A few years ago, a lot of people outside California hadn’t even seen an electric car. Now the appeal of these vehicles is soaring nationwide, and manufacturers have stepped up to the plate. Electric cars are widely available and in the long run, are cost-effective. Is this the kind of car for you? These five questions might help you decide.
Does an Electric Vehicle Have a Range?
Today, an EV typically offers 250 to 300 miles of range on a charge. As an exception, Tesla cars have over 300 miles of range. You are unlikely to run out of range on your daily commute even with 250 miles of range. However, how fast you drive, the weather, and your climate control settings will affect the range.
Can an EV Owner Charge a Vehicle at Home?
Short answer, yes. You can charge your vehicle overnight with a standard 110-volt wall outlet (Level 1 charging), but this might take a while. A better option is to install a 240-volt outlet in your garage which makes for Level 2 charging. This adds about 25 miles of range per charging hour. Electric Vehicles can be charged outdoors too, provided the charging cord and station are built for outdoor temperatures.
How Much Will an EV Cost in Utility Bills?
Electricity prices often vary from state to state. Oregon residents might pay 12 cents per kilowatt-hour while people living in California may pay 27 cents. You should still consider how owning an EV will still cost you less than gas. The EPA estimates that fuel costs to run a BMW3 are four times higher than charging a Tesla Model 3. It will be cost-effective to charge your electric car at home overnight or over the weekend. you charge the vehicle overnight or over the weekend. Call your utility provider to get a breakdown and ask if they provide utility plans for EV owners.
How Do Public Charging Stations Work?
Most Public Charging Stations offer Level 2 charging while a few offer DC fast charging. It is a lot more convenient to charge your vehicle at home. If your vehicle has a fast-charging feature, it can be charged up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes at a fast charging station.
Is an EV Road Trip Friendly?
This depends on the route and the range your car offers. Make sure to map out your trip, and ensure that there are charging stations every two hours on highways.
