Electric vehicles moving forward

Driving a vehicle on electric charge provides a greener and much cheaper option. — vschlichting/photos.com

Buzz about electric vehicles (EVs) is stirring once again, much to the joy of those who are tired of filling up at $1.36 a litre and smelling tailpipe fumes during an afternoon walk. Pricing on EVs is improving and consumers seem to be learning to trust the rapidly developing technology.

Hybrid vehicles, which utilize both gasoline and otherwise-wasted electric energy from braking, have been particularly popular over the last few years. This technology helps maximize fuel mileage, while still allowing drivers to fill up quickly when needed. The plug-in hybrid is one current option that allows for an increased EV experience, but still can kick in traditional fuel sources to help power long trips. While full EVs are gaining traction and may be the transportation of the future, plug-in hybrids provide an agreeable middle ground at the moment.

One of the few drawbacks to owning and driving a hybrid vehicle is related to potentially higher initial purchase costs. Regardless, as reported by Plug’n Drive, a Canadian website promoting EV transportation, drivers seem to be embracing this cleaner transportation with lower operating costs.

Ford discovered its plug-in hybrid vehicles rack up enough electric-only miles every day to drive around the earth nearly eight times. Data show Ford plug-in hybrids are being driven about 203,000 electric miles every day and more than 8,400 miles every hour. The aggregate data are collected through MyFord Mobile, available on Ford’s plug-in vehicles, Fusion Energi and C-MAX Energi, and Focus Electric.

Ford said the number of electric-only miles is expected to continue increasing, as data suggest driving habits evolve for new hybrid owners through the use of MyFord Mobile and other features such as SmartGauge with EcoGuide. After six months, nearly 30 percent of all trips are gas-free compared with about 20 percent at the beginning of vehicle ownership. -Plug’n Drive

The Kootenays are jumping on board, with public charging stations now installed in Rossland, Invermere and Golden, as well as private-business chargers available at other locations. Cranbrook plans to install chargers in the spring of 2014.