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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on April 28, 2010, 03:35

Title: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: sam on April 28, 2010, 03:35

Quote

Dear EarthTalk: When the plug-in Prius is released, how much electricity will it use? Will my electric bill double if my Prius is plugged in each night? Or will the increase be minimal? Also, will all this recharging put a strain on the existing electricity grid?

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=earth-talk-sticker-shock

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Clive on April 28, 2010, 08:47

I think I'll stick to my diesels.   :D

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Simon on April 28, 2010, 10:35

Until these vehicles can go as far on one charge, as on a full tank of diesel, I can't see them being viable.

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Rik on April 28, 2010, 10:57

OTOH, for us, with mainly short runs, they'd be ideal. Sadly, the capital cost is too high.

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Simon on April 28, 2010, 11:01

There's always something. 

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Rik on April 28, 2010, 11:06

In the UK, though, with economy 7 tariffs to charge by, running costs would be very low.

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Simon on April 28, 2010, 11:15

But it's like spending £2000 on a new boiler, which will be more efficient.  How long would it take to recoup the capital expense?

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Rik on April 28, 2010, 11:17

The average new condensing boiler never pays for itself as it has a shorter life and higher service cost than a conventional boiler. It's one of the one-dimensional aspects of Govt policy which really hacks me off.

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Sandra on April 28, 2010, 12:33

One of my neighbours has just got a Prius, I only noticed yesterday as he pulled on to his drive as I was walking past. Had a quick word with him but didnt think to ask how he charges it. I think its a company car, as he works in IT somewhere, so the higher initial cost of buying it wouldnt have been a problem.

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Rik on April 28, 2010, 12:37

Take it for a test drive, Sandra, and give us a full report. :)

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Sandra on April 28, 2010, 12:50

I rarely see that neighbour Rik, only chat maybe half a dozen times a year. The neighbours at the other side I see and speak to on an almost daily basis.

Title: Re: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?
Post by: Rik on April 28, 2010, 13:09

Time to get friendly? ;)