Otto Motive proudly gestured toward Gus and Electra, “And here are a couple of the latest models just in.” Anita Gooddeal, a savvy, penny-pinching consumer wary of the wiles of slick car dealers, followed Otto. But before reaching Gus, Anita stopped in front of Electra. “Is this one of those electric vehicles? They’re called EVs, right?” Anita asked. She’s a beauty, and I love the concept. We’ve got to get off of fossil fuels, but I just don’t know if I’m ready to do the EV thing.”
“Well of course, there are a lot of factors to consider,” Otto responded. “But there’s no doubt that sooner or later, with few exceptions, we’re all going to be driving EVs. They have tons of advantages including much lower fuel costs. And many folks don’t realize how much lower EV maintenance costs are compared to guys like this big boy,” Otto said patting Gus’s hood.
Otto handed Anita a brochure listing the maintenance advantages of EVs.
- EV powertrains are relatively simple. Many don’t need a transmission. Those that do use a much simpler, single-speed system as opposed to the multi-speed gearboxes in gas-burning vehicles.
- Typical EV drivetrains have about 20 moving parts compared with about 200 in conventional drivetrains – fewer parts to wear out or break.
- EVs don’t need radiators, fuel injectors, gas tanks, valvetrains or exhaust systems – all things that need maintenance and repair.
- The estimated lifetime maintenance and repair costs of EVs are typically $4,600 LESS than for gas-fueled vehicles - $0.31/ mi. for EVs and $0.61/ mi. for gas vehicles.
But Anita kept pointing toward Electra as she negotiated in Otto’s office. “Yep! She’ll be back, but not for you, ‘Big Boy’.” Electra purred. “She a clever chick who knows how to protect her pocketbook and her planet. Good thing too, because this is our only home where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”