In today’s world, where environmental concerns and budget-conscious choices go hand in hand, the EV buzz continues rising. As EVs have become more affordable and efficient, they’re finding their way into more people’s homes across the world. And as more charging infrastructure becomes available in many parts of countries, the world is going greener. With electric road trips, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint. You are also saving on fuel costs.
In a recent report, AAA stated that electric vehicle owners save an average of $770 annually on fuel expenses. So, with electric cars, you’re positively impacting the environment and saving money. Now, eco-conscious adventurers can take road trips without having to worry about the high costs or emissions.
In this blog post, we want to take a closer look at electric vehicles. We hope to shed light on the eco-friendly and budget-friendly advantages that await.
The Electric Road Trip Revolution
We can trace electric vehicles back to the early 1900s. However, the technology of that period didn’t allow for mass production. It was between the late 1990s and 2010s when the push for EVs became stronger, with almost every automaker giving it a go. While some manufacturers dove into all-electric vehicle production, some made hybrid models.
In the past, electric vehicles were options reserved for the eco-conscious folks. Now, they are becoming a mainstream choice for everyday drivers. There are a number of factors that have led to their rapid adoption, such as improved battery technology and reduced operating costs. Plus, the wider variety of EV models means there is something for every customer. According to statistics, more electric vehicles were sold in the first quarter of 2022 than any of the previous years.
As we all know, a change like this wasn’t easy. As with any transformative change, there has been skepticism and hesitancy. Some travelers often question the practicality or feasibility of electric road trips. There are numerous stories of adventurous individuals who have taken the plunge into electric road trips and emerged with positive experiences. These pioneers are helping change perceptions and dispel myths about the limitations of EVs.
The Efficiency Factor: Electric Vehicles
Aside from being cheaper to run, electric vehicles are much more efficient than gas-powered cars. Most of this stems from electric vehicle motors. The US Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy says Electric vehicle motors convert up to 62% of electricity to motion. ICE vehicle engines, on the other hand, convert only 21 percent to the wheels. That said, gas-powered cars waste over half of their energy.
Generally, an electric car motor is said to be 85 percent efficient, meaning that a lot of that energy goes into useful parts. However, in the EV realm, it’s not just about the motor’s efficiency. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes. We need to consider the broader picture, which includes various factors. One of these factors is the efficiency losses associated with charging and discharging the battery. Another element that plays a crucial role in determining the overall efficiency of an electric car is the conversion of AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current) and back again.
EVs: Where Efficiency Meets Costs
In a recent Quora post, Steve Baker, a software engineer offered an explanation of the efficiency and cost factors of electric cars: “Let’s assume you have a 2023 Tesla Model Y and a 2023 Toyota Camry. The Camry manages an MPG of “Up to 28 city / 39 highway. According to the AAA, the average price for regular gasoline is $3.54/gallon. That’s between 12.6 and 9.1 cents per mile. Because these are the “up to” numbers – this is on the optimistic side.
I picked the Camry because it’s a common kind of car – but the US AVERAGE MPG over all types of cars and all types of driving is a horrific 25.4 mpg (eek!) – giving us an AVERAGE cost of 14 cents per mile.
The Tesla manages 28 kWh/100 miles – and does slightly better in city driving and slightly worse in highway (the reverse of a gas car). That’s the official number – but last week, I drove my brand new Model Y “Performance” 300 miles and it managed 26 kWh/100 miles. But let’s be super-fair and pick the official number like we did for the Camry. So that’s 0.26 kWh per mile. This number is (remarkably) about the same for all-electric cars – not just Tesla’s – and everything from the low end to the high end. According to http://EIA.gov – US electricity prices are around 14 cents/kWh. So that’s 3.64 cents per mile.”
The Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Charging infrastructure is among the most vital aspects of EV success. And because individuals and governments recognize that the financing of this infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to EV deployment, a lot of governments are now taking steps to make it happen.
Just last month, the IIJA put together two new grant programs with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Together, they accumulated a combined 7.8 million dollars and invested this in the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations.
About two months ago, Germany announced its plans to utilize up to €900 million in subsidies towards expanding EV charging infrastructure. And, by the end of this year, South Africa is expected to have about 50 new electric car charging stations, thanks to the Rubicon and Audi partnership.
Bottom Line
With the advancement in electric vehicle technology, electric cars will continue to be more efficient, reliable, and powerful. On the other hand, with growth of charging stations will make EV travel easier and more affordable in the long run.
All in all, electric vehicles are a game-changer in the world of transport.
Stay Electrified!
IMAGE CREDITS
Photo by Ernest Ojeh on Unsplash
Photo by Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash
