Topic: Sticker Shock: How Much Will Recharging Plug-In Hybrids Cost Consumers?

[sam]

Dear EarthTalk: When the plug-in Prius is released, how much electricity will it use? Will my electric bill double if my Prius is plugged in each night? Or will the increase be minimal? Also, will all this recharging put a strain on the existing electricity grid?

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=earth-talk-sticker-shock

[Clive]

I think I'll stick to my diesels.   

[Simon]

Until these vehicles can go as far on one charge, as on a full tank of diesel, I can't see them being viable.

[Rik]

OTOH, for us, with mainly short runs, they'd be ideal. Sadly, the capital cost is too high.

[Simon]

There's always something. 

[Rik]

In the UK, though, with economy 7 tariffs to charge by, running costs would be very low.

[Simon]

But it's like spending £2000 on a new boiler, which will be more efficient.  How long would it take to recoup the capital expense?

[Rik]

The average new condensing boiler never pays for itself as it has a shorter life and higher service cost than a conventional boiler. It's one of the one-dimensional aspects of Govt policy which really hacks me off.

[Sandra]

One of my neighbours has just got a Prius, I only noticed yesterday as he pulled on to his drive as I was walking past. Had a quick word with him but didnt think to ask how he charges it. I think its a company car, as he works in IT somewhere, so the higher initial cost of buying it wouldnt have been a problem.

[Rik]

Take it for a test drive, Sandra, and give us a full report.

[Sandra]

I rarely see that neighbour Rik, only chat maybe half a dozen times a year. The neighbours at the other side I see and speak to on an almost daily basis.

[Rik]

Time to get friendly?