Electric Vehicles, or EVs for short, are a topic of interest lately. What do they stand for and why should you care? In this post we’ll discuss what EVs are, their benefits and drawbacks, and some of the recent news surrounding them. EV-driving is growing in popularity each day; buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride!
So, what does EV stand for in cars? In short, it stands for Electric Vehicle. EVs are vehicles that run on electricity instead of gasoline. And if you’re in the market for an environmentally friendly and cost-effective car, an EV might be a great option.
EVs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tiny city cars to large SUVs like GMC’s recently announced electric Hummer. And while they might have a higher upfront cost than traditional gas-powered vehicles, they’re cheaper to operate and maintain in the long run. So if you’re looking to go green and save some green, an EV might be the perfect fit.
There are a lot of new acronyms being tossed around in the car world, so we thought it would be helpful to define them all. In this article, we’ll be discussing Electric Vehicles (EVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs). We’ll also look at the pros and cons of each type of vehicle.
Electric Vehicle (EV) – EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – A battery electric vehicle is a type of EV that runs solely on electricity from batteries.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – A hybrid electric vehicle is a type of EV that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – A plug in hybrid electric vehicle is a type of EV that can be plugged into the wall to charge, and also has a gasoline engine.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) – An internal combustion engine is a type of vehicle that uses gasoline or diesel to power the car.
Which type of EV is right for you?
There are three types of EVs on the market today: battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Many environment-conscious consumers now use EVs for transportation to lower carbon emissions.
All-electric cars, such as the Tesla Model S, are powered only by a battery and have no gasoline engine. Plug-in hybrids, like the Chevy Volt, have both a battery and a gasoline engine. Hybrid electric vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, use a gasoline engine and an electric motor.
The main difference between EVs and traditional gasoline cars is that EVs don’t produce tailpipe emissions. This means that they don’t contribute to smog or climate change. Additionally, EVs are often cheaper to operate than gas cars since you only need to charge them up and don’t have to pay for gas or oil changes.
While EVs have many benefits, there are also a few things to consider before making the switch. One is range anxiety or the worry that your battery will run out of charge before you reach your destination. This is less of a concern with newer EVs, which have much longer ranges than older models.
Another thing to consider is the availability of public charging stations that utilize DC power. If you don’t have access to a charger, you’ll need to charge your EV at home, which can take longer than filling up a gas tank. Finding a DC fast charger nearby or getting a home Level 2 EV charger installed has never been easier.
Here’s a quick rundown of the main electric vehicle categories if you’re interested in purchasing one:
Pros and Cons of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
The battery–electric vehicle, or BEV, is a clean and efficient way to get around. Its power source comes from a rechargeable battery, so there’s no need for a standard combustion engine. And since it uses electricity to operate, there are no emissions from the BEV itself. The only emissions come from the power plant that produces the electricity. But even then, BEVs produce far fewer emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles.
So if you’re looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint, a BEV is a great option. Plus, with advances in battery technology, BEVs are becoming more and more affordable. So if you’re in the market for a new car, don’t rule out a BEV just because of its price tag. It may be more affordable than you think.
If you’re in the market for a new car, you may be considering a battery–electric car. These cars have a number of advantages over traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. For one, they’re designed with automatic gearboxes and regenerative brakes, which can help to improve fuel efficiency.
And a battery electric vehicle does not require the same amount of maintenance as traditional vehicles; they don’t require oil changes or spark plug replacements, for example. All things considered, battery–electric cars are a great option for anyone looking for a new car.
Anyone who’s thinking of making the switch to a battery–electric vehicle will want to know a bit about how EV charging works. Fortunately, it’s really quite straightforward.
Most battery–electric vehicles can be plugged into a standard 120V or 240V outlet, just like the outlets you have at home. This is great for topping your battery pack if you have a few hours to spare, but it won’t give you a full charge in a hurry.
For that, you’ll need to use a dedicated Level 2 charging station. These are becoming increasingly common in public places like workplaces, shopping malls, and office parking lots. After purchasing or ordering an electric vehicle, one of the first things that should be done is to install a home Level 2 charger. It’s simple and cheap to do so, and it’s something EV owners enjoy the comfort of knowing their battery pack is fully charged each morning.
Pros
- No tailpipe emissions
- Cheaper to operate than gas cars
- Range anxiety is less of a concern with newer EVs – many with 300+ miles of range
- Low operational costs
- Runs smoothly and quietly
Cons
- Relatively expensive – but prices are dropping
- Long charging time – when using a standard Level 1 charger
- Limited model options – a lot of new models are projected to be released soon
- Electrical infrastructure and public charging stations are not fully adopted across North America
HOW TO SETUP ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING AT HOME
Pros and Cons of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
The PHEV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is a great option if you’re looking for a car with both an electric battery and a gas or diesel engine. It has a smaller battery, though, so it cannot rely fully on the battery system.
However, it does produce tailpipe emissions because of the internal combustion engine. Once its electric capabilities are used up, it switches to the engine to move as well as recharge the battery. Overall, the PHEV is a great choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly option that still offers the convenience of a gas or diesel engine.
If you’re thinking of making the switch to an electric vehicle, but you’re not quite ready to give up your gas-powered car completely, a PHEV might be the perfect compromise. PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and it comes with both an electric battery and a gas or diesel engine.
Pros
- Produce fewer emissions than traditional gasoline vehicles, making them a more eco-friendly optionIncludes standard car engine
- Cheaper to operate than traditional gas or diesel cars, since the majority of your driving can be done on battery power
- Option to fill up with gasoline so you’re less likely to be stranded with a dead battery
Cons
- More expensive than traditional gas and diesel cars
- Not as environmentally friendly as all-electric cars
- Requires more maintenance than all-electric cars
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
When it comes to fuel efficiency, regular hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are tough to beat. These cars combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine to create a vehicle that is both powerful and economical.
HEVs use batteries to power their electric motors, and unlike most EVs, the batteries in an HEV are charged using regenerative braking. This means that the car’s brakes capture energy that would normally be lost as heat and converts it into electricity, which is then used to charge the battery. As a result, HEVs are able to get more miles per gallon than traditional gas-powered cars.
And since they produce fewer emissions, they’re better for the environment too. Whether you’re looking for a new car or just trying to save some money on gas, an HEV is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Efficient vehicle that gets more miles per gallon than traditional gas cars
- Combines electric motor with gasoline engine for power and economy
- Better for the environment due to lower emissions
- Regenerative braking system helps to charge the battery
- Does not require plugging in
Cons
- More expensive than traditional gas cars
- Not as environmentally friendly as all-electric cars
- Electric cars can be plugged into the wall to recharge, while hybrid cars cannot. As a result, it takes longer to recharge a hybrid car’s
- Limited electric range as the battery is much smaller
Which type of electric car is right for you
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more eco-friendly ways to get around. And it’s not hard to see why: EVs produce zero emissions, so they’re much better for the environment than gas-powered cars.
They’re also usually cheaper to operate and maintain, since you don’t have to pay for gas or oil changes. Plus, EVs are just plain fun to drive! If you’re thinking about making the switch to an EV, there are a few things you’ll need to consider.
First, how far do you typically drive in a day? If you only ever travel short distances, then a smaller EV like a Nissan Leaf might be a good option. But if you regularly take long road trips, then you’ll want something with a longer range, like a Tesla Model S.
Second, how much money are you willing to spend? EVs generally cost more up front than traditional cars, but they often end up being cheaper in the long run. So it’s important to think about your budget before making a purchase.
HOW TO SETUP ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING AT HOME
Finally, what kind of driving experience do you want? Some people love the instant torque and zippy acceleration of an electric car, while others prefer the smooth and quiet ride. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of car is right for you.
EVs are a great option for anyone looking for a more eco-friendly and economical way to travel. So if you’re in the market for a new car, be sure to give EVs a look!
Now that you’ve chosen an EV, it’s time to figure out how to charge it
If you’re in the market for an EV or hope to be an EV driver someday, congratulations! It’s a great choice and the fun part is just beginning. But don’t forget that the next step is ensuring you have the proper charging in place.
Installing a Level 2 charger EV charging station is a must if you plan on driving your electric car regularly. It also will increase the market value of your home. Not sure where to start? We can help – check out our article on How to setup an electric car charger at home.
