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Electric Vehicle Basics

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Electric vehicles (EVs) have two categories, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug in hybrids (PHEVs). BEVs and PHEVs both use a battery pack to store electrical energy which powers the motor. The difference is that PHEVs also have a gas powered motor. The batteries are charged by plugging in to an electrical charger. BEVs are considered zero-emission vehicles because they produce no tailpipe emissions or exhaust.

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Plug In Hybrid Electric vehicle

Electric Vehicle Charging

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AC Level 1

Level 1 equipment provides charging through a common residential 120V AC plug. These chargers do not require any additional electrical work or charging equipment. This is the slowest option, adding around 5 miles of charge per hour, but its convenience makes it a good choice for at-home charging.

AC Level 2

Level 2 charging equipment requires a 240 V outlet and adds 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging time. This kind of charger requires the installation of charging equipment by a professional installer or electrician. Level 2 charging is found at homes, workplaces, and public charging stations. 

Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC)

DC Fast Chargers provide charging through a 480 V AC input that requires specialized, high-powered charging equipment. These are the fastest chargers and provide 180-240 miles of range in an hour. This kind of charging is generally found in high-traffic public charging stations.

*PHEVs cannot be charged by DC Fast Chargers.

Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger
DCFC Electric Vehicle Charger
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Electric Vehicles In Maine Winters

Here in Maine, we experience the beauty of all four seasons. EVs handle better in the snow than combustion vehicles due to their low center of gravity.

However, EVs also lose range in the winter because heating the cab is energy-intensive. Additionally, batteries take longer to charge in the cold. Technology is improving to address these challenges. 

Read EV winterizing tips here

Drive Electric Maine is hosted by the Greater Portland Council of Governments

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