EV Basics
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
BEVs use a battery pack to store electrical energy which powers the motor. The battery is charged when plugged into an electrical charger. BEVs are considered zero-emission vehicles because they produce no tailpipe emissions or exhaust.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
PHEVs combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that can be plugged into an external power source. These vehicles use the battery until depleted, on average 20-60 miles, at which point the combustion engine takes over. PHEVs have larger batteries than HEVs, giving them a greater electric-only driving range, enough to cover most commutes.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
HEVs combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor powered by a battery. Unlike PHEVs, HEVs do not require external charging and instead charge the battery is regenerative braking.
What Do You Look for in a Car?
Range
Range refers to the distance you can travel on a single charge before needing to recharge. Most EVs can easily travel 200-300 miles on a single charge depending on factors such as battery size and capacity, driving speed, weight, terrain, outside temperature, and the condition of your tires
How Much Range Do You Need?
The U.S. Department of Transportation found that the average American driver travels 29 miles a day. Most EVs significantly surpass this range, but it is important to consider which battery size you need. While larger batteries will generally get you further, they also cost more.
Charging takes longer than refueling with gas but planning ahead, especially for longer trips, can save you time. Find chargers along your route with apps like: PlugShare or A Better Route Planner (ABRP)
What's the Deal With Range Loss?
Range loss is not a new phenomenon with EVs, as it also affects gasoline-powered cars. Since EVs are more sensitive to aerodynamics, their range can be affected by a variety of conditions. Similar to conventional gas-powered vehicles, driving at higher speeds reduces efficiency, so slowing down can help extend range when needed.
Extreme temperatures are the most likely reason for temporary loss of range since climate control draws power from the battery, but range will return to normal on less extreme days. For Maine Winters, you should ensure that the EV has 50% more range than your mileage needs, as this is the highest expected range loss.
If you want to see how a specific model performs in real-world scenarios, many detailed range tests are available on YouTube
Charging
Where Can You Charge?
EV drivers charge their car at home more than 80% of the time, typically using Level 1 or Level 2 equipment. Charging infrastructure is becoming more common across the country, but some areas offer more convenience than others.
Homeowners
Consider investing in charging infrastructure in your own home.
-
Level 1 chargers use standard wall outlets (120 V) and typically cost $130-230, but may require additional fees if current electrical outlets need any upgrades or rewiring.
-
Level 2 chargers charge faster using a 240 V outlet, but installation can cost from $1,000 to $3,000.
Renters
Confirm that your community or building has charging infrastructure or check for public charging options through apps like PlugShare.
Workplace
Check to see if your workplace has any charging infrastructure that could offset the absence of home charging.
How Fast Can You Charge?
Recharging rates are not standardized across manufacturers, so different cars can charge at different speeds. Charging speeds for electric vehicles can vary depending on the car’s capabilities, the specifications of the charging station you use, and various environmental factors such as battery temperature, charger type, and how full your battery already is.
Typically, Level 1 and 2 chargers are for daily use, while DC Fast Chargers are used for quick recharges needed during longer trips.
-
Level 1 chargers supply ~5 miles of range per 1 hour of charging and are more commonly found at homes and workplaces.
-
Level 2 chargers can supply ~25 miles of range per hour of charging and make up nearly 80% of public charging ports in the US.
-
DC Fast Chargers are the quickest charge option, supplying around 100-200+ miles of range in only 30 minutes.
EVs have a Charge Curve that refers to how an EV will charge faster when low, but slower when it is near a full charge. It typically starts to slow down at around 80% charged to protect the health of the battery.
A Mini History Lesson
Electric vehicles are nothing new. In fact, some of the earliest cars from the 1890s were powered by electric batteries. But it wasn’t until the last decade that electric cars really started to become popular as key technologies have enabled competitive transportation.
EVs in Maine Winter
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.