When I was a kid, electric cars were something only seen on the Jetsons! Never did I think that I would see them in my lifetime but now every major automaker has a plan for an electric or plug-in model. While we’ve talked about how to make your car maintenance greener, let’s look at how your choice of a car can make an impact too.
Personally, we drive a Prius (and yes I do love getting 54 miles to the gallon!). However, with Chevy about to ship its Volt, Nissan its leaf and Ford working on an electric version of the Focus, it seemed only fitting to talk about electric cars and the impact they will have.
So, why electric cars now?
Up till now, it didn’t make sense. Battery technology had to catch up. Without that, electric cars were too expensive. But now, with the improved battery technology coupled with pollution concerns and soaring gas prices, it is the time for alternative fuel vehicles.
The new green cars on the market have made the buying process more difficult. There are new questions to ask ourselves: What’s less expensive per mile: gas or electricity? How far can I go on a charge? How much more will it cost me to purchase a green car? Is it worth having to figure out where charging stations are? Do the government credits offset the increased cost enough for you?
To answer some of your questions:
Electrical contractors are partnering up with the local utilities to install home charging systems for these cars. Some customers may even get subsidies from utilities to cover part of the costs if they agree to share their data or cheaper electricity rates if they charge at night (when demand is less). These home charging systems are going to cost a few thousand dollars too depending on the provider. (There is a federal tax credit for 50% of the charger and the installation cost up to $2,000). However, if you have an older home, you may need to upgrade your electrical system too. The majority of older homes have a 60-amp or 80-amp service and to run a home charging system, you will need at least 80 amps (if not more). A trusted electrician should be able to let you know what you need.
If you want an electric car at the end of this year, your only choices will be the Nissan Leaf or the Chevrolet Volt. The Leaf’s range is limited to about 100 miles and will cost (starting) $32,780. The Volt can go a lot farther because technically it is a hybrid. It goes about 40 miles on a charge and when that runs out, the engine kicks on and extends the car’s range by another 300 miles. The Volt’s starting price is $41,000.
Besides the tax credit I mentioned above for the home charging station, the federal government is offering a $7,500 tax credit. Owners will also have some relief with lower maintenance and operating fees. According to Nissan, the first three years should only cost $440 to maintain your vehicle (which is about a third of what you would pay for a similar sized gas vehicle). The Volt savings are just a few hundred dollars.
According to Nissan, people who charge at home will pay an average of $2.75 each time they plugin. That amounts to around 3 cents a mile (depending on driving conditions and your driving habits). Volt drivers will pay about 8 cents a mile.
We are coming to the end of gasoline combustion engines. If you are in the market for a new car, make sure you check out these electric cars plus the other hybrids on the market to get the car that best fits your needs. It doesn’t hurt that you’ll be helping save the Earth with this purchase.
For more on how to make your lifestyle greener, visit our Green is Grand section!
Related posts:
- Driving Green: How Caring For Your Car Cares For Mother Earth!
- Paper Or Plastic Or Neither? Choosing Reuseable and Recyclable Goods.
- Choosing An Eco-Friendly Wine For Your Thanksgiving Table!
- Living Green In America: Energy Efficient Housing Options Growing
- Smart Investing: How Businesses Are Seeing Green From Going Green!
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Its nice idea! Do not confuse elegance with luxury, although they also produce some luxurious models. The built of these vehicles suggest well thought out design plan. toyota dealer westminster
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