THE GREEN ENERGY BLOG

Electric Cars on the Comeback

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Guest Post by Sarah Parker

Electric cars (EVs) have been enjoying a comeback over the past few years. Models such as the Chevy Volt and the the Smart ED have grown in popularity, and most major car manufacturers that don’t already have plans to start making them do within the next ten years. Eco-conscious consumers appreciate the small carbon-footprint they leave as well as their lack of noxious emissions. Others love their efficiency and the ability to (in certain states) zip in and out of the carpool lane whilst driving solo. As more people become aware of the environmental and economical benefits of an EV, ownership will continue to grow .
Electric cars store all their energy in re-chargeable batteries. It is possible to use lead batteries, but they are large and need to be replaced every few years. Lithium batteries are superior in that they weigh far less and are much more efficient. When the EV is turned on, electricity flows from the battery to the controller, and is regulated by the amount of pressure the driver applies to the accelerator. Fully charged, a battery will take you about 100 miles before it needs to be plugged in. This can be done anywhere there is an outlet, which means trips to the gas station are no longer necessary.
Energy tax credits are another big reason people have been choosing electric. For qualified electric vehicles, the minimum credit available is $2,500 and can be as much as $7,500, depending on the quality of the battery being used. The make, model and trim of the vehicle is factored in as well. Individual states also offer energy tax credits, but check into this because the amounts can vary widely. For example, an electric car owner in Georgia is allowed to claim up to $5000, whereas in DC the amount is only $36. Finally, tax credits are available if you choose to convert your vehicle to electric. The credit available is equal to ten-percent of conversion costs.
Electric care are ideal for urban driving, as they are highly maneuverable and can fit into tiny spaces. Some critics of electric cars have mentioned range anxiety, a term used to describe the fear of ending up with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. While that probably won’t happen, they really are best for short trips and city living. Another common worry is that electric cars are not safe. There has been no evidence to suggest this, and in fact the weight of the batteries keeps the car on the road which decreases the chance of roll-overs and fatalities. Many models, such as the Chevy Volt, will automatically turnoff when it senses an airbag has been deployed.
Some lawmakers and advocates have been pushing for tax savings to be taken into account at the time of purchase. For example, the Nissan Leaf currently sells for $32,780 in the United States. An instant saving of $7,500 would make this seem affordable to a lot more people. The benefits of EV ownership are many and the hope is that as the cost goes down, more people will choose electric and we can continue to decrease our dependence on foreign oil.