Adding a Second EV to the TFS Fleet
This year, we found ourselves again in need of an additional car for our fleet. Wary of the Chevy brand but intrigued by the advertised range (which is well-over double that of the Nissan Leaf!) we took a chance and welcomed an all-electric Chevy Bolt to our fleet. Our initial experience has surpassed expectations to the point of giddiness.
The Driving Experience:
On its inaugural drive, from Phoenix to Tucson, (a trip not even possible in the Leaf) there were still enough miles left to drive to multiple site visits around town and an 80 mile buffer to prevent any sensation of range anxiety.
After its first full charge, it was driven 250 miles . There were still 69 miles of range left - meaning that with limited AC use and thoughtful driving, the vehicle has 300 miles of range potential.
Another significant improvement over the Leaf is that the remaining mileage estimate seems to be more accurate. The “remaining mileage” estimate in the Leaf tends to drop much faster than that actual distance traveled. The Bolt’s remaining mileage estimate on the other hand seems more accurate, further reducing (or dare we say even removing) range anxiety.
The Footprint:
While part of the promise of all-electric vehicles is that they are emissions-free at the tailpipe, if they are powered from the grid in Tucson, they still emit approximately 2lbs of CO2 per kWh used. This begs the question of how these all-electric vehicles compare to the Prius in terms of overall carbon emissions. One gallon of gasoline produces just under 20lbs of CO2. At 50 miles per gallon, carbon emissions associated with driving the Prius will be about 20lbs for 50 miles of driving.
In our initial trips in the Bolt, it has averaged above 5 miles per kWh. This means that it would take 10 kwh to drive 50 miles, which equates to 20lbs per 50 miles. So the carbon emissions are approximately equal assuming we are powering from the grid rather than renewables.
Our TFS Bolt is powered by our solar energy system at our downtown Tucson office/warehouse, which eliminates the emissions created by grid charging and results in a truly emissions free driving experience.
The opportunity to power an all-electric vehicle from on-site solar means that people can drive in town free of range-anxiety and be powered by clean, renewable energy!
The Driving Experience:
On its inaugural drive, from Phoenix to Tucson, (a trip not even possible in the Leaf) there were still enough miles left to drive to multiple site visits around town and an 80 mile buffer to prevent any sensation of range anxiety.
After its first full charge, it was driven 250 miles . There were still 69 miles of range left - meaning that with limited AC use and thoughtful driving, the vehicle has 300 miles of range potential.
Another significant improvement over the Leaf is that the remaining mileage estimate seems to be more accurate. The “remaining mileage” estimate in the Leaf tends to drop much faster than that actual distance traveled. The Bolt’s remaining mileage estimate on the other hand seems more accurate, further reducing (or dare we say even removing) range anxiety.
The Footprint:
While part of the promise of all-electric vehicles is that they are emissions-free at the tailpipe, if they are powered from the grid in Tucson, they still emit approximately 2lbs of CO2 per kWh used. This begs the question of how these all-electric vehicles compare to the Prius in terms of overall carbon emissions. One gallon of gasoline produces just under 20lbs of CO2. At 50 miles per gallon, carbon emissions associated with driving the Prius will be about 20lbs for 50 miles of driving.
In our initial trips in the Bolt, it has averaged above 5 miles per kWh. This means that it would take 10 kwh to drive 50 miles, which equates to 20lbs per 50 miles. So the carbon emissions are approximately equal assuming we are powering from the grid rather than renewables.
Our TFS Bolt is powered by our solar energy system at our downtown Tucson office/warehouse, which eliminates the emissions created by grid charging and results in a truly emissions free driving experience.
The opportunity to power an all-electric vehicle from on-site solar means that people can drive in town free of range-anxiety and be powered by clean, renewable energy!
Stay Tuned
Part two of our EV blog series, 'Electric Vehicles: Why Plug In?' is now live, and can be found here.
Part two of our EV blog series, 'Electric Vehicles: Why Plug In?' is now live, and can be found here.