With the steadily increasing gas prices and the tropical weather, Hawaii is a perfect location for the sale of hybrid and electric cars.

Many drivers have recently invested in the switch from internal combustion engine vehicles to hybrid and electric vehicles which are propelled by an electric motor powered by rechargeable battery packs.

Electric vehicles are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. They also aid the reduction of the state’s reliance on imported petroleum.

Unlike combustion engine vehicles, electric motors do not need oil changes, tune-ups or emissions checks. The electric motor requires minimal maintenance.

Director of Student Programs, Toni Normand, said, “I invested in a Nissan Leaf  2013. The biggest advantage is no gasoline. It is very cost effective for me. It’s also a very nice car to drive. It has no combustion engine, so it is very quiet and peaceful to drive.”

Although electric vehicles have advantages, electric vehicles face significant battery-related challenges. An electric car’s maximum driving range for one full charge is about one to two hundred miles. A full battery charge requires about 4-8 hours, depending on the type of electric car. A “quick charge” to 80 percent, takes a minimum of 30 minutes.

Science teacher, James Bell, said, “When my wife and I bought our electric car two years ago, we had to have a charging station installed in our garage before we purchased the car. Nowadays, the charging station is optional.”

Hybrid car engines are also vulnerable. With a hybrid car, if one does not operate the vehicle for more than one month, the engine can be damaged. Lead-acid batteries are the most affordable but also do not last a full year. Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, which are more costly, can last up to 10 years.

The average electric vehicle can run for 40 to 100 miles on one charge. Some electric cars offer a greater driving range at a higher price. Hybrid vehicles can use either gas or electricity to run. A hybrid typically has a regular range that is equal to a standard gas-powered vehicle. When running on electricity, the driving range is 30 to 50 miles.

Bell said, “My wife uses our electric car and I use our gas car. She mostly uses the electric car to commute from home to work. We never use our electric car when we have to travel far because we don’t want to risk running out of charge.”

Normand also recognized this problem. “The disadvantage is the miles per charge – it goes about 80 to 100 miles per charge. I don’t drive that many miles to work each week so it is not a problem for me.  I only have to charge once a week.”

Theology teacher, Cristina Smith, who sold her electric vehicle, said, “If I could afford to have another hybrid or an electric vehicle, I would definitely recommend it to anyone. The most difficult part of an alternative fuel car is the cost.  The technology is there but the car companies are only now realizing people want greater fuel efficiency. Now many more car companies are producing hybrid models.   I currently have a car that has the lowest amount of ‘carbon footprint.’ It is highly efficient in gas consumption and low on emission.”

Act 89, which promoted electric vehicles, was passed in 2012 in Hawaii to encourage the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric and hybrid vehicles. There are currently 350 charging stations state-wide. Hawaii was the first state in the nation to pass a law requiring electric vehicle charging stations.