30. May 2015 22:41 by Christian in
The most noticeable difference is driving in a very quiet and comfortable environment. Listening to sophisticated music becomes possible.
The total 5-year cost, including depreciation, taxes and fees, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and tax credit is lower for electric than plug-in hybrids, hybrids, or ICE (internal combustion engine) cars. The total 5-year cost is not significant anymore if the existent governmental tax brake in place for plug-in hybrids and EVs is removed. However, the EV buying price is significantly higher than for an ICE car.
The technology used to build the existent EV batteries is expected to significantly improve in the next 10 years. So far what is not encouraging the potential buyers is:
- driving distance range offered by the current battery storing capacity
- battery degradation (e.g. Nissan guarantees that the Leaf battery will retain at least 70% capacity after 5 years / 60 miles)
- high battery replacement cost offered by the current technology (e.g. Nissan Leaf $5,500 after trade-in allowance)
The plug-in charger stations poor infrastructure is probably the main reason in making a decision if the EV has enough driving range. The cost of KW/h may be attractive but there is also a cost of having a charger station in your garage, and most likely you cannot afford a fast-charge station.
While the plug-in charging infrastructure for EVs is being implemented the plug-less WPT (Wireless Power Transfer or Inductive Charging) is also present on the EV market.
The plug-less WPT charging systems are available in both stationary & dynamic configurations:
