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Paul Scott (not verified)    December 28, 2011 - 9:14PM

Great story, and pretty close to accurate. I've been driving two EVs for 9 years/100,000 miles and powering them with kWh generated from sunlight falling on my roof. As Mr. Norby points out in his video, the amortized cost of solar is quite low. I paid about $15,000 out of pocket for the 3 kW PV system in 2002. The energy it generates covers both my house and car's needs with a small left over bill of about $100 per year. I've calculated that offsetting the house's energy needs and the gasoline I would have bought to drive 100,000 miles over the last 9 years, that the PV system has paid for itself as of this year. PV systems are guaranteed for 25 years, but the effective life span can easily be 40-50 years. This means I get free energy for the rest of my life to run my house and drive my car.

As for the difference in cost of an EV and a gas-burning car, I cringe when I read people comparing the LEAF with a Versa. I own a LEAF, and I've driven a Versa. These are not comparable cars at all. The LEAF is significantly better in every way. More importantly, people who buy EVs value attributes offered in an EV that no gas-burner can offer. Our cars don't pollute other people's air. We use energy that's 100% domestic. There has never been a war over electricity, and there never will be. With an EV, you have the choice to use 100% clean, renewable energy. With gas, the only choice you have is between Exxon/Mobil and Chevron/Texaco.

Believe it or not, millions of Americans actually value a car that has these attributes and are willing to pay more for such a car.

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