Simply more expensive compared to conventional and hybrid cars, despite energy savings
The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory is prepared to release a new study on ways of achieving plug-in hybrid and EV cost-effectiveness. Like most studies, the NREL study also finds that under essentially every scenario possible, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles simply are not going to be cost-effective compared to conventional and hybrid vehicles.
However, the NREL study concludes that there is a promising new approach to plug-in vehicles called “dynamic plug-ins” that could be a difference maker. Essentially, dynamic plug-ins would recharge while moving, enabling smaller battery packs, yet more electricity consumption.
Of course, such an infrastructure for mobile charging is currently non-existent, but if developed, it would be a game-changing technology for plug-in vehicle cost-effectiveness, even with the limitations of current lithium-ion technologies.
