How Green are Electric Cars
Consumers are increasingly attracted to the appeal of electric and hybrid cars on the basis of claims that these models are more environmentally friendly. With better fuel economy and lower harmful emissions, such cars are seen as the perfect option for the ‘green’ consumer. Now, a study conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) outlines just how much more environmentally responsible these vehicles are.
What makes this study unique, according to a report on theMSNBC website, is that it is the first of its kind to look at the total environmental cost of cars. That includes the cost of refining and shipping petroleum and gas, as well as the energy used in a traditional internal combustion engine. Comparably, it also takes into account the costs and environmental impacts of the coal-fuelled power stations that would generate the electricity that might be required to charge an electric car.
To make this more accurate, the report also looks at geographical variations, accepting that the cost of getting fuel to one part of the United States may be considerably more than others.
So what does the study conclude?
Drivers of electric or hybrid cars can expect to enjoy energy savings worth up to $1000 a year. That number varies from state to state, for the reasons highlighted above, so not all drivers will see this kind of figure. For the top-performing states, however, the $1000 figure is entirely reasonable.
The report also indicates that pure battery-electric vehicles (otherwise known as BEVs) offer better results than plug-in hybrids. According to the data, nearly half of all Americans (45%) live in the best regions for reduced energy costs and lower greenhouse emissions. In these locations, drivers can expect to see fuel efficiency performance of 50 miles per gallon or more, where they are driving pure battery-electric vehicles. Those models are out-performing the most energy-efficient combustion and hybrid cars.
States in the ‘best’ category include California, Arizona, New York and Nevada. The Midwest and Plains states are the lowest performing, with Illinois and Wisconsin categorized only as ‘good’. In these regions, which are heavily dependant on coal power, battery cars can still outperform non-hybrid vehicles, with savings of several hundred dollars per year.
The UCS further highlights the degree of control that consumers have around how they can further reduce energy costs. Certain rate plans offer more economical rates, and consumers can also save money by charging up at times when there is less demand on supply. By charging up overnight, for example, drivers can safe significant sums of money.
