Can an Electric Car Save You Money?

Unlike gas prices, which can be subject to significant fluctuations due to market forces, electricity prices tend to be more stable and less affected by external factors. As of the time of writing, the average electricity cost in the US is approximately $0.13 per kWh, while the national average for gasoline is around $3.58 per gallon. To provide you with a better understanding of this cost difference, consider the following example: a gas-powered car with a 12-gallon tank would cost around $43 to fill up. If this car is capable of driving 30 miles per gallon, it could cover a distance of approximately 360 miles on a full tank.

If you were to drive the national average of 1,183 miles per month, you would need to fill up your car three times, spending roughly $142 in total. In contrast, an electric vehicle with the same range would cost almost 40% less. For instance, assuming an EV with a 60 kWh battery and an electricity rate of 13 cents per kWh, it would cost around $46.80 to charge the battery from empty to full, which translates to approximately 200-300 miles.

For example, a Tesla Model 3 that costs $0.05 per mile to charge would cost approximately $59 for electricity if driven 1,183 miles.

Discounts on electricity costs in some areas

To minimize the impact of home charging on your electric bill, you can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, which are typically lower than peak rates. Many utility companies offer special rates for EV charging during off-peak hours, which can make charging even more affordable.

Electric car charging dilemmas

Locating an available EV charger can be a challenge, as the number of charging stations in the United States is significantly less than the number of gasoline stations.

Moreover, charging an electric vehicle takes significantly longer than filling up a gas tank. The most common type of EV Level 2 charger, the 240V Level 2 charger, takes between 4 to 5 hours to add 100 miles of range. This type of charger is most practical if you can leave your car at the charger for an extended period, such as at work, shopping centers, or at home.

Although DC Fast Charging can charge an EV battery up to 80% capacity in 20 to 60 minutes, an average electric car may not be equipped for it, and it can strain the battery and reduce its lifetime.

Public charging can also be expensive. But the good news is you have the option of installing a home charging station, which is a cheaper alternative in the long run. The Lectron V-BOX is a Level 2 home charging station, which can either be plugged directly into a 240-volt outlet or hardwired into the home's electrical panel.

However, home charging may not be an option if you live in apartments or condos. You may be forced to pay public charging rates, although some workplaces offer free charging. In these instances, portable chargers, like theLectron Level 1 EV Charger, can be a temporary solution as these plug into a standard 110V outlet found in most homes.

EV Maintenance costs

Aside from fuel savings, electric vehicles cost less to maintain than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, mainly because they have fewer moving parts and are less complex. This means that there are fewer components that require regular maintenance or replacement, resulting in lower maintenance costs over time.

One of the primary expenses associated with the maintenance cost of an electric car is battery replacement. EVs that are over 8 to 10 years old may require battery replacement as the batteries in these vehicles naturally degrade over time, resulting in reduced battery life.

The cost of replacing an EV battery can be significant, typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. However, battery technology is advancing rapidly, and the cost of batteries is decreasing over time. Many EV manufacturers offer warranties on their batteries, which can provide additional peace of mind for EV owners.

Other components that require regular maintenance in EVs include tires, brakes, and suspension systems. However, these components tend to last longer in EVs because of their regenerative braking systems, which use the electric motor to do much of the braking, effectively reducing the wear and tear on the brakes.

Federal and state incentives

Federal and state incentives are available to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and make them more affordable for consumers. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives that can offset the initial purchase price of an EV.

In California, for example, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program offers up to $7,500 to purchase or lease new plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other factors to consider

EV Depreciation

EV depreciation refers to the decline in its value over time and is measured by the difference between the initial purchase price and the amount offered when selling the used EV.

In contrast to other assets, such as land, jewelry, and antiques, which often increase in value over time, cars typically depreciate in value as they age and are driven. This is also true for EVs, as they are subject to the same market forces that affect the value of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

The rate of depreciation for an EV can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the age of the car, the battery's condition, and the overall demand for EVs in the market.

While some studies suggest that EVs may depreciate faster than traditional gasoline-powered cars, it is difficult to make a definitive conclusion regarding this issue, given the relatively new and evolving nature of the used EV market.

Regardless of the type of vehicle, all cars experience depreciation over time, losing value as they age and accumulate mileage. For EVs, depreciation can occur rapidly, with the most significant impact typically occurring within the first three years of ownership.

According to some reports, EVs can lose up to 52% of their value within three years, compared to gasoline-powered cars, which may lose around 39.1%. In comparison, SUVs may experience a 39.7% drop in value, while trucks may see a 34.3% decrease within the first three years of ownership.

On average, EVs tend to hold about 40% of their original value after three years or 36,000 miles. This means that EV owners can expect a 60% drop in their car's value within that time frame.

EV lifespan

As previously mentioned, electric cars have fewer moving parts than traditional gas-powered cars, which means that they require less maintenance overall. As a result, this can translate into a longer lifespan for the car, providing electric car owners with more value for their investment.

When it comes to the lifespan of an electric car battery, the average is around 200,000 miles or more. This is equivalent to about 17 years of use for the average driver, which is a significant amount of time for a car to last. However, it's important to note that the lifespan of an EV battery can vary depending on several factors, such as usage, charging habits, and climate.

For instance, the number of miles driven and how often the battery is charged can impact its lifespan. If the battery is frequently charged to maximum capacity or discharged to a very low level, it can cause the battery to degrade faster. Additionally, extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can also affect the battery's lifespan. In colder climates, the battery may not perform as well, while in hotter climates, the battery may degrade faster.

Conclusion

Considering the various factors, it is reasonable to conclude that electric vehicles can save you money over time. Lower fuel and maintenance costs, as well as available tax credits and incentives, contribute to the overall cost savings of owning an EV.

However, the amount of savings will depend on factors such as the cost of electricity in your area, your driving habits, and the size of your EV's battery. It's important to note that while the initial purchase price of an EV may be higher than that of a traditional gasoline-powered car, it is likely to be offset by the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs. Ultimately, it's essential to consider all the factors and conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine if an EV is the right choice for your budget and lifestyle.

FAQs

• What is the biggest benefit of electric cars?

  The biggest benefit of electric cars is their eco-friendliness. EVs emit fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline-powered cars, which means they are better for the environment. In addition to their eco-friendliness, EVs offer several financial benefits, including savings on fuel costs and maintenance fees.

• Do the advantages of electric cars outweigh the disadvantages?

  It depends on your individual circumstances. While EVs offer several financial benefits, they also have some disadvantages, such as higher upfront costs and limited driving range. However, as technology continues to improve and more people switch to EVs, these disadvantages are likely to become less significant over time, making the advantages of electric cars more compelling.

• Is an electric car cost-effective?

  In general, electric cars are cost-effective over the long term due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs. However, they may not be cost-effective for everyone, especially if you don't drive a lot or if you live in an area with limited charging infrastructure. It's important to do your research and consider your individual circumstances before making a decision.

• What is the break-even point for electric cars?

  The break-even point for electric cars depends on several factors, including the cost of the car, the cost of electricity in your area, and your driving habits. On average, it takes about three to five years for an electric car to break even with a gasoline-powered car in terms of total cost of ownership. However, this can vary depending on your individual circumstances.

• Do electric cars save more money than gas cars?

  In general, electric cars would save huge amounts of money than gas cars over the long term due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs. However, this may not be true for everyone, especially if you don't drive a lot or if you live in an area with limited charging infrastructure. It's important to do your research and consider your individual circumstances before making a decision.

   

Looking for affordable charging solutions for your EV? Be sure to check out Lectron's collection of Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, adapters, and more!