Thinking of going electric?

Are you considering an electric car but have questions and concerns? While the choice and decision to go full electric is becoming easier and easier, it can still be a confusing decision to make, especially with so many new points to consider that are unfamiliar to the average internal combustion engine car driver.

Here, we answer some of the most common questions about electric cars to make the switch easier.

What is an electric car and how does an electric car work?

Electric cars, or EVs or BEVs for short, are vehicles powered purely by electricity. Unlike traditional cars that use combustion engines to convert fuel into mechanical energy, electric cars rely on electric motors fueled by battery packs. Electric car batteries are typically lithium-ion cells (some are lithium iron phosphate: LiFePO 4 or LFP) that charge and provide a stable current to run the motor and the car's other electrical components.

EVs have several advantages over conventional gas-powered cars that make them an attractive option for drivers looking for an alternative form of transportation. For one, their motors generate zero emissions which makes them better for the environment. Electric cars also offer better fuel economy than petrol-powered vehicles since they are more efficient when transferring energy from the source (the battery) to the wheels (the motor).

Now days, electric cars are also relatively easy to recharge with charging stations located in cities and across highways nationwide. Depending on make and model, some electric vehicles may be able to drive up to 400 miles (640 kms) on a single charge. But it is important to note that this range varies from model to model due to battery size and capabilities). If charged at home, most BEVs require several hours of charging time to reclaim range, but the public networks provide fast-charging where modern BEVs can charge from 20-80% in a matter of minutes.

How far can an electric car travel on a single charge?

Many potential electric vehicle drivers are wary of driving an electric car due to range anxiety—the fear that they will run out of power before they get to their destination. But how far can a single EV go on one charge?

This depends on several factors, including: battery size, electric motor power and efficiency, driving style, and climate. A larger battery may allow an EV to travel farther than one with a smaller battery. The electric motor's power and efficiency will also determine the distance the car can travel before needing a recharge. How aggressively you drive your EV—accelerating quickly, using air conditioning or heaters frequently—will significantly decrease its range as well. And although most EVs will have range estimates, these can differ greatly from actual numbers depending on in-car climate controls and external weather conditions that may affect battery performance.

To help drivers estimate their EVs’ distances per charge more accurately, most EVs show the remaining range (based on the current state of charge) on the dashboard with a display often called a “guessometer.” By taking into account factors such as terrain or altitude based on the route being driven, guessometers are able to give drivers an estimated range of what their car can travel before needing a recharge. This helps alleviate some of the strain from “range anxiety” and enables drivers to gain a better understanding of how far they can go in an EV under varied conditions.

But beware: the guessometer is exactly that, and may take into account your last few hundred miles driving (or over a couple of weeks) to generate the predicted range. This can drop very quickly if you start driving at consistent high speeds (over 70mph or 110km/h), or encounter a long uphill section.

Equally, the predicted range can increase if you are suddenly in slower moving traffic – one area where EVs are far more efficient than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

And some cars have a much more accurate prediction than others!

The good news is most EV drivers say they quickly get to know their car and range becomes a non-issue.

Just plan ahead for longer journeys.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

If you are considering owning an electric car, one of the most common questions you’ll have is how long it takes to charge. When it comes to electric vehicles, the charging time varies depending on several different factors.

Firstly, the battery size can affect charging time; larger batteries with higher capacity will take longer to charge than their smaller counterparts (it’s the same as filling a tank: the bigger the tank, the longer it will take!). Additionally, the state of charge of the battery will have an effect on the time taken. For example, if your battery is almost empty at 0%, it will take much longer to charge than if it were almost full at for instance 80%.

Another factor that affects how quickly your electric vehicle charges is its internal charger's wattage or kilowatt-hour (kWh). This component determines how powerful your vehicle's charging system is and will ultimately determine how quickly it can deliver current directly into its battery cells. Generally speaking, cars with lower kW may require up to 8 hours or more in order to reach full charge while higher kW ratings may reduce this time significantly, especially when used with an AC or fast charger which typically range from 3-6 hours for full recharge.

Lastly, Superfast DC chargers are the newest and fastest type of charger available for electric vehicles on the market today; equipped with 50-350KW capabilities they allow drivers to go from 0% – 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes or less! All in all, by understanding your car’s individual specs and pairing them with the right charging device you’ll be able easy decipher how long a recharge should take you depending on your needs.

What is the cost of owning an electric car?

Considering the purchase of an electric car? The cost of ownership depends on a number of factors, but the upfront cost can be reduced by taking advantage of incentives, subsidies and tax credits available in your country or state. Subsidies and tax credits are usually offered by governments, but you may occasionally find EV manufacturers offering incentives, such as free electricity for 12 months (linked to a partnering charging network), or supplying a free home charger with the vehicle.

In addition to the initial purchase price, there are other costs that need to be taken into account when budgeting for an EV. These include servicing and maintenance, as well as consumables like brake pads and tires.

Many EV manufacturers also offer battery warranty coverage which covers repairs and replacements over time due to wear and tear. This provides additional peace of mind when considering the purchase. You may also find bundled incentives when opting for renewable energy sources such as solar panels to charge your vehicle at home or office spaces equipped with level 2 charging stations.

Finally, keep in mind that electricity costs when charging at home or public charging stations can vary greatly depending on where you live or how often you use them. It's important to take these fees into consideration when budgeting for your new EV so you know exactly how much money you'll be spending every month on powering your vehicle.

What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric car?

Choosing between a hybrid electric car, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or battery electric vehicle (BEV) can be a difficult decision. While hybrids use electricity and gas (petrol) to power the car, a PHEV can run on only electricity for low-mileage local use and only needs the gas engine for longer trips. BEVs are purely electric cars but require charging outlets to power up their batteries. Depending on your needs and habits, one type of car may be better suited to you than another.

A hybrid vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine that is paired with an electric motor to power the car efficiently. The electricity produced by the motor is recharged by capturing energy from braking and deceleration rather than directly plugging it into an external power source. Hybrids have smaller batteries with limited range, but their relative affordability makes them ideal if you mostly perform short trips in your area with frequent stops along the way combined with periodic long trips taking advantage of gasoline engine range expansion benefits.

On the other hand, a PHEV gets all its power from electrical sources while still having a small tank of gas that can be used as needed to increase its range beyond what is able to be stored in its battery capacity. In addition, they can be plugged in regularly using common electrical outlets so that they harness more mileage out of renewable energy sources before needing to access gasoline as back-up when extending nearly double its average miles per gallon (MPG). PHEVs are best suited to those who only travel a few miles a day and can recharge daily. Bear in mind PHEVs are both more expensive and heavier (they have both a combustion engine and an electric motor and must carry both a fuel tank and a heavy battery) than their ICE counterparts.

Battery electric vehicles can have ranges up to multiple hundreds of miles per charge compared to hybrid models which offer only 20-50 miles (of pure electrically driven power) depending on the charging arrangement and model specs.

If your main concern is having low emissions then BEVs are usually your best option since no gas will ever need be burned in order for them to operate.

Are electric cars more expensive to maintain than gasoline / ICE cars?

A common question that many drivers have when considering the switch to an electric vehicle EV, is whether or not they are more expensive to maintain than gas/ICE cars. The answer isn’t straightforward as it depends on many factors such as the model, age and condition of the EV and type of EV, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or PHEV (Plug-in hybrid).

Generally speaking, EVs have fewer moving parts which reduces complexity and amount of wear and tear during use. The battery life of an EV can vary depending on the type of charging cycles used, charging frequency, number of miles driven per day etc. Although EVs are mostly low maintenance due to the lack of a combustion engine, long-term mechanical failure is still possible but results in typically smaller repair costs than those encountered in traditional gasoline-powered cars due to fewer moving parts and a less-complex design.

Overall, electric cars tend to be slightly more expensive in terms of upfront costs but when factoring in differences like maintenance costs over time they can be an overall better value proposition that requires less spent on maintenance and repair bills over the long run. With environmental considerations coming into play, environmentalists may decide the purchase cost is something they are willing to absorb in order to realize greater savings down the line both economically and environmentally.

Are electric cars safer than gasoline cars?

Are electric cars safer or more dangerous than gasoline cars when it comes to fires? This is a common question, and the answer lies in the differences between how electric cars and gasoline cars store energy.

EVs use large and dense battery packs that are designed to provide a steady flow of electricity. These batteries are typically composed of thousands of small lithium-ion cells (generally. Battery chemistry does vary) and also feature safety systems such as fire protection, thermal runaway, and almost never explode compared to burning fuel tanks.

Gasoline-powered cars on the other hand, rely on fuel stored in flammable tanks, making them more prone to accidents or explosions due to their combustible nature. There have been very few reported instances of EVs catching fire due to faults in their electrical systems as compared with ICE engines. Proper maintenance of EV batteries can further reduce chances of failure or overheating since most battery failures occur when they are deeply discharged or overcharged.

In terms of extinguishing EV fires when they do occur (or in the event of an accident), methods may vary depending on both battery chemistry and type. Generally speaking, these fires can be extinguished using specialized fire blankets, foam, or sand whereas ICE-related incidents will normally require water-based methods. As an added layer of safety for EVs manufacturers equip them with a Battery Management System (BMS) which helps prevent safety incidents by monitoring temperature levels and automatically shutting down the car should an unsafe situation occur- this extra safeguard gives EVs an additional edge over traditional gas vehicles making them much safer overall!

Can electric cars be charged at home?

Yes, electric cars can typically be charged at home. The equipment you need for home charging depends on the type of charging you choose, as well as the particular make and model of your electric car.

For slow or trickle charging, a standard 15A power outlet is sufficient; however, many homeowners opt to install an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) system in the garage. These systems are usually plugged into a dedicated 240v or 110v breaker and come with various power levels ranging from Level 1 (110v) to Level 2 (240v).

Fully installed systems will require a box on the wall such as Tesla's own brand, a Grizzl-e, Blink HQ's Electrify HomeStation, Juicebox, Wallbox, and most come with a cable that runs to your car’s charging port. Make sure you’re buying and installing a brand that meets specific requirements depending on state and federal codes.

You may be able to get by with a so-called granny charger (a dedicated cable often supplied with your car) which is ideal for drivers who want to charge from the grid and a normal power outlet overnight. This can be perfectly sufficient if your daily mileage isn’t high.

For those who have access to rooftop solar excess and want to use those resources for their car's daily charge needs, this is best done during the day (when the sun is powering your PV system!) and can use either a granny cable (slower) or a purpose-built wall box. To really maximize the consumption of solar power, using a “smart” charger which can also charge your car variably to use purely excess solar is a very economical and convenient solution.

To maximize efficiency, home charging customers with single phase units must install at least a 15A circuit for their EVSE, and those without solar may take advantage of overnight charging when there is less demand on electricity resources and you may access cheaper off-peak rates. Three-phase users can also take advantage of larger rooftop solar systems and juice up at speeds of up to 11kW, reducing the time to charge.

Most purpose-built home chargers come with an app to help you see consumption – and in the case of some cars (eg Tesla), you may be able to see total energy supplied and the vehicles state of charge (SoC).

With proper setup and care of your at-home charging system electric cars can be easily recharged from the convenience of your own driveway!

What are the typical ranges of electric cars?

This is a common question as for early model EVs with restricted ranges, it was a critical issue. Nowadays, most BEVs can travel large enough distances that range anxiety is a thing of the past. Most of us weren’t worrying about our ICE vehicle’s range as we simply filled up when it got close to empty.

BEV habits vary more depending on your usage. Most owners will “graze charge” rather than waiting to get close to 0% charge (not recommended as it may impact battery longevity), so are used to finding ways to charge when the vehicle is unattended.

But models do vary and range is important to know about.

Let’s define this properly: the range of an electric car is the total distance it can travel between charges. This will vary depending on state of charge (eg currently charged to 100% or 70% of capacity?), the availability of superfast chargers, driving style, weather conditions, and load being carried. Generally speaking, the average range for electric vehicles is anywhere from 125 miles (200 km) to 400 miles (640 km), though most modern models will be closer to the upper end.

It is important to note that range can be affected by different factors such as the use of heating and airconditioning, driving patterns such as braking and acceleration, wind speed, temperature and air pressure.

Range can also be impacted by planning ahead - things like researching what charging points are available in a given area and arriving at a destination with enough energy left in your battery so you don’t have to charge more often than necessary.

Another consideration when looking at range is using available charging infrastructure - apps like ABRP provide real-time updates on the availability and pricing of all public chargers in an area which will help you determine when and where to charge.

Factors such as passenger/towing/luggage weight and climate may affect how far you go on a single charge so it’s advisable to always plan your journeys according to the current trip’s needs. The average driver will find that their car will go less far if traveling long distances on the highway (compared to city driving) as the higher average speeds will drain more power from the battery.

Range does vary from vehicle to vehicle and depends on things such as heavy loads or extreme weather conditions, the aerodynamics (drag coefficient) of the car, the type of terrain etc.

What do you need to know to access public charging stations for electric cars?

If you’re looking for public charging stations for your EV there are several factors that need to be taken into account. You’ll want to plan ahead for what app to use to find charging stations, how long it will take to charge, and if you need a subscription or a specific payment method to access the station.

It’s also handy to find the best app in your country to find outages or non-working chargers. Plugshare is probably the most popular app here. One tip: look for chargers that are most recently used, this usually means they are in working order.

In the case of Tesla supercharger network, it’s about as plug-and-play as you get – the Tesla supercharger and the car automatically talk to each other, recognize your account, and start charging!

Before venturing out on your journey, it’s also worth researching the accessibility of electric car chargers at both your starting and end destinations. Many free chargers are available, but these more often than not can get busy, or (because they are free) may not be working due to lack of maintenance.

Most locations offer subscription services, which need an active account for charging, as well as payment methods for credits and payments for other types of chargers.

The Tesla supercharger network is slowly opening up to non-Tesla EVs. Remember to check in your country if this requires a special adaptor. You will need a Tesla account though.

And the key is to plan ahead before reaching your destination (at least until charges are everywhere and all EVs charge at crazy fast speeds). This includes checking the availability of chargers beforehand especially, if you are going to a foreign country where languages may be an issue.

One last thing: you may occasionally find a gas-engine car parked in a charging spot reserved solely for EVs. Electric car drivers call this being “ICED” – fortunately many jurisdictions now have penalties for blocking charging stations.

Remember: etiquette is important, whether the spot is ICED or whether someone with a slower-charging car is using the only superfast station, be polite.

What is the environmental impact of electric cars?

Electric cars are an increasingly popular option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. The emissions associated with the production of batteries and electric vehicles is often referred to as the ‘carbon debt’: the greenhouse gas emissions that occur during manufacturing and shipping, which must be offset through reducing ongoing emissions. With current estimates falling around 4–8 tonnes, it can easily be proved that electric vehicles are still a net environmental benefit in comparison to petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

It's also important to consider how these electric cars will impact our environment in terms of reuse and recycle. Although they are traditionally durable, longer-lasting products compared to traditional petrol-powered engines - with expected battery lifespans exceeding 10 years - they may still require regular maintenance.

Charging with renewable energy sources can also help reduce your carbon footprint (many EV owners also have rooftop solar which further reduces the ongoing carbon footprint). Some countries also offer offpeak tariffs for charging electric cars during periods of low electricity demand, or when renewables are producing excess.

And modern recycling methods are expected to be able to reuse, repurpose or recycle parts from your electric car (95% or more of your battery’s materials can be recycled – don’t let the naysayers tell you they’ll end up in landfill!) to help you limit your carbon footprint even further.

Does the battery in an electric car degrade over time?

The battery in an electric car will eventually degrade over time but with proper care, modern vehicles are proving to have a far longer battery life than originally expected. And battery chemistry is constantly being improved, so for most users, battery degradation won’t impact their ownership.

In many countries, batteries are warranted for at least eight years, giving peace of mind.

Here are some tips to get the maximum from your battery. The charging history of the vehicle, including how high or low to charge or discharge it and how often, can play a role in how quickly the battery loses capacity. Battery chemistry should also be taken into consideration when planning your charging regimen - lithium ion batteries are thought to operate in a sweet spot of 50-80% state of charge (with occasional charges to 100% in readiness for a longer run – but don’t leave it sitting at 100% for more than a few hours). Lithium ion batteries also don’t like being constantly run down to 0% (but this rarely happens in practice – the same as gas-powered cars are rarely run dry).

LFP batteries are slightly different in that they can be charged every time to 100% with no adverse effects.

When learning about battery care, it’s important to know that charging techniques for electric cars vary between AC and DC charging. DC fast-charging produces more heat which can impact the longevity of the battery over time.

And as mentioned before, for lithium ion batteries, it is also important to avoid prolonged periods with the charge sitting too high (100%) or too low (20%). Regularly leaving the car at either extreme can cause an imbalance within the cells leading to further degradation of its overall performance over time. To ensure optimal performance, always keep your electric car charged somewhere between 50-80%. Practicing correct charging habits is key when it comes to caring for your vehicle’s battery and lengthening its lifespan!

What is the best way to plan a road trip in an electric car?

Planning a road trip in an electric car can be both exciting and daunting. To ensure the success of the journey, it is important to plan ahead to ensure that your car is charged for each leg of the journey. The A Better Route Planner (ABRP) app will help you plan your route and find destination charging, hotel charging stations, shopping centers, restaurants and cafes along the way. You may also be able to charge at a friend's house or at businesses along the way. Check apps such as PlugShare for other networks to help you discover locations where public or private charging is available - sometimes free of charge.

When planning a road trip, remember to bring all necessary cables to connect to the various chargers. Also check if there are power supply adapters suitable for your country’s charging standard so that you are able to charge wherever you go. Lastly, calculate your route carefully with ample time for recharging breaks every few hours for optimal performance in an electric car throughout the journey. With adequate planning and preparation beforehand, a road trip in an electric vehicle promises a smooth travel experience from start-to-finish!

Can electric cars tow a trailer or a caravan?

Not all electric cars are rated for towing, but many are. Check your manufacturer’s specifications or ask your dealer.

Although you will experience a reduced range, some models are still very powerful and perfectly capable of hauling a trailer or caravan. One major benefit is that EVs have very high torque and 100% of power available at zero rpm – ideal for towing.

Torque is what you need to move large objects like trailers and caravans with minimal effort, and most electric cars offer plenty of torque at low speeds due to the power delivery of their electric motors – something that conventional petrol- or diesel-powered engines don’t do.

Electric motors also feature near instant power delivery compared with internal combustion engines, so they can provide better acceleration than ICEs that require gear shifting, making them ideal for tasks like towing where a smooth drivetrain can help with safety.

And with EVs being whisper quiet vehicles no matter the load conditions (you won’t hear a “straining engine”!), the lower noise levels and smoother ride experience when towing can be less stressful on longer journeys.

Of course, it’s good practice to check with the manufacturer for specific recommendations on weight capacity prior to embarking on any special journeys.

Do electric cars require special tires?

Electric cars do not require special tires, but there are certain benefits to using tires designed specific for EV tires to increase efficiency, extend the range, and help with reducing road noise.

As a result, many electric carowners do opt for tires with a low rolling resistance capable of reducing cabin noise and improving overall mileage or range. For those looking to gain an even bigger range increase, using smaller rims to decrease the overall weight of the wheel assembly, results in greater efficiency and increased range.

Because electric cars lack combustion engines and offer a very quiet cabin, foam-lined tires are popular for decreasing road noise and further adding to the enjoyment. To help reduce wear on the wheels and extend tire life, manufacturers have creates specific compounds for use with EVs to reduce resistance between tire treads and the ground surface.

Electric car owners should consult their manual for recommended type, size, speed rating, wear rating and load capacity of their vehicle’s wheel before making a purchase or switching to find tires with minimal rolling resistance. Generally speaking, electric cars typically require similar tire maintenance as traditional combustion engine vehicles so there’s nothing out of the ordinary to consider when it comes time for an upgrade or change of wheels.

Be aware that the rims and wheel-trims on EVs are often designed to help minimize drag, so if you do swap out to a different brand of rim, make sure you know how that could affect your car’s overall efficiency. Wheel spokes that create more turbulence may end up negatively impacting range, so weight up the pros and cons if making that decision!