in many areas, potential repair cost etc.
There has to be a better answer to our transportation issues !

 

same thing with these;


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Yes it is, and no it isn’t.
Bob specifically said “For me”.

He was sharing his personal experience and use case.

PriiPrii is the one who generallized that EVs were inconvenient ‘in general’.

Bob and I realize the experience is different for each person.
PriiPrii apparently doesn’t.

I am another person for whom the BEV is increadibly convenient.
The fueling cost, for me, is increadibly low (1/10th that of a 60mpg gas car).
The BEV has also been my best road trip car ever.

None of this means any of these will be the case for everyone.

For some, none of these may apply, for others all will, and others may have some of the benefits.

 

electric cars are the only mode of personal transportation that can run on renewables.
it will take some time, but we're making more progress every year.

 

Not just any old renewables. You don't have to use somebody else's. It can be your own solar so after it pays for itself you're basically recharging for free. Call me when that 10,000 PSI home hydrogen compressor is available.

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There is.
Rebuild our cities so they aren’t centered around cars.
Invest in mass transit.

Here is the problem.

Almost no one will do either of the above in the US. The political will just isn’t there.
People will build cars that allow you to easily refuel using renewables.

 

'better' energy systems may come someday, but should we wait, and how long?

 

When the last Jet Plane falls out of the sky?

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Actually, I think the primary reason that more people don't drive them is because they are afraid of change. And its provable.
Just look at the first decade or so of hybrids. They were equally as convenient as any old gas car -- because they WERE GAS CARS.
And yet most people were afraid to switch...even though the extra cost was, in most cases small and paid back in higher mpg savings.
Here we are, nearly 25 years later and there are finally lots of hybrid choices and people are buying them.

As far as inconvenience goes...A lot depends on each individuals driving patterns. I drive to work, plug in (about 2 times a week) and drive home. Sometimes I may charge at home with my free solar (panels are paid for). What gas car is that convenient? I'm guessing that there isn't anybody with a gas car that can get more convenient than that unless their job is working at a gas station that gives out free gas.

Mike