The other day as I parked my car in front of Krogers, I was surprised to see electric vehicle charging stations. I was even more surprised to not see any signage. Kudos to the shopping center for providing these, but why would you not let shoppers know? Did you know? As gas prices fluctuate on a daily basis, electric vehicles become even more appealing, and the statistics are proving it. Since their inception in 1999, a total of 2,592,221 hybrids have been sold in the United States through December 2012. While this is a small percentage of total car sales, it is continuing to grow.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
What are the advantages of owning an electric car? The following information from the US Department of Energy summarizes the benefits of an electric vehicle.
[custom_list style=”list-1″][custom_frame_right shadow=”on”]
[/custom_frame_right]
- Energy efficiency. Electric vehicles convert about 59–62% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels—conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 17–21% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.*
- Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.
- Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than ICEs.
- Reduce energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.
- Tax savings: Electric vehicles (EVs) purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. Here is some information that might be helpful: [small_button text=”helpful information” title=”helpful information” url=”http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml” align=”left” target=”_self” style=”light”]
[/custom_list]
Electric Vehicles in NatureWalk
Even home builders are realizing the benefits of electric vehicles and modifying new home plans to accommodate them. The homes being built at NatureWalk at Seven Hills each offer an additional area in the garage for a NEV – neighborhood vehicle. The community will offer miles of golf cart approved streets and trails. While residents won’t be able to drive these vehicles to Krogers, they will be able to use them to get around NatureWalk. The community will be enforcing rules that are consistent with Georgia driving laws, i.e., NEV drivers must be 16 years or older. 15 year olds with learner’s permits can drive a golf cart with supervisory adults or guardians riding along, as well as cart speed limits can not exceed 25 mph. And as always, pedestrians have the right of way.
There may come a time when electric vehicles become more mainstream, and it’s nice to know that you can “fill up” at the grocery store.