Whether you are an EV owner or just inquisitive, this post will serve as a complete EV guide for everyone. From the fundamentals to the specific factors that impact your charging speeds, we’ll cover a wide range of subjects
Types of Electric Vehicles
There are three types of EVs (Electric Vehicles) i.e., the usual BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), the HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).
BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle
A battery-electric car has no internal combustion engine. The battery, which drives an electric motor, provides all of the vehicle’s power. The Nissan LEAF, Chevy Bolt, and Tesla Model 3 are a few examples of BEVs.
HEV – Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Internal Combustion Gasoline Engines (ICE) is used to power HEVs. In certain HEVs, the ICE drives the transmission and also recharges the electric battery, but in others, the ICE simply recharges the battery that powers the electric motor.
HEVs are gasoline-powered automobiles that release significantly fewer emissions than a regular gasoline vehicle in both situations. They’re great for those who care about the environment or want to save cash on gasoline.
PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
In addition to having an electric battery and a gasoline engine, PHEVs also include a charging outlet. A PHEV’s normal electric range is between 10 to 40 miles, which is ideal for commuters who can refuel at home or while on the road. When the vehicle’s electric range runs out, it switches to hybrid mode and uses its gasoline engine.
Electric Vehicle Charging System and Developments
The EV industry is adaptable and developing. You can charge your EV in a variety of ways. At the moment, filling up an electric vehicle takes longer than filling up a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Initially, the bulk of EV owners spent many hours charging their vehicles at home or at work. With the deployment of hundreds of fast chargers around the nation, EV drivers now have the option to “charge as you go” as they pick up prescriptions, go grocery shopping, or have a coffee, all in a matter of 15 to 45 minutes. However, the industry is working its way to reducing the charging time and increasing battery life.
Similar to gas stations, EV charging stations also have a set of etiquette to follow. To learn more, check out 5 EV Charging Etiquettes Everyone Should Follow.
Why Should You Switch to an EV?
There is a myth that gas-powered vehicles produce just as many damaging emissions as electric vehicles do, along with the electricity needed to charge them. That is entirely false.
Emissions from electric vehicles are lower. Electric vehicles will continue to be greener as long as the networks that power them continue to source more renewable energy.
No local emissions are produced by any battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Additionally, even when fueled solely by gasoline, PHEVs and HEVs emit far fewer tailpipe emissions because of their higher efficiency than cars powered just by gasoline.
Apart from being eco-friendly, EVs are also very cost-effective. In general, electric car charging is roughly 35% less expensive than gas station filling. Moreover, to incentivize the use of Electric Vehicles, the B.C. Government is providing rebates. To learn more about the rebates program, check out Electric Vehicles Are Becoming More Affordable Thanks To Rebate Reforms and How To Take Advantage of Rebates for Affordable Home Charging?
Read More About EV Charging
All the EV basics have been covered in this post but, for a more in-depth take on EV charging, check out:
- Learn about different Plug Connectors: What are the different plug connector types at fast charging stations?
- EV Charger Installations: Everything You Need To Know About Installing an Electric Car Charging Station
- Also, take a look: The Ultimate Guide To Charging Electric Cars
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
A. Typically, it costs between 15 to 20 cents per kWh to charge an electric car.
Q. How long does it take to charge an electric car?
A. The timeframe for charging an EV depends on various factors i.e., the usage of the car, the quality of the vehicle’s battery, and the level of charger being used to charge the car. Typically, it can take between 30 minutes to 12 hours to fully charge an electric car.
Q. What are Level 2 and Level 3 charging?
A. Level 3 chargers, also known as DCFC or fast-charging stations, are far more powerful than level 1 and 2 stations, allowing you to charge an EV significantly quicker. Certain cars cannot charge at level 3 chargers. Knowing your vehicle’s capability is so critical.
Q. Can I install a Level 3 charger at home?
A. The Level 3 charger, often known as the DC fast charger, is the quickest charging method available, but it also costs the most to use. A DC fast charger should not be put in a residential environment; it is intended for use in industrial and commercial settings.
Q. Can you plug an electric car into a standard socket?
A. You certainly can. Most electric and plug-in vehicles come with a home charging wire that plugs into a standard outlet. Remember that the maximum current that a household plug may draw is 3kW. This indicates that charging an electric car like the Nissan Leaf 40kWh will take at least 13 hours.