Electricity Basics
Electricity used to power vehicles is generally provided by the electricity grid and stored in the vehicle's batteries. Fuel cells are being explored as a way to use electricity generated on board the vehicle to power electric motors. Unlike batteries, fuel cells convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity.
Vehicles that run on electricity have no tailpipe emissions. Emissions that can be attributed to electric vehicles are generated in the electricity production process at the power plant.
Home recharging of electric vehicles (EVs) is as simple as plugging them into an electric outlet. Electricity fueling costs for electric vehicles are reasonable compared to gasoline, especially if consumers take advantage of off-peak rates. However, electricity costs vary across the U.S. depending on location, type of generation, and time of use. For average U.S. electricity prices, see the Energy Information Administration's Residential Electricity Prices: A Consumer's Guide. Many states, particularly California, have public access electric outlets at libraries, shopping centers, hospitals, and businesses.
Vehicles with direct current (DC) electric systems get about 0.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per mile, while those with more efficient alternating current (AC) systems get about 0.174 to 0.288 kWh per mile. If your home electricity rate is $0.13 per kWh, it would cost about $0.05 per mile for DC operation and $0.03 cents per mile for AC operation. You would pay $0.12 per mile for gasoline in a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon when gasoline sells for $3 per gallon.
For more information on electricity as an alternative fuel, visit the following sections.