If you’re tired of seeing your hard-earned cash disappear at the gas pump, you might consider an electric vehicle.
Not everyone should drive electric (EV); for many families, a truck or other gas-powered vehicle fits their needs. But if most of your driving is commuting to work and running around town, electric vehicles deserve a look. The biggest surprise for many EV owners is how much they can save over the life of their vehicle.
Yes, an EV can cost more upfront, but prices continue to drop, and the purchase price is only part of the story. For every mile driven, electricity costs less than gasoline, and not only are electric motors super efficient, they require far less maintenance. EV owners never have to deal with oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts or transmission services because there are none.
Let's be honest about the costs, too.
If you need a Level 2 charger at home, that can cost around $500 plus the installation of a 240-volt circuit. That installation can cost $1,000 or more. In addition, the state of Idaho also charges EV owners a higher registration fee for road maintenance because EVs don't pay the 33 cent/ gallon gasoline tax at the pump. Finally, insurance costs can be higher for some EVs.
Then there are the perks.
Electric motors deliver instant acceleration, a quiet ride, and the low center of gravity makes the vehicle surprisingly stable and responsive. But perhaps the biggest advantage is simplicity. A gas engine contains literally hundreds of moving parts; an electric motor has dramatically fewer. Less complexity means fewer things to maintain and replace.
There are many great deals to be had on used electric vehicles since they have been around now for years.
And what about charging?
It’s normal to take time out of our day to fill up at gas stations, and they are conveniently everywhere. At present, charging stations around town are not as convenient. But as it turns out, roughly 80% of EV owners charge their cars at home - so they hardly ever visit a public charging station. Think about your daily routine. With an electric vehicle, you drive to work, run errands, come home and plug in. The next morning, your "tank" is full and you are ready to go.
For many drivers, that's far more convenient than making a special trip to the gas station. If you have solar panels, you can produce some, or even all, of your driving power for free at home.
The bottom line?
Don't take my word for it. Compare the numbers for your own vehicle and driving habits using this online EV savings calculator. https://chooseev.com/savings-calculator/ You may be surprised.
And if you're curious, come see for yourself.
The Portneuf Resource Council's fifth annual SE Idaho Electric Car Show will be held Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lookout Point, alongside the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market. Local EV and plug-in hybrid owners will be there with their vehicles to answer the questions: What does it really cost? How far can you go? What about charging? How does it handle Idaho winters? And is it actually practical?
You don't have to be an EV believer. Just come ask questions and find out what your neighbors have discovered. Maybe an electric vehicle isn't right for you. Or maybe you'll discover that it makes more sense than you thought.
Either way, you'll have the facts to make the decision for yourself.