What Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Mechanic Students Should Know About Solar Power
Solar power and electric vehicles work hand-in-hand, as both of them represent an effort to reduce carbon emissions and improve the health of our planet. There are many benefits to using solar energy to power a vehicle. By choosing solar power, drivers can save money, play a role in the global effort to reduce pollution, and even benefit from government rebates.
If you’re considering an automotive career with a particular interest in hybrid and electric vehicles, you might be curious about how solar power and electric vehicles are currently working together to create a more sustainable future, and how the everyday driver can contribute. Keep reading to learn about the economic and environmental benefits of using solar energy to power electric vehicles.
Charging EVs With Solar Power Is Cheaper Than Grid Power
Already, the maintenance costs of electric vehicles are comparatively cheaper than that of fuel-powered vehicles. Though the initial cost of EVs is higher on average, the long-term costs are significantly lower. BC Hydro found that a Chevy Bolt EV costs about $40 a month on electricity, while the equivalent fuel-powered vehicle, the Chevy Trax, costs about $278 on gas each month. Those are some significant savings! In addition, government rebates as high as $5000 are available for those who drive electric vehicles. Imagine being able to further offset maintenance costs by using solar power.
Though prices vary from province to province and vehicle type, it costs anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 per watt to use a residential solar system for EVs. Many drivers also choose to install solar panels on the roof of their vehicles for a free boost of energy that could provide an extra 16-32 km of range, further reducing their maintenance costs. Savings will be a major motivation for your future clients after hybrid and electrical mechanic training.
Solar Power for EVs Cause Far Less Pollution Than Other Power Sources
Though electricity is considered the environmentally conscious option when it comes to powering a vehicle, it still requires natural gas and coal, which produce an adverse effect on the environment when consumed in excess. For this reason, any reduction in our electrical and carbon energy consumption is worth exploring. Throughout your hybrid and electrical mechanic career, it’s likely that you’ll have the privilege of witnessing further advancements in the application of solar energy in the industry. In our Hybrid Technology Training program, you’ll learn all about EV energy sources, along with the principles of environmental protection and safety.
Helping Drivers Charge With Solar Power After Mechanic School
The first step drivers must take to charge their vehicles with solar energy is to determine how much energy they’ll need to power their cars. This depends on a variety of factors, including the type of EV they drive, how much they drive, and what battery system they choose to use in their photovoltaic system. Drivers will also need several pieces of equipment to power their EVs with solar power, including a solar panel, a battery storage system to store the solar energy, and a charging station where vehicles can be plugged in. You can learn more about the latest advancements in the EV industry in the Hybrid Technology Training program at ATC Surrey.
Ready to enroll in mechanic school?
Contact ATC Surrey for more information!
