Economics, efficiency drive EV movement in Indiana

By Terri Dee • Indiana News Service

National Drive Electric Month runs through Oct. 12, with EV enthusiasts encouraging motorists to explore the transformation of electric and hybrid cars, motorcycles, bikes and scooters.

Indiana ranks 28th in electric vehicle market purchases, according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

Paul Bordenkircher, president of the Hoosier Electric Vehicle Association, said a misconception exists that only wealthy people can afford EVs. He said a long-term cost comparison of a gas and EV or hybrid version of the same automobile may produce some surprises.

“Between fuel and maintenance, keep in mind that a normal gas vehicle has hundreds of moving parts in the drivetrain. There are electric vehicles with as little as 12. The average is somewhere between 20 and 40 moving parts, so that’s a lot less things to go wrong.” Bordenkircher explained.

Spark plug and oil changes, or radiator flushes for a traditional car, can add up, while an EV’s regenerative braking system is one less expense for brake repair, Bordenkircher noted. According to an Argonne National Laboratory report, a conventional car costs around 10 cents per mile to maintain, hybrids are 9 cents and electric cars cost 6 cents.

Meanwhile, U.S. automakers are focusing on hybrid models right now amid changes in federal priorities for EVs. Gov. Mike Braun’s decision this year to suspend gas taxes has provided monthslong relief for conventional car owners.

Bordenkircher pointed out Indiana EV drivers alternatively pay $242, and hybrid vehicle drivers pay $81 in extra fees on their yearly vehicle registration bill. While the organization appreciates Braun’s sensitivity to keeping fuel affordable for Hoosiers, Bordenkircher wants the same consideration for EV and hybrid drivers, and action has been taken to get the governor’s attention.

“We’ve been working on petitions and writing to the governor to say, please consider the fact that you have 183,000 hybrid and electric vehicles on the road in Indiana and those people would like to see some relief too.” Bordenkircher emphasized.

Electric-powered transportation is not reserved for ground purposes only. Electra, a hybrid aircraft, contains a smaller engine than a traditional plane and uses batteries for extra power during takeoffs and landings.