How much will it cost me to drive a Rav4 EV?

[jimbo69ny]

I am still waiting for my Rav EV and Ive been talking about it a lot. Someone asked me how much it would raise my electric bill. The increase with my PIP was unnoticeable. I figured it would be with the Rav but I didn't have an answer for him off the top of my head. I got to thinking about it and I'm wondering if my math below is right.

If I drive on average 1666 miles per month, my driving efficiency is 3.5 miles per kWh (totally guessing on this), and my local utility charges $.11 per kWh what does that equal a month?

Is this correct?
1666/3.5 = 476kWh/month
476 x $.11 = $52.36/ month

Is that driving efficiency average? I'm a pretty efficient driver so I'm sure I will do well with the car.

 

[Kohler Controller]

Hi Jimbo,
I have the same usage pattern as you (50 +/- miles per day). Your calculations are close, but need to account for AC kWh, not DC kWh (3.5 miles/kWh).
I would say on average, I use 375 Wh/mile (AC side), which works out to ~3.2 miles/kWh on the DC side after accounting for losses in the charger and battery.

So the estimated monthly "fuel" cost for your usage would be 1666*.375*0.11 = $68.72
Compared to a gas version of the V6 RAV4 at 25 mpg and $3.50/gallon = $233.24
for a savings of $164.52/month.

Even compared to a Prius, you'd save around $50/month.

Since most are familiar with spending ~$50/week (or more) on filling up their tank every week, tell them you spend only $17 per week.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Cost for electricity can be VERY complicated. You need to be sure you understand all the rate fees and tariffs, plus any Time Of Use (TOU) rates, Tiers, or demand fees (if applicable). They may even have a discount program for EV's.

I recommend calling your utility and telling them what you plan to do.

Calculating the consumption is the easy part. Your 3.5 miles per kWh is too high, but maybe 3.0 / 333 wattHours per mile is a good start for the car, and about 120% of that "from the wall" that you will pay for. So, about 400 wattHours (0.4 kWh) per mile total billable usage.

 

[smkettner]

At 11 cents kWh it is practically free. Especially as you deduct the standard mileage rate for business.

 

[jimbo69ny]

Thank you for your responses.

My actual daily mileage will probably be around 25 miles on average. In my current PIP I have taken many long road trips so thats why I will show a higher average. In my PIP I put in around $30 of gas every 4-6 weeks. I average around 120ish mpg.

As for the electric, yes it will actually be a write off for me. I have evse's at my rental properties that I provide for free for tenants. Currently I am the only one with an ev but regardless, that electricity is tax deductible. Hence, free electricity for my Rav and PIP.

I also am waiting for my new pv panels to get installed in the duplex that I live in. I signed up for a lease for each side. My lease payment is less than my normal electric bill!