The technological advance of electrochemical energy storage and the electric powertrain has led to rapid growth in the deployment of electric vehicles. The high cost and the added weight of the batteries have limited the size (energy storage capacity) and, therefore, the driving range of these vehicles. However, consumers are steadily purchasing these vehicles because of the fast acceleration, quiet ride, and high energy efficiency. The higher pack-to-wheel efficiency and the lower energy cost per mile, as well as the lower expense for maintenance and repair, translate to operating savings over conventional vehicles. This paper compares battery electric vehicles with internal combustion engine vehicles based on the total cost of ownership. It is seen that the higher initial cost of electric vehicles can be recovered in as little as 5 years. This is especially true for electric vehicles with shorter driving ranges. Specifically, a vehicle with an electric driving range under 200 miles may achieve cost parity with an equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle in 8 years or less.

电化学储能和电动动力系统的技术进步导致电动汽车的部署快速增长。电池的高成本和增加的重量限制了这些车辆的尺寸（能量存储容量），因此也限制了它们的行驶里程。然而，由于加速快、行驶安静、能效高，消费者正在稳步购买这些车辆。更高的电池组效率和每英里更低的能源成本，以及更低的维护和维修费用，转化为比传统车辆节省的运营成本。本文根据总拥有成本比较了纯电动汽车和内燃机汽车。可见，电动汽车较高的初始成本可在短短 5 年内收回。对于行驶里程较短的电动汽车来说尤其如此。具体来说，电动续航里程在200英里以下的车辆可以在8年或更短的时间内实现与同等内燃机车辆的成本平价。