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>if the energy to power that car is being generated by dirtier or more costly ways... it doesn't really matter. Maybe theoretically, but if you do the math the
by schiffern 14y ago
>if the energy to power that car is being generated by dirtier or more costly ways... it doesn't really matter.
Maybe theoretically, but if you do the math then even 100% coal isn't dirty enough – the Tesla Model S gets 24 MPGe in that case, compared to just 17 MPG for the BMW M5. Energy cost compares favorably as well – charging in Hawaii (37¢ per kWh!) would only cost 14¢/mi, compared to 20¢/mi for the M5 (@$3.50).
The question has never been, "which is the cheapest/cleanest to operate?" Batteries have been the clear winner for some time. The challenge that faces EVs is, "does the high initial price of batteries negate the lifetime savings?" We're not there yet for family cars, but for full-size luxury sedans it seems to have arrived.
- TylerE 14y agoI'm not so sure about that. In my Golf TDI I have a demonstrated of $0.114 per mile. That's in less than ideal conditions, with lots of city driving. If I drove almost all highway, I'd be getting more like 45mpg rather than the 34mpg lifetime I have, so at the current price of diesel ($3.90/gal) that'd be more like 8.6c/mile.
- jcampbell1 14y agoAre you seriously comparing a VW Golf to an BMW M5 or Tesla S?
- SeanLuke 14y ago> In my Golf TDI I have a demonstrated of $0.114 per mile. Hawaii is a worst-case scenario. Many electric vehicle owners (including Tesla) see about two or three cents per mile.
- schiffern 14y agoAnd the Model S is being compared at less than ideal conditions by using the most expensive electricity in America. At California prices it costs 6.5¢/mile, and at average US prices it costs 4.7¢/mile. When you use Tesla's Supercharger stations it's free.