Mitsubishi i-MiEV Charging Costs to Date

How much has it cost?

So far $2.09 has been  spent charging  the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.  That figure was calculated by adding the kWatts (kilowatts) consumed (as measured with a KILL A WATT Power Meter) and multiplying by the cost per kWatt hour.  22.97 kWatts spread over three charging sessions x $0.0911 kWatt/hr electric charge = $2.09.  Once the reduced kWatt/hr cost of $0.0466 takes effect from the aggregated electric bill, a similar level of charging will only cost $1.07. 

How far does that allow the car to go?  Good question.  As of the third charging, 64  miles had been driven with another estimated 44 possible before needing another charge, on 13.21 kWatts of electricity used.  That is $2.09 to drive 108 miles.  With a gasoline engine car producing 25 MPG, and $4.00 a gallon gas, the equivalent amount of money would get a range of 12 miles.  With the future kW rate of $0.0466, the gas car would travel about 6 miles on just over a dollar of gas. 

What would it take to make the cost per mile using gas equal to the cost per mile using electric?  Great question.  If gas was $1 per gallon, $2 would get a 50 mile range.  Gas would need to be about 50 cents per gallon (1/8 of the current cost) to get an equivalent range as electric on a pure cost basis.  I remember paying $0.79 per gallon when I bought my first car.  It was a used 1979 MG Midget with a 12 gallon gas tank.  It could be filled for under $10.  That was back in 1988.