This paper attempts to provide a realistic assessment of electric vehicle benefits and costs. This analysis is particularly important because there are major public policy debates concerning the degree to which society should subsidise or mandate electric vehicles. Similar analysis could be applied to other alternative fuels. This analysis indicates that electric vehicle benefits are modest compared with the full costs of motor vehicle travel. Although electric vehicles reduces air pollution and some energy externalities, they do not reduce other external costs of motor vehicle use, increase travel choices for non-drivers or the poor, or provide user savings. Local air pollution reduction benefits of electric cars may justify their use in certain areas. This study evaluates various types of electric vehicles. "Conventional performance" electric cars are intended to substitute for petroleum powered vehicles. However, for the foreseeable future they will fail to do this; electric vehicles offer significantly less performance and have higher prices. As a result, they will not be widely sold without significant subsidies, and once purchased their mileage, and therefore the amount of petroleum vehicle travel they displace, will be low. Greatest potential benefits could result from small, lower speed "neighbourhood" electric vehicles, and electric station cars, because they reduce several transportation costs. However, such vehicles cannot simply substitute for petroleum automobiles. Instead, they will need to be part of a more diverse and efficient transportation system which offers travellers more choices, and the incentive to use each option for what it does best. Neighbourhood electric vehicles could provide mobility within a local area; travellers would shift to regional services or rent a petroleum powered vehicle when they need greater speed, power or capacity. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting