Cost of driving: electricity vs. gasoline

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    Electricity Gasoline
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing the costs of operating vehicles using electricity versus gasoline, specifically focusing on plug-in hybrids and conventional cars. Participants explore various factors influencing cost, efficiency, and environmental impact, including energy conversion efficiencies, battery replacement costs, and CO2 emissions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a simplified cost comparison using a standard car, calculating costs based on horsepower and fuel economy.
  • Another participant suggests adjusting fuel economy figures by accounting for engine efficiency to find equivalent electric vehicle performance.
  • A participant references an external presentation that discusses various considerations in the comparison, expressing some skepticism about its conclusions.
  • Concerns are raised about the costs associated with replacing electric vehicle batteries after their lifespan, with estimates of significant expenses involved.
  • One participant shares their calculations for an electric vehicle's energy consumption and cost, introducing the concept of an "electric gallon" for comparison with gasoline.
  • CO2 emissions from electric vehicles are discussed, with some participants noting that emissions depend on the source of electricity, particularly if it comes from coal-burning plants.
  • Questions are raised about the overall efficiency of energy conversion from electricity to motion compared to gasoline, including the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of electric versus gasoline vehicles. There is no consensus on the best approach to compare these two energy sources, and multiple competing perspectives remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions, such as the efficiency of energy conversion in engines and power plants, the lifespan and cost of batteries, and the impact of different energy sources on emissions. These factors contribute to the complexity of the comparison and remain unresolved.

  • #61
OmCheeto said:
... Senator Merkley. He just made a 300 mile road trip in an EV two weeks ago. ...

Not much to tout, as the otherwise ~six hour trip was a two day, nine stop trip in that EV. He might have biked the distance in two days.

the 300 mile trip only cost $9.

Or $0 in fuel costs if he biked it. My point is that if one adds ~$150 for a hotel and an extra day's worth of on-the-road meals and amenities, not to mention lost time doing what he could have been doing at the destination, then it doesn't look so cheap.
 
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  • #62
mheslep said:
Not much to tout, as the otherwise ~six hour trip was a two day, nine stop trip in that EV. He might have biked the distance in two days.



Or $0 in fuel costs if he biked it. My point is that if one adds ~$150 for a hotel and an extra day's worth of on-the-road meals and amenities, not to mention lost time doing what he could have been doing at the destination, then it doesn't look so cheap.

Only one thing comes to mind:

Ted Arroway said:
This is the way it's been done for billions of years. Small moves, mheslep. Small moves.

ps. If we solved every conceivable problem today, the kids would get bored.
 

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