Comparing costs: a fuel-efficient gas vehicle versus an EV
In June 2022, I shared a table comparing the operating costs, emissions and purchase cost of a Honda Civic Sedan (2.0 litre/4 cyl) and a Chevy Bolt EV. Here’s an updated comparison for the 2023 models. (Same caveat as last time: I’m not an accountant so there may be gaps in my methodology – but it should serve as a pretty good indication.)
Key takeaways:
- The Bolt costs $1800 less per year to operate – and that’s not even including maintenance, which is lower for electric vehicles and so would create even more savings. Imagine the millions New Brunswickers would save if we all drove electric!
- The Bolt generates 68% less greenhouse gas emissions. (That’s based on NB’s power grid; it would be even lower in places like Quebec, BC, Newfoundland and Manitoba, where most electricity comes from hydro dams.) Imagine the possibilities if every vehicle in NB were electric!
- All costs factored in, the extra purchase cost of the Bolt is recovered in just 1.4 years. That payback happens more quickly the more you drive and higher gas prices go.
Driving accounts for a large chunk of our carbon footprint. So if a new vehicle is on your horizon, hopefully this gives you resolve to make it electric – for your planet and your pocketbook.
In the news:
Is limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees still possible? Maybe, if these five crucial solutions are implemented, according to the International Energy Agency.
Good morning Sunshine: here are 10 huge solar farms set to be built in 2024 (and just the largest is big enough to run 2/3 of New Brunswick on a cold winter day!)
Batteries and solar panels: a microgrid in Lac Megantic, Quebec is set to become a sustainable energy model for other small communities.
Quotable
“Personally, I’ve now reached a point where I believe breaking the law for the climate is the ethically responsible thing to do.”
- Chris Packham, naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author