As avid readers of this blog might have noticed, its quite possible to do long trips in an EV, albeit with some planning. But this implies that all EV trips require some planning. In fact, most of our trips are short run’s around town. Attending a meeting with a client in Markham, getting some groceries or taking the kids to various activities around town. That is where most of our trips are, and here the EV is way better than a gas car. In the EV the cabin warms up almost instantly, I can use the carpool lanes, while saving both my wallet and the planet.
Markham is about 30 km North of Toronto along the DVP/404 highways. Even round-trip, its only about 60 km, well within range of even a first generation Nissan Leaf. No charging stops were required although there was a L2 charging station within walking distance. I did this in the fall, so I had the heater on, I was nice and cozy after about 1 minute of driving (compared to 10-15 minutes in a gas car source).
Traffic in Toronto can be quite something, but as I was in an EV (with the required “green-vehicle” plates), I was able to use the carpool lanes to bypass some traffic on the 404, another win for my EV (source). This was especially helpful returning home, as traffic often backs up onto the 404 from the 401. Thanks to the carpool lanes, the EV is actually faster than the gas car.
I estimate that I spent about $1 on electricity on this round-trip. Assuming an averaged efficiency of 5 km/kWh, 60 km round trip, and an “off-peak” price of 8.04 c per kWh, thats 60/5 x 8.04 or 96 cents, lets say a $1. As to gas, lets assume 8 l per 100 km, and a gas price of 1.6 per liter. That’s 60 x 8/100 x 1.6 = $8. So, an 8 fold savings by going green. not bad.
From my carbon audit post seems green-house gas emissions are about 4.5x lower with the Leaf vs my older Subaru Impreza, not bad. Perhaps I am a biased environmentalist, but on this 60 km round-trip run the EV is hard to beat. After all, who would not like to be warmer, faster, richer and oh greener too.
Electric car adventures 