Making Clean Energy Electric Vehicles More Accessible
Clean energy is becoming more affordable with newer technology that is improving efficiency and helping to reduce costs, including for electric vehicles. Other factors are also contributing to a potential increase in the purchase and use of electric vehicles, including an initiative from the Department of Energy (DOE) that aims to make it easier and more affordable to own an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The [link url=”http://energy.gov/eere/eveverywhere/ev-everywhere-all-electric-and-plug-hybrid-electric-cars” title=”EV Everywhere”] program has been tasked with the challenge of making plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) as affordable and accessible as gas-powered vehicles by 2022.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy within the DOE has a [link url=”http://energy.gov/eere/eveverywhere/ev-everywhere-all-electric-and-plug-hybrid-electric-cars” title=”dedicated area on its website”] for the program that offers links to various aspects of electric vehicles, including benefits of clean energy, purchasing, and owning the PEVs, along with the kinds of electrical connections, and where to find charging locations across the United States.
The DOE provides information on types of electric power receptacles and what types of charges it can receive its power from, including Level 1 and Level 2 or DC Fast Charge. A Level 2 or DC fast-charge is most often seen at public charging stations, due to the faster and longer ranges they offer, while Level 1 is the most common type of charging in residential homes. Level 2 can also be installed in a residence, but special charging equipment is needed, including a 20 to 100 amp dedicated electrical circuit.
For travelers, or those who enjoy weekend excursions, an interactive map allows drivers to choose the clean energy fuel, such as biodiesel, propane, natural gas, or electric, and has a route planning feature. Charging stations can also be easily accessed through the Alternative Fueling Station Locator via an iPhone app or mobile-specific site in case a charge is needed during a local or regional drive.
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Detailed information on costs of ownership
The website also provides information on the costs associated with charging the vehicle at home, comparing the yearly charge to, for example, a water heater, or a daily charge for running an average air conditioner for six hours.
The site also notes how much range is added per hour of charging time in conjunction with the chosen Level (1, 2) in use at the home. Links are available that help interested individuals check with the particular state in which they reside and local utilities to see if any special electrical rates apply or if incentives are offered for EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment).
Benefits to the environment
As technology improves costs decrease, which helps consumers save money, but other benefits of clean energy electric vehicles include the reduction of air pollution and carbon emissions. And when electric vehicles are combined with an electrical grid that uses renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and/or hydropower, the benefits can be even larger — slowing climate change, improving individual health, and reducing impacts to the environment.
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