posted in Technology
EVs are now 9 times cheaper than petrol or diesel to drive in the UK
cross-posted from: https://piefed.world/c/tech/p/1429718/evs-are-now-9-times-cheaper-than-petrol-or-diesel-to-drive-in-the-uk
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-evs-are-now-nine-times-cheaper-than-petrol-or-diesel-to-drive-in-the-ukBy “nine times cheaper,” they mean the fuel for the EV can cost as little as 1/9th as much as the fuel for a gasoline / petrol car.
That’s great, as far as it goes, but depreciation per mile is usually a bigger cost than fuel. Other costs like registration taxes, insurance, and maintenance shouldn’t be expected to follow this 1/9th pattern either, of course. You’re not going to switch to an EV and find your total expense drops to 1/9th.
It feels to me like they’re telling an incomplete story on purpose.
Replying to @WesternInfidels@feddit.online
A large portion of depreciation and insurance is fixed, not based on actually driving. And maintenance is lower with EVs as well.
Still though, you are right, 1/9 is specific to fuel, and it’s deceiving. If it.were truly 1/9 we wouldn’t be having this conversation because all vehicles would be EVs.
Replying to @yes_this_time@lemmy.world
Oh and don’t worry, if ICE vehicles go away, the politicians will find some way to levy an 8/9ths tax on something else to make up for not having those fuel sales.
Toll roads for everyone?
Replying to @_chris@lemmy.world
We need to figure out how to pay for road upkeep somehow.
That’s not to say the way gas taxes are allocated to road maintenance now is perfect. Far from it. But on paper (at least where I’m from) that’s how roads are maintained.
Replying to @blitzen@lemmy.ca
Depending on the jurisdiction… Gas taxes go towards externalities largely. Roads are funded through general revenue. Perversely, those who don’t drive subsidize drivers.
If I could wave a wand that I dont have:
Gas tax to cover externalities
Tire tax to cover externalities
Toll fees to cover usage.
Reduce income tax and increase social assistance proportionally.
Obviously that would be impossible to sell, but it would be more fair, and incentive better outcomes.
Replying to @yes_this_time@lemmy.world
Sales tax makes sense to cover roads because a lot of the wear and tear on the roads is caused by the trucks that deliver goods. Even if you bike to the store, you are using the roads in that way.
Replying to @SmoothLiquidation@lemmy.world
Cars sitting in the garage have less impact than cars on the road though.
With tolls you can be more targeted. A road in a city has more cost (land and maintenance) and greater externalities (negatively impacts more people)