The tool, called EVolution: Choices for a Smarter Purchase, is designed to help car buyers make informed decisions when purchasing a new vehicle. It starts with consumers’ purchase considerations, such as price, and compares the monetary and environmental benefits of various passenger electric-drive vehicles and equivalent conventionally fueled models.
“The new guidance tool helps consumers compare the cost of owning different electric-drive powertrain technologies, as well as the environmental impact of these vehicles,” said Yan Zhou, principal environmental transportation analyst for Argonne National Laboratory.
“The climate where you reside, based on the entered zip code, and your commute time help the tool factor how often you need to charge each type of plug-in electric vehicle,” Zhou added.
The EVolution website connects to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, FuelEconomy.gov, U.S. Energy Information Administration websites, and others in one convenient platform to provide the most recent information about electric-drive and conventional powertrain types, public charging locations, and available incentives.
Argonne National Laboratory designed the research tool as a part of the seven-state Midwest EVOLVE project. Midwest EVOLVE (Electric Vehicle Opportunities: Learning, eVents, Experience) is a partnership between the American Lung Association and eight Clean Cities coalitions throughout the Midwest to educate consumers about plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Midwest EVOLVE launched in early 2017 with more than 60 partners, including automakers, utilities, state agencies, municipalities, dealerships, and dealer associations. The project was announced at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.
Consumers attending the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, which runs until Feb. 19, have a chance to test drive new all-electric and hybrid electric plug-in vehicles at the show and use the new EVolution tool.
The Midwestern Clean Cities coalitions are participating in more than 200 events, large and small, over a three-year period, in brand-neutral settings that will give drivers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of electric vehicles.
