Re: Is it cheaper to refuel your EV battery or gas tank?
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 9:29 am
Jingles, look at the original study from your article, it paints a different picture. But the article does note: 'There are some adjustments that need to be made for Washington state, where gasoline costs are higher and electricity rates are lower than those used in the study. These make EVs in Washington state more attractive than the overall study finds.\
For example, the average fuel cost used by study authors is from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2021 Annual Energy Outlook, which used gas prices from 2020. They estimated the average cost of a gallon of gas at $1.69. This is extremely low compared to the current average in Washington of $4.09 per gallon. However, even if the fuel cost is doubled in the analysis, the lifecycle cost of driving of a low-range EV – about 200 miles in range – is similar to a conventional gasoline car. The Argonne researchers noted, “Vehicle cost is the major (60–90%) and fuel cost the minor (10–40%) component” of costs over the life of the vehicle.'
And note that the study is done using the ICE assumption of lifespan of 178,000 miles, EVs will enjoy a much longer lifespan over which they'll have fewer maintenance issues.
For example, the average fuel cost used by study authors is from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2021 Annual Energy Outlook, which used gas prices from 2020. They estimated the average cost of a gallon of gas at $1.69. This is extremely low compared to the current average in Washington of $4.09 per gallon. However, even if the fuel cost is doubled in the analysis, the lifecycle cost of driving of a low-range EV – about 200 miles in range – is similar to a conventional gasoline car. The Argonne researchers noted, “Vehicle cost is the major (60–90%) and fuel cost the minor (10–40%) component” of costs over the life of the vehicle.'
And note that the study is done using the ICE assumption of lifespan of 178,000 miles, EVs will enjoy a much longer lifespan over which they'll have fewer maintenance issues.