Electric vehicles have electric motors and use electricity to charge their batteries instead of using fossil fuels. There are many different types of electric vehicles, each of which will require some type of charger. Would you want an electric car? Here’s your fall 2022 buyer's guide to electric vehicles.
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Your Fall 2022 Buyer's Guide to Electronic Vehicles
There is a wide variety of benefits to purchasing an electric vehicle. Of course, the biggest one is that they have less of an impact on the environment. Electric vehicles are also competitively priced, though, and since they save an average of $1,000 on fuel per year, they more than pay for themselves over time. Maintenance on electric vehicles is also more affordable to maintain, especially in battery-powered models that only require an EV battery charger. Finally, there are federal tax credits and other incentives that make the purchase worthwhile. The key, though, is to determine which one will best meet your needs.
Types of EVs
There are many different types of electric vehicles, each of which will require some type of charger.
Battery Electric Vehicles – Another term for electric vehicles, BEVs are the most common type of EV. They get their electricity from large battery packs and do not use any fossil fuels at all. The car must be plugged in periodically to recharge. While they can use a three-prong outlet, they won't charge as fast. The better idea is to use a dedicated wall charger or charging station, which charges faster and adds more miles.
Plug-In Hybrids – This is where regular cars meet in the middle with electric vehicles. PHEVs provide a chargeable electric battery pack but also has a gasoline engine. These hybrids use the battery pack first and switch to fuel as needed. These are best for people who don't travel far and can recharge their vehicle every night with their car EV charger.
Hybrids – Known as HEVs, hybrids have a gas-powered engine and an electric motor. They do not require charging and are fueled like regular vehicles. Even so, they provide an improvement in fuel economy and get you more miles to the gallon.
Charging At Home
The best idea is to charge your electric vehicle at home with an EV charger. PHEVs have smaller battery packs that allow you to charge your car fully overnight using an 120-volt outlet. If you have a PHEV with a bigger battery pack or a traditional electric vehicle, then you'll need to upgrade by creating a home charging station. You'll have to work with a professional electrician to do this safely and legally. The station can be placed in your garage or on the exterior of your home, depending on what you prefer. These types of chargers use a 240-volt connection and can add up to 37 miles to your car per charging hour. Of course, the exact amount per hour will depend on the type of car you have, the size of its battery, and the capacity of its onboard charger.
You really can't go wrong with switching to an electric vehicle or even a hybrid model. Not only will you lessen your impact on the environment, you'll spend less on fuel, receive excellent incentives, and feel better about your daily commute, road trips, and more. Be sure to research thoroughly to determine which type of EV is best for you before making your purchase.