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Buying an EV means dealing with terms like kilowatts, range, charging times, etc. It can all get a little confusing. We’ll help you navigate this new and exciting world of EVs with ease.
Levels of EVs
For now, there are three types of EVs – hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs. Hybrids are the closest to conventional cars. They have a gas engine and electric motors that offset fuel costs by improving fuel economy. Plug-in hybrids have bigger battery packs that need to be charged separately and can drive the car on electric power alone. Once the battery is depleted, the gas engine switches on. EVs are pure electric cars with no gas engine. They must be plugged in to get charged and they, today, deliver a range of over 250 miles.
Costs
EVs usually cost more than equivalent conventional cars. But the federal government offers a tax rebate of $7,500 for EV purchases. Some states and cities also offer additional incentives. This means the sticker price of an EV can quickly come down.
Charging
There are three levels of charging supported by current EV manufacturers. Level 1 charging is when you plug your RV into any 120V three-pronged household socket, and it’s supported by almost everyone despite being painfully slow. Level 2 charging at 240V is much faster, and it’s recommended that you get one of these installed in your garage. Level 3 chargers are extremely powerful chargers that can get your battery pack to 80% in about 20 minutes.
Range
Most EVs offer well over 100 miles of range on a single charge. That makes them enough for most daily commutes. Then there are others that offer an estimated 400 miles on a single charge too. But they are incredibly expensive. The EV you buy will land somewhere in the middle with about 250 miles of range, and that’s good enough.
Emissions
EVs may not emit any pollutants, but generating electricity does pollute the planet. Cleaner energy sources are still some time away. So expect to pay more to charge your car.
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