Economics: Electric vehicles are significantly more expensive than gasoline vehicles. The cost of the vehicle varies depending on the size of the vehicle and the battery technology selected. NEV prices generally range from $6,000 to $15,000. Light-duty vehicles been priced at $15,000 to $40,000. Heavy-duty electric vehicles vary in cost depending on the type of vehicle. Federal tax incentives for electric vehicles and recharging facilities help to defray some costs.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs): Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) are defined as four-wheeled electric vehicles having a maximum speed of 25 mph. The vehicles typically obtain a 30 mile range per charge. NEVs are perfect for short-trip neighborhood operation.  The largest source of gasoline vehicle emissions occurs during short-trip operation.  As electric vehicles, NEVs have zero emissions and thus have the potential to provide significant air quality benefits.  The benefits also include lower cost (average of $6,000 to $12,000), reduced noise in communities, reduced parking pressures (2 or 3 vehicles can fit in a conventional parking space), and low cost to operate and maintain. Several vehicle styles are available, including 2 and 4 passenger models and vehicles with utility, truck-style beds. Effective August 1, 2003, NEVs can be licensed for on-road use in Washington State.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): In brief, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) extend the electric capabilities of an HEV so that it can travel some distance solely using battery power. The vehicles have larger battery packs than current HEVs and the batteries can be plugged into a standard outlet for recharging. When the batteries are sufficiently depleted, the vehicle relies on the internal combustion engine. To date, PHEVs have not been commercially produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) but conversions of HEVs have been completed by other groups (See CalCars). PHEVs are often described in terms of the range on which they can travel solely on electric power - common ranges are 20-60 miles. Depending on driving patterns, these vehicles would have substantial improvements in fuel economy over conventional or even hybrid vehicles. For a lot of information on PHEVs and the national campaign to convince OEMs to produce these vehicles, visit the Plug-in Partners Campaign website.

Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition strategies: Growth of the electric vehicle market has been inhibited as the major automobile manufacturers have cancelled their light-duty electric vehicle programs and the limited number of medium- and heavy-duty options available. Current market development is in the area of NEVs and other small electric vehicles, such as the Tango and the Sparrow, and in vehicle conversions. These vehicles provide a viable and desired option in many applications.

The following strategies will guide the work of the Coalition in this area:

• Focus on deployment of NEVs, particularly in niche applications.

• Provide education via website and vehicle displays.

• For NEVs, coordinate with manufacturers to find dealers and partner with dealers on education. 
  

Additional Resources:

• The US Department of Energy provides additional information on electric vehicles.

• Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the industry association working to advance electric vehicle transportation technologies and supporting infrastructure through policy, information and market development initiatives.  The website includes detailed information on existing and future electric vehicle technologies.  

• Electric Auto Association (EAA) was formed in 1967 in San Jose, California. The EAA is a non-profit educational organization that promotes the advancement and widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles. 

• Seattle Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA) A chapter of the EAA, the Seattle Electric Vehicle Association works to help and aid in the education of the general public as to the desirability and availability of electric transportation in all its forms, from commercially available cars and trucks, to conversions, to Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, to electric boats, bicycles, and motor bikes.

• Citizens for Rideable Communities is a group that encourages alternative forms of transportation.

• Plug-in Partners and CalCars are two of the main groups promoting PHEVs and have much information on their websites.

• Advanced Transportation Technology Institute is a nonprofit organization working to advance clean transportation technologies that promote a healthy environment and energy independence. ATTI supports the manufacture and development of electric, hybrid and other alternative-fuel vehicles through research, education and technology transfer.

• Custom Fuel Comparison Tools  The Department of Energy provides a variety of tools that allow users to select fuels and compare their properties side-by-side.

Document to Download:

• Just the Facts: Electric Vehicles   A quick reference sheet published by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  Topics covered include: "Do battery operated electric vehicles pollute?",  "Do electric vehicles operate differently?" and "How clean are HEVs?".