In an ever-changing and rapidly moving world, it’s easy to miss out on a lot of information. Whether you’re a car fan or not, chances are that you had to sit through a conversation where your friends debated whether electric cars are a better alternative that one must consider, and you had no idea what to say. Well, there are many just like you. No need to worry.
Contemplating electric cars can easily lead to a lot, and I mean a lot of questions. Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions and learn about the 101s of electric vehicles. You may not end up an expert on the subject, but at least you’ll be able to join the conversation next time.
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1- What Is an Electric Vehicle?
Put simply, it’s a vehicle powered by an electrical motor running on a battery or sometimes two. It can be charged from an external source. No gas is needed for it to operate.
Tesla is the leading EV (electric vehicle) manufacturer in the world, and many highly esteemed car companies are adopting the same concept.
- Volkswagen introduced an electric SUV in 2023, the ID.4.
- Around the same time, Hyundai came up with an electric SUV, the Hyundai NEXO.
- The car juggernaut BMW, launched the fully electric i-series back in 2011.
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2- When Was the First Electric Car Made?
You’d be surprised to learn that the first ever electric car wasn’t made in the 21st century, nor the century prior!
Residing in Des Moines, Iowa, looking to find a solution for noise and pollution caused by cars, the American dentist and inventor William Morrison manufactured a modest six-passenger electric vehicle capable of a top speed of 14 mph (22.5 km/h) in 1890.
This wasn’t the first electric vehicle, as there were many prototypes of EVs in the 1830s in The UK, The Netherlands, and Hungary. Morrison’s model is considered to be the first practical EV in the world.
3- How Many Types of EVs Are There?
Four. There are four main types of electric vehicles.
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): Also known as All-Electric Vehicles (AEVs), BEVs run entirely on a battery-powered electric drivetrain. The vehicle draws out electricity from a battery pack that provides power to one or more electric motors. The pack can be charged by plugging it into the electricity grid.
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Interestingly enough, HEVs are composed of both an electric motor and an engine. The engine runs on fuel, while the electric motor gets electricity from a battery.
- Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Similar to an HEV, a PHEV has an engine, a fuel tank, and an electric motor with a battery pack. The 2 main differences are that PHEVs rely on a larger battery and the fact that the battery can be plugged into an electrical outlet to recharge.
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle(FCEV): FCEVs or Zero-Emission vehicles employ a ‘fuel cell technology’ to generate the electricity needed to run the vehicle. A hydrogen tank is installed, allowing the fuel cell to draw hydrogen and convert it into electricity, which then travels to the Power Control Unit (PCU) that runs on a battery and later goes to the electric motor.
4- Are EVs Expensive?
Yes. They are more expensive to buy. But if you’re a strategist who looks at the big picture and cares about saving on fuel costs in the long run, an EV is a great fit for you.
Did you know that an EV is 70% more efficient from the moment it’s turned on?
Cost Efficient
A 2018 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the average cost to fuel an electric car was $485 a year, compared to $1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. Not to mention relieving the owner of pricey drives to the gas station.
Breaks less. Lasts longer.
With an estimated lifespan of 200.000 miles (321.868 km), an EV’s maintenance costs add up to less than 5000$ throughout its lifetime! The same can’t be said about conventional cars, however.
It’s a common myth that an EV breaks down more frequently than normal cars. It was actually shown that it breaks much less due to the fact that it has fewer moving parts, needs less fluids, and relies on a regenerative braking system, which functions for longer.
It’s Less of a Hassle
After you enjoy a good night’s sleep and let your EV charge its way to a full battery, you’ll be able to drive it for as far as 300 miles on a single charge! Electric vehicles usually go for 110-300 miles (177-483 km) after being fully charged, which can take up to 12 hours.
5- How to Charge an EV
There are various options available to suit different needs.
- If you’re on the road, the obvious choice is to go to an EV charging station.
- At home, you can use:
- A standard 120-volt (V) home outlet (Level 1).
- 208-240V outlets like the ones you use for the oven (Level 2).
- Or a specialized 480 V+ public fast charger (DC Fast Charging).
Fact-equipped, you can now amaze your friends the next time a debate about EVs comes up.
