News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
It is National Drive Electric Week.
As a part of the push to introduce electric vehicles to rural communities, Tennessee Tech held a showcase at the Sam’s Club parking lot in Cookeville Sunday. Professor Dr. Pingen Chen said he believes hybrid cars are the future of transportation.
“The numbers are very clear,” Chen said. “If you look at the miles per gallon of an electric car, many of them are over 100 miles per gallon versus our regular car. The numbers clearly indicate electric vehicles are very good for our community, particular rural communities that drive longer miles everyday.”
Chen said as technology has progressed, the affordability of basic electric vehicles has increased. Chen said typical families can start having a discussion of going electric with some vehicles costing about $20,000.
Chen said it takes about four years for the up front cost of the vehicle to be worth it. Chen said over time, the cost of electricity and maintenance of a electric vehicle outweighs what you would pay for gas.
Chen said the vehicles are more practical than ever with several charging stations across the region. Chen said in one charge for $7 you can go over 200 miles.
