06 Jul, 22

Did you just buy an EV or are you considering getting your hands on one? Now, you may have a lot of electric vehicle charging questions, and we are here to help you out. Here are answers to some of the top 10 EV charging questions. Check out our other blog posts to gain an in-depth perspective on them.

Electric-Vehicle-Charging-Questions

Q. How long can an electric car idle with the heat on?

A. Drivers report a heater draw of 1.5 to 2.5 kW at temperatures outdoors between 35 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit. That amounts to 6.5 to 10.5 hours of heat on a day with a temperature between 15 and 35 degrees with a 32kWh battery at 50% charge; twice that with a full charge.

Q. Do EV batteries wear out fast?

A. No, with the fast-growing EV technology, the latest electric vehicle batteries are guaranteed to last up to 250,000 km which, depending on your driving habits can equate up to ten years.

Learn more about EV charging at Guide to EV Charging Points Maintenance.

Q. Do I need to turn my EV off before starting a charging session?

A. For safety reasons it is better to turn off your EV while it is charging but, it is not a necessity. If you want to keep your EV on while it charges, make sure to disable the “drivetrain” feature to prevent any damage to not only your vehicle but, the charger and batteries as well.

Q. Should EV be charged to 100%?

A. While a full charge will provide you with the longest possible running time, it is never a good idea for the battery’s overall longevity.

Learn more about How to prepare your electric car to be parked for an extended period of time?

EV-Charging-FAQs

Q. Can you charge an EV with solar panels?

A. Yes, however, there are several considerations, such as average daily sunshine and solar panel configuration, that will determine how viable it is to charge an EV using solar power. A residential rooftop solar panel installation with the proper charging equipment is one alternative for individuals with enough sunshine and who are prepared to make the initial expenditure. Unfortunately, solar panels can’t currently generate enough power to be mounted on an EV and utilized to provide continuous charging.

Q. Will charging an EV at home raise my electricity bill?

A. Currently, the average cost of power for a home is less than 14 cents per kilowatt-hour. The biggest battery available for electric vehicles is the 90-kWh battery and hence, it would cost less than $13 to fully recharge an EV. When compared to the $25 to $38 cost to fuel a gasoline automobile, charging an EV at home is incredibly cheap. So, even though charging an EV at home will spike your electricity bills, it will save you all the gas costs, keeping your budget intact.

Electric-Vehicle-Charging-Questions

Q. Are there ways to reduce the cost of charging an EV?

A. Unless you’re fortunate enough to regularly have access to a free charger, which is popular in some areas, charging at home is often less expensive than at a public charging station. Since EV owners often charge their vehicles at night when demand is lower, several utilities also provide cheaper power rates at those times. These costs may be half as much or even less than those that apply during the day, but you may need to enroll in these programs. Although there are additional aspects to take into account, total charge expenses are typically far lower than consumers realize.

Q. What kind of batteries do electric vehicles use?

A. Lithium-ion batteries are the most prevalent form of battery used in EVs today, followed by nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are more commonly used in hybrid cars but also power certain EVs, lead-acid batteries, and ultracapacitors.

Q. Is it better to charge an EV at home or at a public charging station?

A. To live comfortably with an EV, you’ll need both home and public charging. If you don’t have a home charger, you may have to rely on a possibly unreliable and intermittent public network. If you don’t have access to public chargers, you won’t be too far away from home.

Learn more at 5 EV Charging Etiquettes Everyone Should Follow.

Q. Can EV batteries be recycled?

A. Currently, around half of a standard battery is recyclable. Eventually, new technologies are projected to boost EV battery recycling up to 90 percent, limiting environmental effects as much as feasible.

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