If you’re interested in purchasing an electric vehicle, we’re here to help you. In this EV guide, we’ll take you through what you need to know about EVs so that you can make the right decision.
What Is an EV?
In simple terms, an electric vehicle is a car that uses electricity instead of gasoline to power itself. This doesn’t mean the cars make use of electricity directly, but rather that they are powered by at least some electricity to provide the energy they need to move.
As technology improves, charging batteries keeps getting faster and more convenient. EVs have a limited range because their batteries can run out. But even the shortest-range electric vehicles on the market today have the capability to travel many times farther than the distance most Americans drive each day.
Charging at Home
Level 2 home chargers are convenient and cost-effective if you plan to drive an electric car. You can plug into a standard 220v outlet overnight and get a full charge in 8-12 hours. Don’t worry about buying an expensive charging station, as most EVs come with at least two ports that allow you to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously. Many local electric utilities offer incentives for installing this type of charger.
Public Charging Stations
According to NACS, the leading association for convenience stores and fuel retailers, more gas stations operate in the US than electric charging stations. Still, those numbers will soon switch as more Americans opt for electric cars.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Electric cars have fewer moving parts, which keeps costs down. You can expect to pay around $7 for every $30 a gasoline car owner spends on maintenance. And while costs to repair an electric car were higher in the past, studies show that electric cars experienced fewer problems that required repair and that repair costs continue going down as more mechanics become certified in repairing electric cars.
Environmental Benefits
Buying an electric car is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint. Leading studies have shown that while manufacturing significantly impacts climate change, electric vehicles have a lower environmental footprint over time than their gasoline counterparts.
