EV battery capacity is rated in kWh (one thousand watt-hours)
EVs have a range in miles for pure electric propulsion
PHEVs have a range in miles for pure electric propulsion before gas engine runs
(PH)EV Watt-hours per mile (miles/kWh) => mpg for gasoline autos
Pure Electric EVs average ~ 300 watt-hours/mile or about 3 miles per kWh
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) are typically less, ~ 2 miles per kWh
Effective fuel cost for EV at 3 miles/kWh and electricity cost at $0.10/kWh = 3.3 cents per mile
Gasoline auto at 25 miles per gallon and $2.50/gallon gas = 10 cents per mile
All Electric Range and recharging
Typical commute of 30 miles/day @ 3 miles / kWh = 10 kWh consumed (cost = $1.00 @ 10 cents/kWh)
Other operating cost advantages of pure electric EVs
- No Oil changes
- No spark plugs/wires/tune ups, No exhaust system
- No Automatic Transmission (One gear from Zero to full speed)
- Regenerative braking = Brakes last forever
- No Idling engine when stopped wasting fuel
Pure EV limitations
- Cold weather range reduced by need for electric heating
- Cold battery charges slowly until warmed up
- “Range Anxiety” fear of running out of charge before destination (pilots have a flight plan and adequate fuel at take-off to make it to landing)