FAQ
Consumer Reports has declared that the era of the electric car has arrived. With prices dropping and technology changing, Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives have seen a surge of interest in electric vehicles. The following questions and answers are for members seeking information:
Q. Why are more people buying electric vehicles?
A. Electric vehicles have significantly lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs, environmental benefits and improving driving ranges. The choices have never been greater. Electric cars are available in almost all vehicle categories. According to Consumer Reports, some electrics are the top-rated vehicle in their automotive class.
Q. What are the types of electric vehicles?
A. Major types include:
- Plug-In Hybrid: These models use electric batteries that transport the vehicle 25 to 50 miles before switching to a gas engine. Battery re-charging is done by plugging into an electric
power source. - Battery Electric Vehicle: These cars have no gas engine and are very efficient, with many models featuring government rebates and attractive dealer warranties. The powertrain has a battery that must be recharged. These cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, run quietly, use far less energy than gas-powered cars and require no oil changes.
Q. What do electric vehicles cost?
A. The price range is wide. Several popular models are priced from $20,000 to $40,000. Higher priced SUVs run from $50,000 to $65,000, while luxury sedans range from $80,000 to $110,000. In the near future, many more choices are expected. Some new electrics qualify for a federal tax credit up to $7,500, depending on battery size.
Q. How much would you save on fuel costs by only using electricity as fuel?
A. Typically, a Battery Electric Vehicle would save about 75 percent on annual costs to fuel compared with a gas-powered car. Assuming two vehicles are about the same size and driven the same miles, the Battery Electric Vehicle would be about $100 less per month to fuel.
Q. How far can a Battery Electric Vehicle travel?
A. Range will depend heavily on driving style and average speed, but most newer models can travel 200-300 miles before needing to be recharged. Studies show that many drivers travel less than 40 miles a day, and driving ranges of the cars continue to improve.
Q. How long do the cars take to recharge?
A. The inverter and the quality of the charger determine the time it takes to recharge. Using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, most vehicles achieve 10 to 20 miles of charge per hour. Level 1 chargers that use a standard 120-volt outlet can typically get about 3 to 4 miles of charge per hour. At 480 volts, Level 3 units can be as fast as 30 minutes to reach 80 percent of capacity, but manufacturers only recommend occasional quick charging because that can shorten battery life.
Q. What are the typical battery warranties?
A. Automaker warranties vary significantly, but typically cover eight years or 100,000 miles to 60 or 70 percent of capacity.
Q. How much do home chargers cost?
A. Wall chargers are called Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), and their cost is additional to the purchase price of the vehicle, ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on amperage, features
and installation.
Q. Why is the co-op getting involved with electric vehicles?
A. We’ve seen growing interest in electric vehicles. The savings can be significant, and we want to help members who’ve expressed interest make informed decisions.
Q. Where can I get more information?
A. See a local car dealership, and check out the following resources:
