Transportation's Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...

Transportation’s Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Volume 2
Figure 2.5 Battery Cost as a Function of Vehicle Range
Source: Burke et al., 2007.
Considering cost savings from other components, a light-duty passenger BEV built with
future technology could cost about $6,000 more than conventional LDVs, assuming a 100mile
range (Burke et al., 2007). Using similar cost and efficiency assumptions, Kromer
(2007) estimates an incremental cost of $10,200 for a BEV with a 200-mile range. These
estimates assume roughly $250/kWh battery costs, consistent with the assumptions in this
report for 2030 PHEV costs.
The typical total cost for installation of an off-board charger for residential vehicle
charging is approximately $880 (U.S. DOE, 2008b). While residential infrastructure
installation for BEV charging is fairly straightforward, public access charging facilities are
more complicated and expensive due to the regulations, codes, and practices that must be
followed. The estimated cost for a 10-space commercial recharging facility would be
approximately $18,500 (reference). This cost includes labor, material, signage, and
permits. 41
Fuel costs tend to be lower for BEVs than for conventional vehicles on a per mile basis,
partially offsetting incremental vehicle costs. However, a range of different factors impact
41 Off-board charger costs are excluded from the medium and long-term cost-effectiveness
assessments, assuming most BEVs would have on-board chargers by that time. Public charging
station costs were also excluded from the cost assessment, given the lack of information on their
potential utilization compared to home recharging.
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