subject: The True Cost Of Electric Cars [print this page] The cost of electric cars is just thought by many as the sticker price as they are displayed in showrooms. There are many other costs that are part of this new technology soon to rule the roadways and the following are some of the costs either for or against electric cars.
Financial Costs. The sticker price for electric cars is quite steep at an average of $30,000. This though is lowered tremendously with the tax credits that both federal and state governments provide for its purchase. The tax credit is a minimum of $7,500 and depending on the location of the purchase, local tax credits are added on. While at the purchase side the costs have been lowered to the soon-to-be owner, the supply side costs need to be addressed. The tax credits need be paid for by the taxpayer in the long run.
Environmental Cost. While it is admitted that the internal combustion engine car is the single biggest contributor to global warming, the electric car also has some environmental issues. These include the electrical power generation that charges battery packs for the vehicle, the impact of mining specific minerals on the environment and the eventual disposal of their battery packs. Electric cars though, when in use, have a lower impact on the environment compared to gasoline-powered cars. In the immediate comparisons though, the electric car scores lower costs compared to any other vehicle in the market.
Cultural Cost. There is a great change that needs to be done so that electric cars can overcome the dominance of fossil fueled cars. First would be the adherence to old traditions regarding the traditional car needs to be rebuffed to pave the way for the customs and traditions of the new age of car ownership. Electric cars need to overhaul the mindset of individuals regarding car culture, technology and even driving habits. This takes time though as the current motor traditions are well entrenched. In the long run though, electric cars would change the world and the roads.
There is a revolution starting and like many revolts, there would be costs involved. In this case, the electric car would eventually overtake the internal combustion engine car on the roads. In order to reach that utopia, the financial, environmental and cultural costs need to be addressed. In the end though, these aspects of life would have to adjust as the technology rolls out and takes over the nation's highways.
