Plug-In Hybrids and Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Hello fellow green thumb enthusiasts.  My name is Lawrence  

While driving tirelessly through the parking structure at Cal State Fullerton looking for parking, I noticed the parking structure rooftop came equipped with plugging stations for both Plug-In Hybrids and Electric Vehicles (EVs) and I thought to myself, “I wonder how much these vehicles would cost?” and “Would the price of paying extra be worth what I would be saving on gas?” My curiosity has led me to blog about Plug-In Hybrids and Electric Vehicles (EVs) including their costs and advantages.

A plug-in hybrid car is similar to a conventional hybrid vehicle- both use a gasoline engine as well as an electric motor.  Likewise, an electric car is purely powered by an electric motor instead of gasoline engine.  The electric motor gets energy from a controller, which regulates the amount of power- based on the driver’s use of an accelerator pedal.  The hybrid plug-in and the electric car (EV) both use energy stored in its rechargeable batteries, which are recharged by common household electricity.

(Below are examples of a few popular Plug-In Hybrids and Electric Vehicles (EVs) by cost)

Toyota Prius (2012) Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle: $35,000

Ford C-Max Energi (2013) Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle: estimated $33,000

 

Chevrolet Volt (2012) Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle: $41,000

 

Nissan Leaf (2012) Electric Vehicle: $32,000

Ford Focus (2012) Electric Vehicle: $39,000

Pretty hefty upfront cost right? However, further research shows an increased savings in the long run!  The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center has an interesting tool on its website for comparing the costs of fuel and ownership of nearly every motor vehicle sold in the U.S.  LA Times journalist Dan Turner researched the Nissan Leaf and taking into consideration fuel cost, purchase price, registration, insurance, etc; he concluded the Leaf eventually made up for its higher upfront cost by matching its cumulative cost at year fifteen.
(http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-gas-prices-electric-cars-20121005,0,5048496.story)

Solar Energy- USA gives more examples of how much money can be saved by driving an electric car (www.solarenergy-usa.com)

After researching cost of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, I can reasonably conclude that these vehicles definitely have their advantages.  I think getting over the (higher) up-front cost would be the biggest challenge for many people, including starving students like myself.

 

In the meantime, I’ll continue to circle the parking structure of Cal State Fullerton in my (2006) Honda Accord while paying for increased gas prices.  Maybe after I graduate and land in my ideal career I’ll be able to one day afford an electric vehicle?  Until then, here’s to all current EV drivers… more power to you!

Lawrence