Transportation Can Be Electrifying!

Across the state, South Carolina is gearing up for the electric, plug-in vehicles. Sustainable communities are an important objective with the Federal Highway Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the South Carolina Department of Transportation, just to mention a few. These vehicles are one more avenue towards enhancing sustainability across our state.

Recently, Planning staff attended a "Planning For Plugins" presentation hosted by Progress Energy and Plug In Carolina. One of the newest models, a Chevy Volt, was on site for viewing. Plug In Carolina has been working on a Pilot Program since 2009 with several cities to educate and install plug-in stations funded by grants. The purpose of the presentation was to invite the City of Florence to be apart of this program. Time will tell!

Four specific types of electric vehicles were discussed:
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) - small electric battery with standard internal combustion engine that is charged through regenerative braking. (i.e. Toyota Prius);
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) - all electric, no internal combustion engine. Battery is charged from the grid. Will travel approximately 100 miles before the need to recharge battery. (i.e. Nissan Leaf and Tesla Roadster);
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) - large electric battery with standard internal combustion engine. Battery is charged from the grid, regenerative braking or gasoline engine. Gets approximately 100 mpg. (i.e. New Bucket Trucks, PHEV Toyota Prius);
Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) - battery charged from grid and has an onboard gas generator (engine) to power the vehicle for 'extended-range' driving. Will travel 40 miles on battery, then gas kicks in. Will get up to 300 additional miles on gas. (i.e. Chevy Volt).

The three levels of charging are:
Level 1 - typically comes with the car; 120v; plugs into 15 or 20 amp outlet. Charging time is 8-10 hours;
Level 2 - connects to 240v outlet (40 amp circuit). Charging time is 3-5 hours;
Level 3 - (DC Fast Charging - Commercial Unit Only). 480-600 volts. The standards for this type charging has not been established as of yet. Charging time is less than 30 minutes.

Currently, approximately 12,000 plug-in vehicles have been purchased and plug-in stations have been installed in the following cities as a result of the Plug In Carolina program:
(10) in Columbia, SC;
(16) in Greenville, SC;
(10) in Spartanburg, SC;
(6) in Union, SC;
(5) in Rockhill, SC;
Charleston, Conway, Myrtle Beach and N. Myrtle Beach areas have joined the program and will have stations completed by the end of 2011.

PlugIn Carolina's website explains the exact location of each station in addition to specifics on several different models.

As with all things, there are advantages and disadvantages. A couple of advantages are the cost of electricity per mile is about a quarter the cost of gasoline per mile plus the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions is about half of a comparable gasoline vehicle, which is excellent for Air Quality and the environment.

A couple of disadvantages could be the upfront cost of the vehicles or should I say the lithium battery, which makes up the majority of the cost of the car. There is however, a nice extended tax credit, which depletes the cost of the vehicle roughly $8,000. Additionally, if you plan to travel further than the battery's charge capability, you need to familiarize yourself with where plug-in stations are located before your trip.

Progress Energy and Plug In Carolina anticipate it will be the year 2020 before this type vehicle will peak the public's interest. I guess this will be the vehicle my grands will be driving. Oops! Better be careful, I'm about to tell my age.