Drive Electric Week Spotlight: Why I Chose an EV for My Next and Only Car
- Published on Sunday September 8th, 2024
Author: Jim Jordan
Photo credit: CNET. CNET asked industry experts if it was cheaper to charge an electric vehicle vs. fueling a gas-powered car, and theses are the results they found.
My name is Jim Jordan and I have been an electric vehicle (EV) owner since 2017. My first EV was a Nissan Leaf (~100 mile range) and it was one of two vehicles I owned. In late 2022, I wanted to go down to just one vehicle, an EV only. I needed an SUV to transport a chair and other equipment. I purchased a VW ID.4 in the spring of 2023. There were very few EV SUV’s available in early 2023 because of supply chain delays. The ID.4 was the only one I knew would be eligible for the Federal Tax credit of $7500 as it was built in a new VW plant in Chattanooga, TN. It cost ~50,000 before the $7,500 tax credit. Comparable SUVs were about the same price. (This may not be true for sedans.) So with the tax credit, it was actually cheaper.
Many people feel a need for an internal combustion engine (ICE) car for long trips, but it did not make sense to own two vehicles. Sixteen months later, I have no regrets, and with quick chargers now prevalent along interstates, I will travel to upstate NY and back in October without any issues.
There are three ways to “fuel” an EV. Using a home charger (level 1 – 110 v and level 2 – 200v) costs about one-third of gasoline (see the image above). If I use a quick charger (DC fast charge) it is about equivalent to purchasing gasoline. My ID.4 has a range of ~250 miles/charge. There are also a host of free level 2 chargers at cultural institutions and municipalities throughout St Louis. I also have solar panels so I charge my car mostly with photons! As Ameren adds more renewable energy in Missouri and Illinois, all cars powered by electricity will have a lower carbon footprint. It is estimated that the ID.4 fuel economy is around 31 kWh=100 miles. It costs about a gallon of gas to charge 33 kWh, which puts the ID.4 at around 100 mpg efficiency, compared to a Subaru’s 25mpg.
According to Ameren Missouri, electric vehicles can save drivers up to $1200 annually. This is because there is no need for oil changes, air filters, tune ups, etc. There are fewer moving parts and components to break or need replacement. All you need is a battery check every year, monitor brakes and ac/heater unit. I feel I save closer to $500/year, because I only drive ~10,000 mi/year. (While there is the potential for savings, costs will vary depending on each situation. Keep reading to learn about a calculator to estimate how much you could save.)
So, my EV is a hands down winner in all areas – fuel costs, maintenance, original cost and less carbon emissions (remember I charge with mostly solar produced electricity). I also have an all-electric house that uses 85% solar-produced electricity for both my car and abode. Mid July – mid August my total energy bill was $60 (over $12 was for fees and taxes). I bet your gasoline powered car used more than $60 for the month!
You can estimate how much you could save annually with an electric vehicle using an online calculator available for Missouri and Illinois. Then you can find out more about which vehicles qualify for federal tax credits: $7,500 back on new electric vehicles, and $4,000 back on used electric vehicles. In addition, EV buyers can use the credits to effectively lower the vehicle’s purchase price by having it act as a payment on their vehicle at the point of sale. Be advised, not all vehicles qualify, so you should do your research or talk to an expert to make sure you are making an eligible purchase.
Drive Electric Week is Sept 27-Oct 6. This is the perfect time to learn about electric vehicles, whether they are right for your next car, and how much you could save. A local Drive Electric event in Troy (in Madison County, IL) offers an opportunity to talk to EV owners about their experience. You can also talk to electric vehicle owners on the St. Louis Sustainable Backyard Tour, which happens every summer. I have hosted the tour at my home, and you can find other EV owners near you who want to give a tour and show off their vehicle.
Photo credit: Jim Jordan. Jim Jordan feels that his EV is a hands down winner and has no regrets about going electric.
