Drive an Electrical Vehicle

If you are tired of high and increasing car gas bills, consider an electric vehicle that can be charged at home. EV cars have grossly simpler engines, require less maintenance, and cost a lot less to charge. Electric vehicles are making strong improvements in driving range. In evaluating government statistics for 2023-24 cars (from www.fueleconomy.gov), fuel costs for an EV are typically half that of a hybrid-gas-electric, and hybrid cars are half that of a regular gas car! An EV charge estimate is $5 at home, or $0-20 at a public charge station. Plus, EVs generate far less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions – with an energy impact on the order of 0.1 barrels/year.

Figure: Saving $9000 over 10 years (estimated) is worth considering

Charging Logistics: What if you do not have a driveway or garage at home…? You may find charging stations near you or your workplace at https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html. Level 2 charging stations charge at 19.8 miles per hour charged and require 4-5 hours for a charge. Charges may be free with parking fee, or cost $1-2/hour. Faster Level 3 charging stations can charge an EV in 20 minutes to 1 hour offering 180-240 miles per hour charged, at slightly higher prices. Charging companies (e.g., -ChargePoint+, Volta) retain website maps showing open charging slots. If your home has a driveway or garage, you can charge most cheaply at level 1, or with enhancement, at level 2 speeds.

Electric Vehicle Benefits and ChargingDownload

E-Bikes: Charge at home: An energy-efficient bike for you and your pocket book

Figure: An e-bike battery can be removed and charged in an apartment

Can carry miniature dog (or supplies!)

  • E-bike costs range between $1000-$4000
  • Can be charged at home in 2-8 hours
  • Can throttle to 20 or 28 mph
  • Does not need a license
  • May run to 150 miles without pedaling or recharging
  • Note: larger tire sizes and body weight affect battery life

To learn more about e-bikes, see site: https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a22132137/best-electric-bikes/. This site talks about the different types of e-bikes, defines basic terminology, describes different offered features, and recommends 19 bikes, providing statistics on each of them, such as weight, cost, power and features. This reputable site, offered by Bicycling, offers useful technical and scientific information, not just sales jargon high on superlatives and low on detail.

These bikes have a positive impact on the environment, since they are so energy efficient – vastly outperforming gas-guzzling cars. e-bikes are easier to charge when your home does not have a garage or car port, making recharging an electric car at home out of the question. However, an e-bike could be feasible, since a bike is more maneuverable into an apartment or home and costs less than an electric car.

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