Electronic vehicles may really thrive in Hawaii for 4 reasons: high solar potential, the citizens are very eco-minded, high energy costs, and there is really no range anxiety. It has been the vision of the Hawaiian government and experts for quite some time, and now they are revving up to make this dream a reality.
A recent car show in Hawaii showcased the future of what cars will be roaming around the streets of the island. Among those in display were cool electric roadsters and a Mini Cooper electric version. There were also companies that aim to put up charging stations.
The state of Hawaii has been stepping on the brakes for the use of petroleum in favor of renewable energy sources. Hawaii gets 90% of their energy needs from petroleum making the consumers susceptible to fuel price hikes.
The governor of Hawaii, Linda Lingle, wants to see the state getting 70% of their energy needs from clean sources as early as 2030. Electric vehicles will be playing a big and crucial role to achieve these goals since about two thirds of fuel consumption in Hawaii goes to transportation.
A research foresees 10,000 EVs rolling on the roads of Hawaii as early as 2015 and about 43,000 electric vehicles by 2020. The projection of course is a subject of debate since the affordability of the EVs will be an issue. According to EFCars.net, other concerns include the infrastructure for charging these vehicles and the life of the batteries of these EVs.
The study showed that an average driver spends about $1,750 for fuel. This can be cut down to about $625 when electric vehicles take over the roads.