electric vehicle 101
TRANSCRIPT
Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative
SGCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose threefold objective is to listen to consumers via primary consumer research, to collaborate with stakeholders via hosted events and shared best practices, and to educate consumers via outreach and messaging toolkits.
Additionally, SGCC serves as a trusted source of information for industry stakeholders seeking a broad understanding of consumers’ views about grid modernization, electricity delivery, and energy usage, and for consumers seeking an understanding of the value and experience of a modern electrical grid.
The First Ever Electric Vehicle
Contrary to popular belief, the first-ever electric vehicle made its debut in the 1800s –around the same time that batteries and electric motors were introduced.
In 1890, an Iowan chemist named William Morrison, constructed a six passenger car with a maximum speed of 14mph –making it the first successful electric car in the U.S.
Although in today’s world, 14 mph is laughably slow, such a speed mirrored the average pace of horse-drawn carriages that were the popular mode of transportation at the time.
Shortly after, in 1898, Ferdinand Porsche introduced his version of an electric car called the P1.
Gradual Obsolescence of the EVFollowing the debut of Henry Ford’s iconic Model T, sales of EVs began to plummet.
Consumers preferred the $675 price tag of the Model T, instead of the hefty $1,750 of the standard EV.
The discovery of crude oil in Texas, and the sudden prevalence of gas stations across the nation, made gas readily accessible.
By 1935, electric cars had become obsolete.
EVENTS THAT HELPED TO REVIVE THE EV INDUSTRY
Passing of the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research,
Development, and Demonstration Act of
1976
Passing of the 190 Clean Air Act
Amendment and the 1992 Energy Policy Act
The release of the Toyota Prius – the first-
ever mass produced hybrid EV – in 2000.
The 2006 startup of Tesla Motors out of
Silicon Valley.
PROS
CONS
4.) Lower maintenance (no oil changes, no emissions checks, and
no tune-ups)
1.) No tailpipe emissions2.) Reduced dependency on oil3.) Extremely convenient (you can simply charge your battery at home instead of having to constantly fill up at the gas
station)
1.) Limited Range (EV automakers are continuously
increasing the range of their newer models)
2.) Long Refueling Time (owners are advised to
charge their vehicles during the night)
2016 CHEVY VOLTHybrid SedanEstimated
Range Total of 420
Guaranteed
50 miles of
electric range before gas
engine kicks in
Accelerates from 0 to 60
in 7.8 seconds!
Ability to increase electric
mile range by manually increasing
regenerative braking
2016 NISSAN LEAFALL ELECTRIC HATCHBACK SEDANAccelerates
from 0 to 60 in 10.2 seconds!
Takes as little as four
hours to fully charge!
Two battery-pack options
24-kWh: offers 87 electric miles on a
single charge30-kWh: offers
107 electric miles on a single charge
Energy efficient LED lights
significantly reduces wind
noise and drag by redirecting
airflow
2016 TESLA MODEL SALL ELECTRIC SEDANAccelerates
from 0 to 60 in 5.5
seconds!
Advanced versions are equipped with
an autopilot feature that allows for the car to park itself in the garage
Powertrains:Base level S70:
234 electric mile range; 89 MPGe70D: 240 electric mile range; 101
MPGe
Powertrains:90D: 294 electric mile range; 103
MPGeP90D: 270
electric mile range; 95 MPGe
EVs are the perfect storage unit because…
They Have Ample Amount of Energy
StorageThey can store as much as three days’ worth of
the average home’s daily consumption
They Have Easy Access for
Control Signals
Direct communication with the grid allows for them to be able to readily store and
discharge energy when needed
They are Geographically
Dispersed
Instead of being in a permanent location like wind turbines or solar panels EVs can
change location at any given timeThey act as
an emergency
power source
They ease congestion during peak
demand hours
HOME CHARGING PUBLIC CHARGING
• Pay-as-you-go• Depending on the
charging station, the cost per kWh may vary.
• Monthly Subscriptions• Free
• The most convenient and practical option that illustrates the cost efficiency of EVs.
Through the use of Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), EV owners are able to conveniently charge their vehicles throughout the night during off-peak hours.• EVSEs allow for EV owners to
connect (charge) their vehicles to a 240-volt electric outlet.
• It is important to install the EVSE in a convenient location that is easily accessible.
• It is recommended that the EVSE outlet be portable instead of permanently mounted to a wall.
FIVE STEPS TO GETTING THE BEST UTILITY RATES
1. Consult your local utility company to get advice on which rate plan is the best fit (They will advise that the EV be charged during times that are the most efficient for the grid).
2. To ensure the lowest rate possible, consider getting a time-of-use (TOU) plan and charge during off-peak hours (throughout the night).
3. Double check to make sure that the EV is not charging during peak demand hours. Utility companies increase the rates considerably during the day when they know the demand will be at its highest.
4. TOU plans are generally always the best plan for EV drivers/owners.5. Think twice about installing a separate meter unit that monitors
charging. Estimates show that an EV will add about 350 kWh of energy usage to one’s account in a typical month – potentially doubling or even tripling your rate.
The cost for charging an EV depends on when it’s charged, where it’s charged, and the rate plan the owner has chosen.
There are currently more than 23 plug-in electric and 36hybrid vehicle options in the
U.S.
There are currently more than 234,000
plug in EVs and 3.3 million
hybrids on U.S. roads today.
We could potentially reduce
our dependence on foreign oil by 30%-
60%.
We could lower the carbon pollution
from the transportation
sector by more than 20%.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SMART GRID, VISIT THESE SGCC RESOURCES:
Consumer Benefits of the Smart Gridhttp://www.whatissmartgrid.org/smart-grid-101/consumer-benefits
Smart Grid FAQshttp://smartgridcc.org/research/smart-grid-faq/
Smart Grid Glossaryhttp://www.whatissmartgrid.org/smart-grid-101/smart-grid-glossary