EVcast #69: Weekly EVcast: Showdown! BEVs vs. PHEVs

I really think this debate is poorly framed and suffers from clear reference points for BEV and PHEV, since neither exist in significant numbers.  We really need a reference BEV and reference PHEV for comparison and discussion.

   Consider the Aptera (not yet available) as a possible reference, as suggested by Bo.  There are two vehicles

Aptera Local (BEV)               $26,900  120 mile range  
Aptera EveryWhere (PHEV)   $29,900    50 mile range (electric only)

There is really very little difference in the price and I would argue that extra $3,000 for the PHEV is a cheap insurance policy to never run out of range.

   From a standpoint of environmental friendliness both vehicles will be the same, as long as your daily commute is less than 50 miles, so why not get the PHEV.  It seems to me that the PHEV is just as green as the BEV as long as you have a short trip.

    Let's consider a fictional pair of cars, called "MyCar"

MyCar (BEV)               $36,900  240 mile range  
MyCar (PHEV)             $39,900  180 mile range (electric only)

  In this case both cars have more than sufficient electric only range, so you will almost always use them in electric only mode.  However, the MyCar PHEV has the added benifit of having long range capability for only $3000 more.  I think the PHEV is a clear winner.

    Let's consider a another fictional pair

YourCar (BEV)            $80,000  240 mile range
YourCar (PHEV)          $40,000   40 mile range (electric only)

  So the YourCar BEV has a great range, but it is very expensive, Would you go for it?  The YourCar PHEV is more affordable, but has limited electric only range.  Would you go for that.

   In the end, the BEV verus PHEV debate is meaningless without knowing the price and performance for a "typical" BEV or PHEV.

Later
John C. Briggs

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Ouch!  A little harsh on Jason and Bo today, aren't you, John;-) To paraphrase Bo, you just disagree with his philosophy a tad!  I thought this was a thoughtful show, and shows just how many divergent criteria you could use to determine what kind of EV you would want.  Not that I can afford an EV now, but if I could, I struggle with which type I would buy, assuming both were available.  On one hand, I lean toward the Extended Range EV, or PHEV, because of current infrastructure, current battery technology, and the ability to fill up in 5 minutes.  But, I know that sooner or later, we will get to, and need to get to, an all BEV transportation society. And therein lies my own quandry, brought up some by Jason and Bo- the social responsibility to perhaps be a little more put out by investing in an All-Electric car, or BEV, to help bring that future here sooner rather than later.  That by investing in a battery-only car, and even demanding a BEV car only, this will propel battery development to continue more rapidly.  That said, I must honestly say that I would lean toward the Volt in a couple of years- but it would not take much to push me toward a BEV- perhaps I could buy Bo's used Tesla by then:-)

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And, in case y'all wanted to have Bo's 7 steps to EV Nirvana, (No! 6!, No 7! My sister! My Daughter!) (Okay, bad reference to 'China Town') they are (loosely!):

1-  List all places you drive regularly.

2-  List all the places you occassionally drive 50 mi round trip.

3-  List locations greater than 50 mi round trip you might want to go to.

4-  Assign a round trip distance to each location.

5-  If you could your plug car in, cut that distance in half.

6-  Are there any locations you can take another form of transportation.

7-  How much would it cost for those trips that extend beyond a BEV range.

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ALL BEVs could become PHEVs by towing a generator.  The generator would be fixed to run as efficient as possible and be dot/epa approved.  Ideally, the generator wold meet an ansi standard thus all BEVs could be charged by the same generator.  If you don't own a generator you could rent one.  It would operate by remote.

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Hmmm... I didn't intend to be harsh.  I got to work on my people skills.

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LOL!  Just poking a little fun!  I do enjoy your posts John;-)

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