EVs have earned a reputation for being impractical and expensive. However battery prices have fallen to roughly 1/10 of an decade ago, meaning EVs are starting to look like a really good deal.
Take for example the EV version of the VW Golf – the eGolf. The eGolf SE trim costs $22995 after federal rebate, while the gas powered Golf SE costs $24145!
Now say you drive 15000 miles a year in the NW. The electricity for the eGolf will cost about $375, the gas for a Golf around $1363 assuming gas stays at $3/gallon. Not only will you save about $1000 on fuel, but no oil changes, brake service, etc.
Admittedly the eGolf is a lower range EV, about 120 miles. So it’s definitely fine for day to day use, but not the Golf you want for a road trip. But before you dismiss it, keep in mind if you have a two car household you probably don’t need both cars to be road trip ready.
On the extra cost side you’ll also need a charger – if this is a second car for commuting you might get by with a normal 120v outlet but you may need to spend another ~$400 plus install for a 240v charger.
Besides cost why should you care about an electric vehicle? According to the Union of Concerned Scientists an EV driven in the US averages the same cradle to grave emissions as a gasoline car getting 80mpg (96 for my friends in the NW). Given that no conventional or hybrid car on the market gets that kind of MPG, its a pretty impressive improvement which will continue to get better as more utilities switch to renewable power.
Even if you’re not compelled by the eGolf, here’s what’s cool – a bit less than a decade ago the battery pack alone for the eGolf would have cost more than the whole car. Given current trends in a matter of years EVs with much larger batteries will be the same purchase price as a gas powered car while still maintaining their low operating cost.
Besides price I actually really enjoyed my eGolf test drive – its agile, well balanced, and punchy off the line. Plus it looks like a normal Golf, which pretty appealing for those who don’t want to drive around in something that looks like an alien bug.
Bottom line – if you have a place to charge, an EV is starting to be a practical reality for more new car buyers and will keep getting more practical every year.