Reference no: EM133193904 , Length: Word count: 2 Pages

Question 1: Describe what the first graph (x=Average cost per month, y= Average carbon dioxide emissions per mile) is showing. What does each color of dots represent? What is the range of the x and y variables for each group of vehicles? How does the relationship between x and y differ between the groups and what does this mean conceptually?

Question 2: Use the interactive tool to compare two vehicles, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Toyota RAV4 (regular version, not hybrid, prime or AWD). For each car, record the sticker price, monthly cost (x-axis value), and lifetime carbon emissions (y-axis value). Use the Barchart button to make a bar chart comparing the 2 vehicles and include the bar chart in your answer. Explain why a higher sticker price does not necessarily mean a higher monthly cost over the lifetime of the car.

Question 3: Consider the internal combustion (gasoline) and electric versions of the MINI Cooper. The electric version is called MINI Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door and the gasoline version is called MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door Auto. Let's say you buy a MINI Cooper now and keep it for 10 years. How much money would you save by choosing the electric over the entire 10-year period? Re-do this calculation for three different states (DC, CA, and one other of your choice). Explain why costs might differ between states and how this might affect consumers' decisions about electric cars.

Question 4: Imagine that you have $30,000 to spend on a new car, and you can take out a car loan for up to $30,000 more if you choose. If you take out the car loan, it has an APR of 2.5% and a term of 48 months. Explain/justify what car you would choose based on (a) carbon emissions, (b) cost, and (c) the one you like the best. If you want to estimate the cost of the car loan, you can type the words "car loan calculator" into a Google search box and it will show you the monthly cost of the loan and how much it adds to the total price of the car.

Question 5: Given that the average cost per month of electric cars is often lower than that of gas-powered cars, why aren't ALL car buyers going electric? Provide three possible reasons someone might still choose to purchase a gas-powered car. For each of these reasons, briefly (1-2 sentences) describe something that the government or industry could do to counteract it and encourage those people to buy an electric car instead.