As we prepare for the influx of electric vehicles on our roads, here are some key points that potential EV owners should know before bringing their new car home.
You can charge your EV in a garage, driveway or parking lot with access to an outlet, but it will be slow. If you want faster, more convenient charging, you’ll need more powerful charging capacity. There are currently two types of residential chargers: Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1: A Level 1 charger provides 110-120 volt charging, compatible with the three-pronged wall plug that comes standard on all electric vehicles. This is very convenient if you’re charging your electric vehicle at home, as you don’t need to do any additional wiring. The downside is that if you have to go somewhere in a hurry, this is not the charger for you. Some older models can take up to 40 hours to charge. Don’t be tempted to use an extension cord with these chargers either. Electric vehicles use more electricity than a normal household appliance, and using a normal extension cord could damage your home and car. The same goes for power strips, splitters, grounding adapters, surge protectors or similar devices. Plug the vehicle charger directly into the outlet.
Level 2: As the name implies, these chargers are faster and more powerful than Level 1 chargers, offering 220 to 240 volts. They’ll save you from having to plug in your car twice a day, but you’ll need to use a higher voltage outlet, like the one you’d use for your dryer or refrigerator. Another option is to have a qualified electrician with access to the electrical panel install a Level 2 charger in your home. In either case, before using a Level 2 charger, check with your electric company to make sure your electrical panel is compatible with a charging station. Level 2 chargers come in wall-mounted or portable models and cost between $200 and $1,000, not including installation.
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For those who live in an apartment or don’t have a garage, look for a portable outdoor charger that is weatherproof and has a cord long enough to reach the nearest outlet. Wireless charging stations are planned for vehicles of the future, so cords won’t even be an issue for some models.
When you’re in a public place, you have access to the fastest type of charging, Level 3, also known as DC charging. While not available for residential use, public and commercial charging stations can give you an extra 250 miles of range in less than an hour of charging.
Fortunately, there are some federal and state incentives to help cover the cost of a home charger.
Many chargers are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so they can be pre-programmed and even programmed with the lowest electricity rates to save money.
To ease the transition to EVs, some automakers are offering free charging for a period of time after purchase at commercial DC charging stations, such as Electrify America and EVgo. This offer is particularly useful for residents of apartment buildings or condominiums, where immediate electrical upgrades or easy access to charging facilities are not available.
The biggest change in transportation since we took horses off the streets is upon us. Are you ready? An electric car is great in theory: good for the environment, no need to pay for gas, and the ability to charge your car from home. But there’s more to charging your car than charging your phone. If you’re wondering how to prepare for owning your new electric car and you don’t have the technical skills of Elon Musk, you’re not alone. We’re going to walk you through all the essential things you need to know. But first, a reminder of what an EV is and what it isn’t.
The Difference Between an Electric Car and a Gas-Powered Car
To cut to the chase, EVs run on electricity, which charges the battery that powers the car. An internal combustion engine uses gasoline stored in the tank to run the car. An electric car is much cheaper than one with an internal combustion engine because it consumes less fuel. According to a University of Michigan study, using only home charging, the average price of an electric car is a quarter of that of a car with an internal combustion engine.
EV range and charging time
Although concern about how far an EV can travel is common among potential EV owners, the latest EV models can travel up to 650 km on a single charge. However, if a commercial EV fast charger is not used, it can take a long time to charge the car at home, up to 24 hours for a full charge. However, according to a report from the University of California Davis, most newer EVs can be charged overnight or during a workday and go an average of 250 miles.
Less maintenance for EVs
The good news is that many of the mechanical components of an internal combustion vehicle are not needed in an EV, reducing maintenance costs. For example, fuel filters, cooling system flushes, transmission checks, spark plugs, drive belts and oil changes are not required in EVs. Annual maintenance costs for EVs are estimated to be 30 to 40 percent lower than for ICE vehicles.
An EV is not completely maintenance free. Brake pads, windshield washer fluid, and tire pressure need to be checked regularly, just as with ICE vehicles. While some potential owners fear the cost of replacing an EV’s battery, today’s batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle and warranties are in place to offset any unexpected expenses.
A warning: Homeowners with mechanical experience working on ICEs but not electric vehicles should stay away from the components of an EV, as they are two very different animals. Unless you’re an experienced electrician, it’s best to leave the maintenance of your EV to professionals and simply enjoy the ride.
