ABOUT EVs

Link to: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html#/find/nearest?fuel=ELEC

Charging stations are everywhere. Click here to find the closest station near you.  Fun fact: Did you know that there are more electric vehicle charging stations in the United States than there are McDonald’s in the United States?

Because of advances in engineering, design and electric batteries EVs are often at the top of crash and safety ratings standards. Because they have fewer components and more space available, manufacturers have rethought and revamped how they approach vehicle safety in EVs.

Electrical generation motion graphic.

The difference between renewable electricity and nonrenewable electricity has to do with their availability. Renewable energy sources like wind, water, solar and geothermal are replaced naturally and frequently. The wind blows, rivers flow and the sun rises everyday. Nonrenewable sources like coal, oil and natural gas are only available in limited quantities and will not replenish in our lifetime.

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml

Click here to see model comparisons for electric and hybrid vehicles. Did you know that EVs are federally mandated to carry an eight year or 100K mile warranties on their battery packs?

You may have read about fully autonomous vehicles hitting the roads soon, but despite what you have heard fully autonomous cars are not here yet. Many EVs are on the edge of autonomous technology and can accelerate, brake, keep you in your lane and navigate traffic but still need some human assistance. Engineers are realizing that it is going to be an incremental process but advances in technology are happening so fast that before we know it we will be seeing driverless cars all around us.

It may surprise you to learn that EVs have been around since the early 1800s! As vehicle technology advanced so did EV development. With the mass production of the Model T Ford and inexpensive oil production in the 1920s and 30s EVs saw a sharp decline in use. Then, as gas became more and more expensive in the 1960s and 70s EVs came back to people’s minds. Since then EV technology has rapidly developed to the point where EVs are now some of the most advanced and eco-friendly vehicles on the market. 

EVs are actually quicker than their gas counterparts. When the driver pushes down the accelerator pedal 100% of the engine’s torque is available instantly. Translation: They can go really fast, really quick. Did you know the Tesla S is one of the quickest production cars in the world at any price? It can go 0-60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds!

The U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show that Americans drive an average of 40 miles per day. Most affordable EVs on the market can run for three times that distance. Now that charging stations are widespread across the U.S. you can travel to wherever you need to go in your EV.

Did you know that electric motors convert 75% of the energy stored in their batteries to power the wheels? Compare that to only 20% of available power from gasoline to power the wheels. Some people argue that the electricity EVs use to run is generated in power plants that pollute. Taking into account the energy used to make and power EVs scientists have concluded that EVs are generally responsible for less pollution than conventional vehicles in every part of the U.S.

Because of their electric motors EVs do not require regular oil changes or tuneups. With their simple transmissions and fewer moving parts EVs cost less to keep running than conventional vehicles. Based on average gasoline and electricity prices you can save thousands of dollars on fuel.

Most EV charging is done at home or at work. New charging stations are popping up daily, and adding those to the tens of thousands already across the U.S. you can always find a station nearby. If you are taking a long road trip make sure to plan a route that is dotted with fast-charging stations to make your trip quick and easy.

The federal government mandates that EV battery packs carry a warranty for at least eight years and 100,000 miles. Many of these batteries still run efficiently beyond that point. Just like 99% of batteries already found in cars, depleted EV batteries can be recycled or broken down to use again. Used EV batteries have even been used to store wind and solar energy in some places.

While EVs do take time to recharge, most EV owners tend to charge their batteries at night. According to a Navigant Research report, the U.S. can add millions of electric cars to our power grid without having to build any new power plants because the electric grid can handle additional nighttime electricity use.