Electric Vehicle Refueling Costs: A Comparative Analysis with Gasoline-Powered Cars
When considering the switch from a gasoline-powered car to an electric vehicle (EV), one of the most significant factors to evaluate is the ongoing cost of refueling. This article delves into how various factors contribute to the cost of refueling an EV, comparing it to the cost of refueling a gasoline car over a 35-year period. Additionally, we will discuss the latest trends in renewable energy and their implications for EV owners.
Understanding the Energy Consumption
To accurately compare the refueling costs, it's essential to understand the energy consumption of both types of vehicles. For gasoline vehicles, the average US driver consumes about 13500 miles per year. One gallon of gasoline provides approximately 36.6 kilowatt-hours (kWhr) of energy. The current average cost of gasoline is $3.30 per gallon, which equates to about $0.09 per kWhr.
The Cost of Gasoline
According to recent studies, the total cost of gasoline for the average driver over 35 years, factoring in current market rates, is estimated to be around $18,385.21.
Solar and Electric Vehicle Costs
When it comes to electric vehicles, the cost of refueling is significantly lower. The latest cost for a 0.7-kilowatt bifacial solar panel is approximately $162, with an expected lifespan of around 35 years. Depending on local sunlight conditions, one can achieve up to 5 hours of sunlight per day, which can largely offset the electricity costs.
The total cost for the EV driver, considering the solar panel setup, is approximately $162 over 35 years. This is a stark contrast to the cost of gasoline over the same period, highlighting the economic benefits of going electric.
Factors Influencing Cost
Several factors influence the overall refueling costs for both gasoline and electric vehicles:
Energy Efficiency: The energy efficiency of an electric vehicle is significantly better than that of a gasoline-powered car. An advanced dual-mode guideway EV can achieve 297 miles per gallon equivalent (mpge), compared to the US average car or light truck, which gets only 25.7 miles per gallon equivalent (mpge). Drag Coefficient: The drag coefficient (Cd) plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency. A typical sedan has a Cd of 0.34, while a light truck has a Cd of 0.55. An advanced EV has a Cd of 0.07, significantly reducing energy loss and costing less in energy. Rolling Resistance: The rolling resistance of tires is another factor. A rubber tire on asphalt has a rolling resistance of 0.015, while a steel wheel on a metal surface has a much lower rolling resistance of 0.004. This further contributes to the efficiency of EVs. Electrical Grid vs. Solar: For EV owners who can produce their own solar power, the costs are significantly reduced. The latest cost for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is 16 cents per watt, as opposed to the current electricity rates in the US, which are around 40% from methane, 20% from coal, 20% from nuclear, and 20% from renewable sources.Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges in switching to EVs is the availability of charging infrastructure. However, the rise of home solar installations and time-of-use pricing are making it more feasible to charge EVs at night when electricity rates are lower, thus reducing overall costs.
Another challenge is the increase in electricity costs. Currently, the US electricity mix is 40% methane, 20% coal, 20% nuclear, and 20% renewable. The use of coal is declining, while the use of renewables is growing. As home solar becomes more ubiquitous, the incidence of EV owners producing their own power is also increasing.
Conclusion
The total cost of ownership for an electric vehicle over 35 years, considering both direct refueling and infrastructure costs, is significantly lower than that of a gasoline-powered car. The benefits of going electric are not just environmental but also financial, offering significant savings in the long run.