How far can an electric vehicle travel?
When it comes to electric vehicles, range is the all-important stat.
Range will depend heavily on driving style and average speed, but most new models that are powered completely by battery can travel 200-300 miles before needing to be recharged, and ranges of 500 miles are coming. Driving suggestions include:
- Drive the speed limit. Rapid acceleration drains the battery rapidly. Where convenient, use cruise control to manage your speed.
- Avoid braking suddenly. If you need to slow down, let your foot off the accelerator to decelerate and use the EV regenerative-baking system. This will dramatically prolong EV battery life, helping you travel more miles while saving on fuel.
Studies show that many drivers travel less than 40 miles a day. For most drivers, then, the range of an EV more than covers daily needs. A little planning might be needed, but is certainly doable, even for cross country trips, to locate public charging stations.
Find out if an EV is right for you. Owen Electric is here to help.
Where do you find chargers for an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
Of course, there are apps for that! With more than 18,000 public chargers in the U.S., you’ll be able to map out a plan in no time. Which apps are best for locating chargers? Let’s take a look:
- PlugShare is one of the most popular, as it not only shows chargers around the world, it also allows users to “check-in.” Learn more at www.plugshare.com.
- ChargeHub gives you the option to pay for charging using the app. It also offers discounts on EV products, savings calculators and lots of EV content. Find our more at www.chargehub.com
- There’s a reason Tesla is the leader in EVs and their app is no exception. Tesla’s app is very advanced. It will guide you to Tesla superchargers on your route. These chargers typically re-charge a vehicle in half an hour or less. Learn more at www.tesla.com.
- You probably already have Google Maps on your smart phone. But, did you know this app will also show EV charging stations? You just need to search for them and viola. Find out more at www.google.com/maps.
The best choice is a matter of personal preference. Most people plug in their EV after coming home, and their vehicle is recharged before they leave for work the next day.
If you are trying to decide if an EV is right for your home or business, call us. Owen Electric can help.
Will my electric bills increase if I charge my Electric Vehicle (EV) at home?
Short answer - yes, but EV owners come out way ahead because of savings on vehicle fuel and maintenance.
An EV powered completely by a battery requires no oil changes.
It only costs the equivalent of $1 per gallon to fuel an EV. Compared to gasoline, electricity is a bargain.
While it is currently more expensive to buy an EV, technology is rapidly lowering EV prices. Tesla will make a $25,000 EV in the next three years by cutting battery costs in half.
If you have questions about the EV revolution, call your local representative at Owen Electric. We’re here to help.
Will purchasing an Electric Vehicle (EV) really save money?
When comparing gasoline prices to electricity prices, it’s clear that EVs save money, especially on fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy says electricity to fuel an EV is equal to $1 per gallon of gasoline.
EVs also require less maintenance. EVs that are completely battery operated require no oil changes and have fewer moving parts.
Manufacturers guarantee an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty on the batteries, and brakes last much longer since regenerative EV braking reduces strain and wear on the pads.
Trying to decide if an EV is right for your family? Owen Electric is here to help.
Can I charge an Electric Vehicle (EV) at home?
Charging at home is one of the biggest advantages of owning an EV. Studies show that 80 percent of charging occurs at home among EV owners.
Wall chargers are called Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), and their cost is additional to the purchase price of the vehicle, ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on amperage, features and installation.
Think of all the time you’ll save. The average person spends 15-35 minutes a month at gas stations. What will you do with that extra free time?
Find out if EV Charging is right for you. Owen Electric is here to help.
How long does it take to charge an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
The time to charge an EV depends on the type of car and charger being used. There are three EV charger types.
Level 1: Using a standard 120-volt plug, it only adds 3 to 5 miles of range per hour
- Level 2: At 240 volts, it charges much faster, adding 10-20 miles per hour to an all-electric EV
- Level 3: At 480 volts, it charges an EV battery to 80 percent in half an hour
Because people typically drive less than 40 miles daily, most people can get their needed range using a Level 2 charger.
Find out if EV charging is right for you. Owen Electric is here to help. Check out our EV Calculator here.