MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Electric cars typically run 100 miles to the gallon and are environmentally friendly, but are they really affordable? On average, an electric car could cost you $30,000 to $40,000. Memphians said they love the idea of eco-friendly cars but don't find them affordable.
“They’re not affordable for me right now but maybe in the future when the technology gets a little better,” said Memphian Bethany Peel.
"I think they need to come down on the price a little bit,” said another Memphian, Sylvester Terry. “Electric cars I think that's heading towards the future.”
Downtown Memphis is certainly getting ready for the future. There are 12 brand new charging stations opened at 6 different downtown parking garages.
"As downtown redevelops into more of a neighborhood and more and more people live down here, electric vehicles will be a natural part of that lifestyle,” said Vice President of Operations for the Downtown Memphis Commission, Jerome Rubin.
There are some charging stations in Shelby Farms too but it's not always "free" to charge your car.
"If you're a member of Blink Network the plus plan rates are $1 an hour. Basic plan is a $1.50 per hour and it will accommodate non-members too but at $2 an hour,” said Rubin.
Annual memberships to these charging stations could cost you $30. It's free for customers to fill up at many dealerships.
"It takes about 8 hours to charge your car at home but the charger we have at the dealership can give a full charge in about 45 minutes and you're back in business,” said Dobbs Nissan Pre-Own Director Carlos Maldonado.
The Dobbs Nissan dealership in southeast Memphis has sold 15 electric cars so far this year.
"It's a commuter car for the city right now but they're going to make improvements so you can go more than 100 miles,” said Maldonado.
One concern for those considering electric cars is road trips.
"If you're on a road trip will there be enough places in between stops to recharge, and the cost of repairs,” said Peel.
Repairs or replacing batteries on electric cars could run you thousands of dollars. Employees at the Dobbs Nissan dealership said the battery for a Nissan Leaf can last at least 10 years.
