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Green Wheels
Everything You Need to Know About EV (Electric Vehicles)
A revolutionary mode of transportation powered by an electric motor. In this exploration, our focus is primarily on EVs equipped with a rechargeable battery, allowing users to plug them in for charging.
Types of EV
(Electric Vehicles)
When diving into the world of EVs, it’s essential to know your options.
Here are the main types, each with its unique benefits and associated costs:All about EV.
All-Electric Vehicles (AEVs)
AEVs run entirely on electricity. These vehicles are equipped with a battery that stores electrical energy. To power up, simply plug them into a charging station. AEVs are known for their environmental friendliness and zero tailpipe emissions.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
PHEVs combine an electric motor with an internal combustion engine. They can be plugged in for charging, similar to AEVs, but also have a conventional engine for additional range. PHEVs offer flexibility, allowing drivers to use electric power for short trips and rely on the combustion engine for longer journeys.
Benefits and Considerations
Understanding the benefits and considerations of each type of EV is crucial in making an informed decision:
Environmental Impact
AEVs contribute to lower emissions and a greener planet as they operate solely on electricity. PHEVs also reduce emissions, especially during short trips when running on electric power.
Fuel Savings
Both AEVs and PHEVs can result in significant fuel savings, particularly if you have access to affordable or free charging options.
Charging Infrastructure
The availability of charging infrastructure is an essential consideration. AEVs and PHEVs can be charged at home or at public charging stations. The charging infrastructure is continually expanding, providing more convenience for EV owners.
Range and Flexibility
AEVs have a range limited by their battery capacity, making them suitable for daily commuting. PHEVs offer the flexibility of using electric power for short trips and the convenience of a combustion engine for longer drives.
Is EV right for you ?
Still unsure if you should switch gears and go electric? Check out the many benefits of driving an EV and ask yourself these five questions to decide if an EV is right for you.
Low Fuel Cost
Electricity is a cheaper source of fuel than gas. Fuel costs are approximately 70% lower for an all-electric and 50% lower for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, compared to a conventional vehicle.
Performance Benefits
Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and instant acceleration. If you’ve never driven an EV, you’ll probably be surprised at how quiet and powerful it can be.
Environmentally Friendly
EVs are environmentally friendly because they do not produce tailpipe emissions containing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases. The transportation sector in Newfoundland and Labrador represents 32% of provincial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Reduced Maintaince
All-electric vehicles require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because there are less fluids to change (like oil and transmission fluid) and fewer mechanical moving parts. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have a gas and electric motor, so they still require the standard maintenance of a regular gas-powered vehicle, but far less frequently. And because of regenerative braking, brake systems on EVs also typically last longer than on conventional vehicles.
No Gasoline
All-electric vehicles do not require gas! The majority of your charging would probably take place at the convenience of your home. EVs can also be charged at your workplace if there’s a charger or at public charging stations throughout the province. In fact, over 95% of charging happens at home or at work. But regardless of where you choose to charge your EV, you plug it in and leave it. You’ll no longer have to stand outside to pump gas. Plug-in hybrids have a gas motor and would require some gas.
Is EV right for you ?
Is your daily commute under 400 km?
Most of today’s all-electric vehicles have a driving “range-per-charge” between approximately 80 and 400 km. Range refers to the number of kilometres an EV will travel before the battery needs to be recharged. The average passenger vehicle in Newfoundland and Labrador travels approximately 50 km each day.
For example,
if the range-per-charge for your EV is 160 km and your daily commute is 50 km, you should be able to go about 3 days between charges (50 km + 50 km + 50 km = 150 km). EV range varies significantly between models, but if your daily commute is less than 400 km, there’s likely an EV model that will fit your lifestyle.
Do you want to save money on fuel AND pollute less?
EVs cost less to drive because of lower fuel and maintenance costs and also pollute less. An EV uses electricity that is generated from sources that are cleaner than burning gas or diesel in a vehicle.
Do you have off-street parking at your home?
EVs require charging, the bulk of which happens at home. Charging can be done with a standard 120 volt outlet or you can have a Level 2 240 volt charger installed in your garage or driveway. However, if you have on-street parking and can’t always park your EV close to your house, relying on home charging may be challenging.
Does your household have more than one car?
If you live in a household with more than one car, an EV likely represents an opportunity for your family to save on fuel, while improving the quality of our environment. Use an EV for commuting and use the other vehicle for longer drives.
Do you rarely take long road trips?
Public charging infrastructure and battery technology is continually improving, but planning is still required for long trips. There are many all-electric models available with a range-per-charge of 80 to 400 km. There are some high-end EVs that can get over 400 km on a single charge. If you frequently take long road trips and do not have a second vehicle, owning only an EV could pose some challenges.
If you answered YES to all these questions, an EV may be right for you.
