Buying a plug-in vehicle
Several makes of plug-in electric vehicles are being introduced today. The Chevrolet Volt, Nissan LEAF and Tesla Roadster are leading the charge. Other models by innovative new companies and traditional automobile manufacturers are coming to market. Fleet and industrial vehicles are also on the assembly line. With all of the different makes and models of electric and hybrid vehicles on the market ranging in size, price and options now is the time to look into a vehicle to suit your needs.
Chargers and electricity
The electric grid reaches nearly all Americans. Chargers can be installed wherever cars are parked—in your home garage, your work location, and public spaces everywhere. Best of all, new electric vehicles can charge off a standard 120-volt circuit, which every home has. Therefore, it can cost as little as zero to equip your home to accommodate an electric vehicle. Charging station maps will be available to locate chargers, but after a few years charging stations could be commonplace. Energy companies are also establishing special lower rates and programs for overnight charging, which will be less costly and more efficient for everyone.
Costs of ownership
Plug-in electric vehicle owners can expect to see an increase in their electricity usage, but even with that increase they will save an estimated 60 percent of what they currently spend on gasoline. And, because electricity is generated on home soil, electricity prices are not vulnerable to the global economy. Electric vehicles have fewer mechanical systems that need maintenance, and auto manufacturers are guaranteeing the batteries for up to 100,000 miles. Federal and state incentives also make plug-in electric vehicles affordable.
Miles and miles of green
Gasoline or diesel engines deteriorate over time, leading to higher emissions with the age of the vehicle. Electric vehicles will only get cleaner over time as the generation of electricity gets cleaner. Southern Company continues to invest billions of dollars to produce cleaner electricity. Nuclear and many renewable sources of electricity produce far less emissions than cars. And coal-fueled plants today are cleaner as new technologies that capture and remove emissions are applied. Even without these advances, electric power is cleaner and more efficient than gasoline. So, it's clear that electric vehicles will only get cleaner over time.
Southern Company is a steering committee member of the Go Electric Drive (GED) through the Electric Drive Transportation Administration (EDTA).
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