Impact of Regional and Seasonal Characteristics on Battery Electric Vehicle Operational Costs in the U.S

Kyung-Ho Kim (), Namdoo Kim, Ram Vijayagopal, Kevin Stutenberg and Sung-Ho Hwang ()
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Kyung-Ho Kim: Automotive Mechatronics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si 16419, Republic of Korea
Namdoo Kim: Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
Ram Vijayagopal: Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
Kevin Stutenberg: Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
Sung-Ho Hwang: Automotive Mechatronics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si 16419, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: This study investigates the operational cost competitiveness of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United States, considering regional climates, energy prices, and driving patterns. By comparing BEVs with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and the alternative use of BEVs and conventional vehicles (Convs), the analysis incorporates thermal dynamometer tests, real-world vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and state-specific energy prices. Using detailed simulations, the study evaluates energy consumption across varying temperatures and driving distances. The findings reveal that, while BEVs remain cost-effective for short trips in moderate climates, PHEVs are more economical for long-range trips and cold environments, due to the excessive cost of using external direct current fast chargers (DCFCs) and reduced BEV efficiency at low temperatures. HEVs are identified as the most cost-efficient option in regions like New England, characterized by high residential electricity prices. These insights are critical for shaping vehicle electrification strategies, particularly under diverse regional and seasonal conditions, and for advancing policies on alternative energy and fuels.

Keywords: electrified vehicles; operational cost; regional climate; energy consumption; decarbonization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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