Evaluation of Electric Vehicles as an Alternative for Work Trip and ...

Present-day pricing of CSLAB cars in a fleet procurement would be
determined through competitive bidding and could be lower or higher
depending on quantity, options and competitive market factors. For use
in Connecticut fleets, a fuel-fired heater should be included in the car
specification. This option was not available in 1995.
The capital cost of the base ALAB car, including the same options
as on the CSLAB car (electric heater and air conditioning, etc.) was
$43,546 in 1995, which included the $500 multiple-car-purchase discount.
The ALAB model is no longer available from the EV manufacturer.
The ‘fuel’ cost for the CSLAB car is based on a combination of
ConnDOT and Rideshare records (see Table 2). Rideshare observed average
electricity consumption of 0.287 kWh/mile in spring, summer and fall
months. The cost per mile calculates to $0.03/mile for electricity in
winter driving, based on a $0.106/kWh utility rate in Connecticut. At
the lower national average cost of electricity of $0.086/kWh, the cost
of electricity per mile calculated to $0.025/mile.
ConnDOT’s observed average electricity consumption for winter
months was 0.559 AC kWh/mile. Energy usage is higher in cold weather
due to the use of the electric heater, used on 125 of 196 drives.
Electric windshield wipers were used on 28 drives and electric lights
were run on 31 drives. The cost per mile calculates to $0.06/mile for
electricity in winter driving, based on a $0.106/kWh utility rate in
Connecticut. At the lower national average cost of electricity of
$0.086/kWh, the cost of electricity per mile calculated to $0.05/mile.
The replacement cost of the CSLAB is reported in Table 2 as a per-
mile cost based the 1998 replacement cost of $2,145/pack (13 batteries)
plus $275 for shipping and labor to install and cycle the battery.
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