Are range extended EVs the best plug-ins?
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Just finished watching one of the latest Chevy Volt YouTube videos on the virtues of range extended EVs versus pure EVs, a topic that tens of billions in federal funds could soon be built around.
So, what's the best plug-in vehicle? Which plug-in vehicle is a legitimate game-changer?
Let's imagine it's 2012. Numerous plug-in vehicles are available for sale. Which one is best? A short range plug-in hybrid, such as a Toyota Prius plug-in, or a full electric vehicle, such as the Nissan Leaf? Or, how about a combination of the two, such as a Chevy Volt?
If money were no object, I'd probably choose the Volt.
So, why would I pick the Volt over my beloved Prius and it's plug-in version, or the Leaf? Because if offers more electric range than the plug-in Prius, of course. That means many of my commutes could be completely free of foreign oil use. Plus, the Leaf's 100 miles of total range simply won't work for me.
Obviously, it's not really as simple as that, is it?
Like many, while I might average less than 40 miles per day, the bulk of my miles are from longer trips, trips where the Volt would be less cost-effective than a plug-in Prius, and where a Leaf simply wouldn't be feasible.
Therefore, if my decision was based on real world cost-effectiveness, I'd have to choose a plug-in Prius. It's the cheapest, most efficient plug-in for my needs. Then again, for my real world driving conditions, a conventional Prius is actually more cost-effective than any plug-in vehicle.
Similarly, I'd bet that the average mileage of many Americans is far more complex in reality. My parents, for instance, typically drive less than 10 miles per day. Every Wednesday or Thursday, however, they put on about 100 miles. And, every other weekend or so, they drive least 100 miles, up to several hundred miles. Consequently, my parents average far less than 40 miles per day, yet more than half their yearly mileage is from 100+ mile trips.
The point is, while plug-ins are a game changing technology - at least eventually - no one plug-in vehicle is a game changer. There simply is no 'standard' for plug-in technology.
Today, or when plug-ins actually hit the market, no one plug-in vehicle will be a perfect, cost-effective and feasible solution for most drivers. In fact, none will really be cost-effective for many years without massive government subsidies, or a gas tax.
Nonetheless, plug-ins are coming, however, determining the best plug-in vehicle is far more about marketing than reality for now. In different situations, each plug-in has strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully, Congress understands that if they decide to invest a $100 billion or so into plug-in vehicles.
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