Electric vehicles (EVs) reduce climate pollution by up to 65% and are significantly cheaper to run than gasoline cars. Recharge overnight at home or public charging stations.
With impressive range and fast charging networks, there is an electric car to meet everyone’s needs today. Ranging from sporty hatchbacks and SUVs, to family SUVs and luxury limos – they provide practicality, efficiency and are great fun to drive while potentially being cheaper to operate than their gas-powered counterparts.
Cost
Many new electric vehicles come with significant federal, state and local incentives that significantly lower the costs associated with ownership. Although some of these incentives only apply to buyers, leasing companies often pass them along to lessees as well.
Electric vehicles rely on energy-dense lithium batteries that supply power to their electric motors, with battery chemistry and size determining driving range – lithium-ion batteries offering longer driving distances.
Electric vehicles do not require fuel and have zero tailpipe emissions, making them quieter and more eco-friendly than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Furthermore, their minimal moving parts tend to require less maintenance.
EVs cover everything from light-duty automobiles and trucks, electric buses used in transit applications and even micromobility vehicles like electric bicycles. Most are powered by batteries while some utilize both gasoline and electricity – the most popular EVs being battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that run entirely off batteries without an internal combustion engine; plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) feature internal combustion engines which recharge their batteries or directly drive wheels when required for longer trips.
Range
EVs differ from gasoline-powered vehicles in that they use rechargeable batteries to store electricity, powering electric motors instead of piston engines. While an EV’s range varies depending on its model and driving style (such as driving faster or climbing hills quickly draining the battery more rapidly) its range should last an extended distance with each full charge.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are measured according to how much energy their batteries can store – measured in Kilowatt-Hours or “kWh”) – so as you increase this figure, your driving range increases accordingly.
Public EV charging stations have grown increasingly popular and may offer DC fast charging that replenishes 10 miles of range per minute, though most people still prefer home charging systems that use level 2 chargers on upgraded 240V outlets – these charging systems typically add around 40 miles per hour the car is connected.
Charging
Electric vehicles (EVs) use onboard batteries to store energy from the power grid, which includes fossil fuels, solar, hydro, nuclear and wind sources. Once charged up, this energy is distributed via an electrical motor to propel it along its course; when not driving the motor converts back into mechanical rotation to propel itself forward. While stationary, however, its motor transforms into a generator to recharge its own battery pack.
Batteries are one of the most costly components in an EV, so manufacturers strive to design them efficiently and durably. Charging rates should gradually decrease as you approach full charge to help extend battery life.
Important to keep in mind is the flexibility of charging an EV anywhere from home, work and public chargers. When using public charging stations it is recommended to read signage carefully and move your vehicle when finished so other drivers may access this space; this can help avoid potential idle fees that may be charged at certain sites. For more information on charging with our EV Tool Kit.
Safety
After hearing of lithium battery fires, consumers often question the safety of Electric vehicles (EVs). However, these EVs undergo rigorous tests to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards as do gas-powered cars.
EV batteries are protected with safety features designed to prevent fire during normal operation, charging, or post-crash scenarios. Like traditional engines, advanced batteries used in EVs may wear down over time and may need replacement after multiple “deep cycles.” For more information about your particular EV’s battery replacement needs please contact your dealer or review your owner’s manual.
Electric vehicles produce far fewer emissions into the atmosphere compared to their gas-powered counterparts, require significantly less maintenance costs, and operate more quietly. Furthermore, modern driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control are employed on these EVs to mitigate potential safety risks on the road; for instance adaptive cruise control will maintain a safe distance from cars in front and even steer you back into your lane should unintentional drift occur.