Why don't you own an electric car?

[Christopher Jordan]

My C-EL was a 1993; cost about the same as my E-Pod does to charge now- about 10 cents each time (about 3 a week). Four hour charge, but these are small vehicles: 2 hour high charge, 2 hours slow charge.

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Originally Posted by Christopher Jordan

My C-EL was a 1993; cost about the same as my E-Pod does to charge now- about 10 cents each time (about 3 a week). Four hour charge, but these are small vehicles: 2 hour high charge, 2 hours slow charge.

Hi CJ,

I was just wondering, cause when I run something like a swimming pool pump, & only when it really needs it, my electric bill jumps throught the roof. I was interested in knowing that if it all was a wash at the end of the month.

Most of my driving it seems is an hr to where I have to go. Don't think this would be the answer for me, huh?

Thanks,
Dave

[Christopher Jordan]

My E-Pod is 36 volt (small batteries), my C-El was 48 volt (huge deep cell)- but I would drive one 3 or 4 days, then the other 2 to 3 days and any extra distance or hauling called on my car. All energy/gas used (EV and car) was very low in cost.

My recent toy (Hot Rod Wheelchair) is more expensive since I trickle charge it overnight for downtown only use- about 5 hours. Not sure about that one yet since it is not setting any speed records!

[Juiced]

With good healthy batteries. A EV "Car" will run you about 3 cents a mile. My EV motorcycle will run about 1 cent a mile. Great stuff.

Even better if you charge on solar (like us!!!) 0 cents a mile??

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Thanks, that seems reasonable!

[Ryland]

Originally Posted by Dave's Civic Duty

What would be the cost to charge one of these EV's? I agree about the initial cost of ownership. Unless it's ten years old or more!

Cost to charge is around 2-3 cents per mile driven, cost to put gas in a gas car that gets 50mpg with $3 per gallon gas is 6 cents per mile.
Cost per mile of batteries comes out to be about the same as the cost per mile of exhaust systems, tune ups, oil changes.

[UFO]

I'd love to build an electric vehicle. I looked into making a 2 wheel drive mini truck all electric, but I need a 50 mile range and batteries are too expensive. Lead acid is not viable for that range -- I did not want to fill the bed and have no carrying capacity left.

[The Toecutter]

I don't own one because I don't yet have all of the components I need to finish it to the specification I want. I will eventually have one.

[Irukandji83]

The modern day car with a combustion engine is an engineering feat that has continually redefined personal transportation since it's inception in the 1900's. Every year brings new innovations and features that go from 'optional luxury' to 'industry standard' in 5 years or so and most of these are dependent on previous designs or components. So to chuck out the heart of the car and replace it with an anemic, limited range, special needs electrical engine is not what most people would see as a step forwards. I don't think I will ever own an electrical car because I don't think a real electrical CAR will ever come to fruition in my lifetime. What I see today are alternative personal transportation devices, and I'm not a p.t.d. lover, I'm a car lover. Go ahead call me a caveman

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by Irukandji83

The modern day car with a combustion engine is an engineering feat that has continually redefined personal transportation since it's inception in the 1900's. Every year brings new innovations and features that go from 'optional luxury' to 'industry standard' in 5 years or so and most of these are dependent on previous designs or components. So to chuck out the heart of the car and replace it with an anemic, limited range, special needs electrical engine is not what most people would see as a step forwards. I don't think I will ever own an electrical car because I don't think a real electrical CAR will ever come to fruition in my lifetime. What I see today are alternative personal transportation devices, and I'm not a p.t.d. lover, I'm a car lover. Go ahead call me a caveman

I agree completely. If someone were to dump an anemic Tesla in my driveway, I couldn't call the junkyard fast enough to have them haul it off because of that limited 250 mile range.