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Why would I want a plug-in car?

Three words: cheaper, cleaner, domestic. Cheaper: Electricity is much cheaper than gasoline (about a third of the current cost of gas) and electric cars require next to no maintenance (no oil changes, no muffler, no catalytic converter, etc.). Cleaner: Even with the nation’s mainly coal-fired electrical grid, driving on electricity produces less carbon dioxide and other pollutants than driving on gasoline. And in New England, for example, the regional power grid is roughly 30% cleaner than the national average. Plus, plug-in cars give you the option of driving on renewable electricity sources such as solar, wind, or geothermal energy. Domestic: Electricity is made in the U.S. By driving an EV, you can help reduce consumption of fossil fuel and increase the nation’s energy independence. Bonus: Plug-in cars are fun to drive!

Are there different types of electric cars and are they similar to today’s hybrid cars?

The popular abbreviation “EV” encompasses two major types of electrically powered, plug-in cars: all-battery electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf; and plug-in hybrid electric cars including the extended-range Chevy Volt. The new generation of EVs differs from a conventional hybrid in two important ways: larger battery capacity, and the ability to plug in to the electrical grid to recharge the batteries.

Are electric cars practical?

EVs can meet the driving needs of many people. Research shows that more than 90% of U.S. drivers average less than 100 miles per day, and most of us drive less than 30 miles per day (U.S. Department of Transportation data). Some early adopters prefer all-electric models and others prefer plug-in hybrid EVs for added flexibility.

Is plugging in a hassle?

Not at all. Plugging in literally takes less than 5 seconds of your time. You can charge anywhere there is an electric outlet (120 volts). Most EV drivers plug in when they get home and forget about the car until the next morning, when the fully charged car is waiting for them. Overnight home charging results in the most environmental benefits and the most efficient use of the electric system in off-peak hours.

What’s the downside of EVs?

The most likely limiting factor is the cost to purchase or lease an EV. Because of the battery technology, an EV is more expensive up front than a similar gas car. Especially with rising gasoline prices, some people are happy to pay the premium for an EV to avoid the anticipated fueling costs of a regular gas car, as well as the other disadvantages of burning petroleum.

Which charging station should I buy?

New plug-in cars come with chargers located inside the cars, plus cords and other equipment to plug into conventional 120-volt electrical outlets. For quicker charging, many drivers will want to buy Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), known informally as a charging station, in order to plug into a 240-volt outlet. All come with the same standard "J connector" that should allow any plug-in car to connect to any charging station.

Where do you recharge a plug-in car?

Most people recharge overnight in their own garage, carport or driveway, but public charging stations are being introduced in growing numbers by major employers, local governments, parking garages and shopping centers, to name a few.

How much does it cost to charge a plug-in car?

Much less than it costs to buy gasoline. The exact amount varies depending on the car and electricity rates. On average, it’s less than $1 to charge a plug-in hybrid and $2-$4 for an all-electric car. EVs are the most efficient cars on the road and their cost per mile driven is significantly less than with a gasoline-powered car. Find out more at www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byfuel/byfueltypeNF.shtml

Where do batteries end up, in landfills or recycled?

Car batteries have an excellent recycling record that will get even better with plug-in cars. Every car in the world has a lead-acid battery, the most toxic metal used for batteries. Even with its low value as scrap, the recycling rate for lead-acid batteries is about 98% in the U.S. Plug-in cars use newer battery chemistries with metals that are inherently more valuable than lead. It is illegal to dispose of these batteries in a landfill and their value will ensure they are recycled. But even before they're ready for recycling, plug-in car batteries will have a second life in other uses.

How often do you have to replace the EV’s battery?

Not for many years. GM and Nissan offer warranties covering 8 years or 100,000 miles of driving on the lithium-ion batteries in the Volt or the Leaf. Nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) in the previous generation of EVs are proving to have very long lives. Several electric cars with over 100,000 miles have been reported with virtually no range degradation.

How long does it take to charge a plug-in car?

That depends on the amperage of the charging system and the size of the battery. Keep in mind that most of the time, the battery will not be empty when you plug in, thus reducing charging time. To recharge a completely empty car battery from an ordinary 120-volt socket, the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid would need 10 hours and the Nissan Leaf EV would need 20 hours. Using a faster 240-volt outlet and a charging station, the Volt recharges in about 4 hours and the Leaf in 8 hours.

What happens when the batteries run out of power?

You charge them back up, either at home or away from home. This area has a small but growing network of public charging stations. Other areas of the country are using funds from the federal government’s stimulus programs to build charging infrastructure. Restaurants, grocery stores and other retail establishments will offer free or low-cost charging as enticements to get customers. Studies indicate that 80% of Americans have ready access to plugs where they park at night. Although plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt can operate in gasoline mode if necessary, all EV drivers will do well to plug in whenever possible to minimize pollution, cost, and the other ills associated with the use of oil.

Are plug-in cars dependable?

Battery electric cars are the most dependable cars. Well-made production EVs have the potential to last as long or longer than gasoline automobiles, with less regular maintenance. There are many fewer moving parts in an EV, and therefore less ongoing preventative maintenance. Brake life is significantly extended since the motor is used to slow the car, recapturing the kinetic energy and storing it back in the battery. Electric motors will outlast the body of the car. Major automakers are offering warranties on the batteries of 8 years or 100,000 miles of driving.

Are batteries a realistic transportation alternative?

Yes. According to an Electric Power Research Institute report, battery durability testing sponsored jointly by EPRI and Southern California Edison demonstrate that current lithium-ion batteries are likely to retain sufficient capacity for more than 3,000 dynamic deep-discharge cycles – that’s about 10 to 12 years of typical driving. As with any new technology, the cost of EV batteries will become even more affordable once they're in mass production. Research is ongoing for various newer battery chemistries that promise an exciting future for plug-in cars. 

What kind of gas mileage can I get in a plug-in hybrid?

That depends on the size of the car, the size of the battery, and how you choose to drive. As with any car, the larger and heavier the car, the lower the efficiency. If you have a PHEV with a 40-mile range in EV mode, and you rarely drive more than 40 miles without recharging, you would almost never need gas. Your gas mileage could improve to several hundred miles per gallon, plus electricity. Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standard formulas to calculate fuel economy, it’s been reported that the Chevy Volt averages over 100 mpg. If you choose to drive your Volt in gasoline-only mode, fuel economy would drop to about 48 miles per gallon. Alternatively, in an all-electric car, you'll never buy gas. For most people, an EV with a 100-mile range between recharging will be sufficient. If you routinely drive long distances, a plug-in hybrid may be the best choice.

Will plug-in cars lead to more coal and nuclear power plants?

We won't need additional generating capacity in the U.S. electrical grid for plug-in cars for decades to come. During that time we can shift to cleaner, renewable power options that cause less environmental harm than fossil fuels and nuclear plants. Consider these findings from the U.S. Department of Energy (www.pnl.gov/news/release.asp?id=204): the existing electrical grid's off-peak capacity for power generation is sufficient to power 73% of commutes to and from work by cars, light trucks, SUVs, and vans without building a single new power plant if people drive plug-in hybrids (the percentage is even higher with all-battery EVs).

What about overall emissions, including the car and the power plant?

Even today, with more than 50% of U.S. power coming from coal plants, plug-in cars reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and most other pollutants compared with other car types. EVs also allow you to use 100% clean renewable electricity from sources such as the sun or wind, eliminating emissions entirely. Getting more plug-ins on the road will incentivize our society to move more rapidly to clean and renewable generating methods. EVs get cleaner as the electrical grid gets cleaner. Gas cars only get dirtier as they age. 

What about federal incentives?

These incentives are in effect for 2011. For Cars: $2,500 to $7,500 tax credit, depending on size of battery (4 kWh to 16 kWh), for electric-drive cars (EVs and PHEVs) sold after December 31, 2008. This is the best and biggest new incentive brought on by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (stimulus bill), and applies to at least 200,000 units per auto manufacturer before it phases out. For Charging Stations: The EV infrastructure tax credit was extended for one year until 12/31/11 at pre-stimulus levels. This means that the tax credit on an EV charge station is 30% up to $1000 for consumers and 30% up to $30,000 for businesses rather than 50% up to $2,000/50% up to $50,000 as it has been for the past two years. Applies to equipment installed before the end of 2011.

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