How Much Does an Electric Car Actually Cost?
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Provided by: Grist|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This brief video from Grist is about the cost of electric vehicles compared to gas-powered vehicles, including the accessibility of the tax write-offs to people at different income levels.
- Students will learn about the lifetime cost of ownership, sticker price, charging stations, and tax incentives for two otherwise identical vehicles.
Subjects: Economics
Authors: Grist
Region: North America, United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This is a great video to help students understand that "cheaper" items may not be cheaper if you consider some of the additional costs of ownership.
- It addresses the disparity of charging stations and accessibility of the tax incentives for electric vehicles.
Prerequisites
- It may be helpful to have students research the costs of oil changes, gasoline, transmission fluid, and the many other parts and fluids that are required to maintain a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Math and economics classes can use this resource as a hook for learning arithmetic, personal finance, or budgeting.
- Social studies classes can use this resource to discuss the accessibility of climate solutions and a just transition to a clean energy economy.
- Teachers can also consider implementing this article about the disproportionate contribution to climate change made by those with more financial resources.
Transportation is one of the leading industries of carbon emissions. In order to decrease emissions from the transportation sector, electric cars must become more common. This resource breaks down the cost and some of the reasons electric vehicles may be out of reach. Please note that the resource does offer some opinions but also offers all of their sources. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
