HELCO’s latest calculator offers a number of analyses that can help you decide on an EV and the ideal rate plan.  You’ll be able to compare certain electric cars against other ‘ICE’ (internal combustion engine) models to understand the cost differences to power the vehicles. Importantly, you’ll be better able to understand some of the costs and benefits associated with several electric car models.

The calculator does fully take into account all of electric car benefits and some of the maintenance figures are debatable (based on our experiences). Another thing that is not considered is the scenario where the homeowner is on PV (solar power). In this situation, the environmental and energy costs may even be more substantial.

Overall, this is a good resource for potential EV buyers and can assist with the decision-making process. Let’s augment this with sharing of our actual experiences with our electric cars.

Check it out and let us know if you’ve got comments or suggestions that we can share with HELCO.