BY Clyde Boyce

Today we begin the EV Journey. Thanks for riding along!

Let's say you have two ICE vehicles currently, but all this talk of EV's has moved you to consider buying an EV. You have seen so many articles about EV's, good and bad, including they really are no better for the environment than ICE vehicles, that they are much better for the environment compared to ICE vehicles, range anxiety (as if you don't have enough anxiety), the cost of EV's, are they prone to catching fire, is Elon Musk a genius or crazy, and so many more. Let's see if we can help, starting at Step 1 of your EV journey.

Step 1

You have a nice midsized ICE vehicle. You use it for getting the kids to school, getting around town, going shopping, picking up the kids at school, that last-minute grocery stops for milk. Just a normal "getting around town vehicle. You drive about 35 miles per day (the national average). You get about 18 mpg of in the city. Gasoline cost about $3.50 per gallon, if you're lucky.

So, lets monetize the drive. First let's look at your ICE Vehicle

35 miles per day = $7.00 for gasoline
5 days per week = $35 dollars per week for this gas
50 weeks/year (not counting vacation) = $1,750 per year

Let's compare an average EV based on the same parameters
35 miles per day (based on 4 Kwh/mile) at 15 cents per Kwh = $1.31 (Charging at home. Approximately 3x more for public charging)
5 days/week = $6.55
50 days per year = $327.50

That seems like a pretty good first incentive. But remember you can also get electricity at lower prices at night, maybe 10 cents/Kwh. So, you're saving even more. Don't forget things you do for an ICE vehicle you will never do in an EV. Oil changes, belt replacement, etc.

But, you say, I must buy and install a home charger! The money you save should make up that cost in the first year!

So, in step one, you have saved money on fuel, installed a Level 2 home charger, AND, you have been one more person who has done their part to save the planet.

Our next EVCI TOTD will make the comparison with the ICE version of the Ford F150 and the EV version. Keep reading our EV Journey. You might learn something!