Range Anxiety to Range Confidence

Is 70 miles enough? What about 35 miles? Studies from the transportation industry indicate we drive approximately 40 miles per day. I like to believe I am well below that average...though now a resident of the great American suburbs that may be wishful thinking. Why is this a relevant question? Well, today Evelyn and I had the opportunity to take a firsthand look at the all electric Nissan Leaf and the gas electric Chevy Volt.

I don't consider myself a first mover or early adopter of the latest technology. And our family is not in the market for a new vehicle. However, the Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Awareness Event at RTI International in RTP this morning started the metaphorical wheels turning. The panel discussions and plug-in demonstrations also answered a number of questions that surround this technology...

Did you know the first electric car was actually available in the United States in 1834. No, that is not a typo. The Model T managed to win out when it hit the market in 1908 with its gasoline-super-powered engine. U.S. drivers have not looked back; until now. Electric vehicles hit the market again in 1996 with the GM-EV1 (Remember Who Killed the Electric Car?). And now in 2012, there are over 20 electric vehicle models from school buses to family sedans. The Chevy Volt is good for 35 miles on one charge, with gas backup for longer road trips. The Nissan Leaf can go 73 miles on a charge but does not have the gas option. I think either mileage is plenty for me, even in the suburbs. But what would motivate me to open my wallet and spend $35,000-40,000 on a new electric vehicle? Besides the cool factor:

1. Each offers a lower cost to drive than standard vehicles (1/4 the cost in electricity compared to the gasoline costs was reported in today's presentation)
2. Energy security (especially if we add solar to our roof to charge the car!)
3. Fewer emissions = cleaner air
4. Quiet, smooth driving performance

While I won't likely be making the investment today, the second generation is more than appealing. With companies like RTI and cities like Raleigh installing charging stations and encouraging new technologies, what is not to like about the ease of charging up and heading home?

If you are interested in more information, check out this blog on using an electric vehicle by Advanced Energy, or learn more about the plug-in infrastructure by the Electric Drive Transportation Association.