Which kind of electric vehicle is best for you?
All-Electric Vehicles
All-electric vehicles do not have a gas engine and require plug-in charging that can be done at home or at public charging stations. They do not need gasoline or oil changes. Range for all-electric models varies from around 100 to 375 miles per charge.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have an electric motor and a gas engine that extends their range. They require oil changes and maintenance like regular gas vehicles. Vehicles can be charged at home or at some public charging stations (not level 3 DC Fast Charging).
Do you have the ability to charge your vehicle at home?
Yes, I can charge at home.
If you have a garage, carport or driveway with access to electricity, you can charge at home. There are two primary home charging options.
- Level 1 120V charging (standard household outlet)
- Level 2 240V charging (requires installation and/or 240V outlet)
No, I can't charge at home.
Public charging is likely available, but keep in mind it takes time and prices vary substantially. Charging time varies based on car battery size and charger power.
- Level 2 240V charging: 4 to 8 hours
- Level 3 480V+ charging: 20 to 30 minutes (Not available for PHEVs)
How much can you save on fuel cost with an EV?
Home charging cost
To determine how much it will cost to charge your EV, visit the savings calculator.
Public charging cost
Public charging is typically more expensive than charging at home. Pricing and pricing models vary significantly between providers.
An EV will likely reduce your environmental impact
Where does your electricity come from?
Utilities generate electricity various ways. This includes using fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas and oil, as well as non-fossil sources like hydro, wind, solar and nuclear.
Public charging electricity sources
Electricity at public charging stations comes from utilities as well, but it may be difficult to determine which utility serves a specific station, thus CO2 rates may vary.
General information about electric vehicles
Vehicle Range
Range refers to the number of miles an EV will travel before the battery needs to be recharged. Electric cars typically have a shorter maximum range on a charge than fossil-fueled cars. However, EVs can be charged at home - no gas station required - and the overall operation cost is typically substantially less than a gasoline-powered vehicle. It's worth noting that 78 percent of all commuters in America drive less than 30 miles per day1, thus if they are driving an EV, they can go multiple days without recharging. Many of today's EVs have a range well over 100 miles per charge, with some models reaching more than 300 miles per charge.
EV Battery Information
Electric vehicle batteries are typically designed to last for the expected life of the vehicle, but battery life should be considered when calculating the extended cost of ownership, as all batteries eventually wear out and must be replaced. Battery replacement is typically costly, but keep in mind that gas powered vehicle equipment, such as motors and transmissions, have a lifespan too. The rate at which batteries expire depends on the type of battery and how they are used.The failure rate of some electric vehicles batteries already on the road is as low as 0.003%2. There are also high mileage warranties on electric vehicle batteries available with many manufacturers. Several manufactures offer multi-year and 100,000 mile+ warranties on the batteries in their vehicles. Review manufacturer information carefully when selecting an EV model.
Reduced Maintenance Requirements
Battery Electric Vehicles (or BEV) require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because there are fewer fluids (like oil and transmission fluid) to change, and far fewer moving parts. EVs require minimal scheduled maintenance to their electrical systems, which can include the battery, electrical motor, and associated electronics. Because of regenerative braking, brake systems on EVs typically last longer than on conventional vehicles.- No Oil Changes: BEVs do not require engine oil, thus there are no oil changes (normally required every 3,000 to 7,000 miles; requirements vary by automobile manufacturer)
- No Spark Plugs and Wires: BEVs do not require spark plugs and wires, thus no replacements (estimated replacement at 100,000 miles on gas engine)
- No Exhaust System: BEVs do not have mufflers or catalytic converters, two components of your exhaust system that can fail and result in expensive replacements.
Sources
1 U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Omnibus Household Survey.
2 U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center, Maintenance and Safety of Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles.
Disclaimer
These facts are provided by ChooseEV. Some numbers and statistics in this content may be estimates and subject to interpretation. Many factors must be taken into account to determine the total cost of ownership of EV and traditional gas-powered vehicles. This information is provided to give consumers a general understanding of EV concepts and opportunities. Customers should review information from EV manufacturers before making a purchase decision.