Can I control the price of electricity? Yes, click on “Advanced Options” to be able to control the price of electricity and other variables.

Is the federal subsidy of up to $7500 included in the price of the electric vehicles? Yes, you can turn this option off in the “Advanced Options.”

Why aren’t battery costs factored in? The next generation of lithium ion batteries will last up to 100,000 miles. We assume that battery maintenance will be the same (if not less) than maintenance for a regular ICE.

Where did the $47,000 price tag for the Prius plug-in come from? http://seekingalpha.com/article/147324-toyota-plans-to-mass-produce-plug-in-prius-in-2012

Don’t electric vehicles just push carbon emissions from the tailpipe to the power plants? Yes, a significant electric vehicle fleet will increase carbon emissions in some areas, but electric vehicles actually get “greener” as they age we the US brings more renewable energy online.

Why is the Ford Escape plug-in $34,140? We took the price of standard Ford Escape and added $15,000 (the price of a typical plug-in conversion).

Where did the Nissan Leaf’s $27,000 price tag come from? Nissan has not publicized the price of the Leaf but they are saying it will be priced similarly to other mid-level sedans. This could be anywhere from $20,000-30,000 and we chose $27,000.

Why don’t you include carbon emissions from the manufacturing of the vehicle as well? This is something we could potentially do, but the calculation is difficult and it’s not that significant. Less than 20% of a vehicle’s carbon emissions come from its production – the majority comes from vehicle operation.

Where can I find the price of electricity in my area? Check out the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration – http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epm/table5_6_a.html.

2 Comments to “Total Cost of Ownership Calculator FAQ”

1. “Where did the $47,000 price tag for the Prius plug-in come from?

   http://seekingalpha.com/article/147324-toyota-plans-to-mass-produce-plug-in-prius-in-2012”

   The inconsistency is that in your pull-down menu on the calculator, the Prius PHEV is list at $37,000.

   Also, I believe that it’s worth an in-depth education effort (on the part of RMI?) to discuss convey the nuances – the variabilities – associated with EVs and PHEVs.

   Having driven a RAV4 EV for the past 8 years and a Prius Hymotion PHEV for the past two, neither vehicle may be appropriate for some drivers. Nissan, it appears, is putting some effort into screening potential Leaf buyers.

   I think that RMI could provide an immense public service by such an “FAQ” effort.

   Posted by Kelly O'Brien May 4th, 2010 at 9:29 am

2. Hmm. The Prius price may have been a typo. I’m going to put it at $42,000 according to this post: http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1040132_toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-on-sale-in-2011-less-than-10k-more

   I agree a consumer education FAQ would be very helpful. That would be good information to put together with our partners. I will bring it up to them.

   Thanks for your comment!

   Posted by admin May 5th, 2010 at 9:39 am

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