Common Questions About Electric Cars (evs) and Why You Should Consider an Ev for Your Next Car or Truck

The future of the automobile industry is electric. Every year electric cars are getting better and cheaper and every year more and more consumer are purchasing electric cars. Depending on where you live, you likely see many electric cars every day. There are some key differences between electric cars and the gas powered cars that you are used to. This article will describe the major differences and go through what you should know to make an informed decision to purchase an EV.

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The Benefits of Electric Vehicles – PROS

Electric vehicles offer several advantages over conventional internal combustion vehicles. These include, but are not limited to: Lower operating costs, Reduced emissions, low maintenance needs, high performance, and convenience. I will go into more detail on these below.

Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles – CONS

It is important to consider both sides of the equation when deciding if an EV is right for you. Despite the massive push in this country to move to a greater number of electric vehicles, there remain several potential disadvantages or cons of owning and operating an electric car. These disadvantages include finding charging stations, charging times, higher initial costs, limited driving range, and battery packs can be expensive to replace. There is no doubt that the future is electric and as both the adoption rate of EVs increase and the underlying technology matures these downsides will become less and less of a factor.

EVs Cost Less to Operate

Electricity is much cheaper than gas when it comes to getting you from A to B. These saving can add up quickly and, according to CapitalOne, come out to be around $632 per year. These savings can be improved if you qualify for additional tax benefits your new electric car and/or charging station. Those who also install solar panels in their home may see even more savings. Where you are and the local price of electricity will play a large role in your annual savings.

2022 Bolt EUV Premier in Silver Flare Metallic

Common Questions About Electric Cars

Q: What is the range of electric cars?

The range will vary based on the model. Many 2021 models list ranges over 200 miles. The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV is rated for just over 250 miles on a full charge.

Q: Are electric vehicles really better for the environment?

Yes, although it depends on several factors. EV do not produce any significant emissions during operation and as a result are much cleaner to operate. However, producing the batteries generates a significant carbon footprint. This footprint varies widely based on the country the battery was produced in, and the type of battery. Also, the source of the electricity being used fuel the EV should also be considered into this equation. Operating an EV in a country with a higher % of renewable energy can lead to significant lifetime reduction in harmful emissions vs similar operations in a country with a higher % of gas/coal power production.

Q: How do you charge an electric vehicle?

You plug it in! The higher the voltage, the faster your car will recharge. There are currently three levels of charging. Level 1 is your standard wall outlet that produces 120 volts (US). Level 2 is a 240 volt hookup. These are your dedicated home charging stations. Level 3 chargers are considered ‘fast-chargers’ and offer even higher voltages and quicker charging rates. Not all cars come equipped to handle the higher voltages in these fast-chargers so you should familiarize yourself with the operating instructions for your vehicle.

Q: How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

This depends on several factors including the size of the batteries, the rate of charge, and even the ambient temperature. Typically, it takes several hours to a full day to completely recharge the batteries.

Q: How long do electric car batteries last?

The batteries in EVs comes with manufacturer warranties generally between 5 and 8 years. However, the current consensus is to expect a lifetime between 10 – 20 years before a replacement is needed.

Q: How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?

This depends on your size of your ‘gas tank’ (battery size), and the local price of electricity. Per afdc.energy.gov the cost per mile is about $0.04, although this can also vary on the model and how fuel efficient it is. This math roughly translates to about $9 to fully charge your vehicle. Here is a handy vehicle cost calculator that can give you a better idea of what your specific vehicle will cost you to operate.

Q: Do electric cars use oil?

EVs don’t require motor oil and so you don’t need to worry about those pesky oil changes. However, they still require some ongoing maintenance.

Q: How common are Charging stations?

Charging stations are more common in urban areas and in some states have much more than others. Below are several resources to help you find a charging station near you.

Q: How to find Electric Vehicle Charging Stations?

Here are several good resources to help you find a charging station.