Tesla’s Story

Tesla began the EV market as we know it today and the company remains the strongest seller of EV models in the world. From China, BYD is close, but nothing in the United States compares. The Tesla Model Y is currently the world’s best-selling vehicle. Alongside the compact SUV, the Model 3 sedan is the second most popular. Higher-end models include the Model S sedan and the Model X SUV. Most recently, the Cybertruck has captured the imaginations of EV buyers.

Rivian’s Story

Several EV startups have tried to take on Tesla and gain success, but only a few have managed to produce a large number of vehicles and get them to customers. Rivian is one of those. The California company began in 2009 and in 2021 it launched its first vehicle, the Rivian R1T pickup truck. It was the first electric pickup of the modern EV era. Rivian followed that with the R1S, a big SUV based on the same platform. Rivian also makes a delivery van for Amazon, one of its original investment backers.

Comparing Rivian and Tesla Vehicles

Tesla’s trademark is mostly medium-sized sedans and SUVs, while Rivian is going after buyers who want larger vehicles with off-road ability. Rivian’s brand description embraces the outdoors. Both Tesla and Rivian vehicles are packed with cutting-edge and thoughtful features.

For example, the R1T has a nifty gear tunnel where you can stash items between the cab and bed. The Rivian truck and SUV have a choice of four motors, an adjustable height suspension, and multiple drive modes for taking on rough terrain.

On the other hand, Tesla’s vehicles are strongly geared toward urban and suburban driving. They’re designed to deliver on-road performance, and that’s especially true if you look at a sporty model like the Model S Plaid. There is some overlap between the two brands, including modern technology and design simplicity.

Both Rivian and Tesla have done away with physical buttons, which is cool on one front, but frustrating when you need to use the touchscreen simply to change the air vent direction.

Buying a Tesla or Rivian

One perk of buying either a Tesla or a Rivian is that you can order easily online. Both companies reject the traditional dealership model and instead sell their models directly to customers via their websites. This easy ordering method makes both companies feel distinctly modern and it may even represent the future of the auto industry.

Which Should You Choose?

It’s difficult to say that one brand is heads and tails better than the other as they both appeal to different consumers. If a truck or a large SUV with impressive off-road chops is your preference, then Rivian beats Tesla easily. However, Rivian doesn’t have an answer for Tesla’s sportier offerings either. So, it largely depends on what you want.

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Access to Tesla Superchargers

GM customers in the United States will soon be able to use Tesla’s Supercharger network, thanks to the introduction of the GM-approved NACS DC adapter. The adapter allows Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC EV drivers to connect their vehicles to the extensive Tesla Supercharger network. Initially launching in the US for $225, the adapter will also be available to Canadian customers later this year.

This move grants GM customers access to more than 231,800 public Level 2 and DC fast chargers throughout North America. With this expansion, GM drivers can now tap into reliable charging stations that were previously exclusive to Tesla owners. Now, long-distance travel and daily commuting is much easier.

Improving the Customer Experience

Through the vehicle mobile app, GM customers can locate Tesla Superchargers, check station status, initiate charging sessions, and even pay for charging, all within one platform. This user-friendly approach makes EV ownership more convenient by simplifying the charging process, reducing range anxiety, and helping drivers find charging stations when they need them most.

Collaborative Efforts in Charging Infrastructure

GM’s partnership with Tesla to offer Supercharger access is just one part of its broader strategy to improve public EV charging infrastructure. GM has already taken steps to expand its own charging network in collaboration with companies like EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers. For instance, GM is working with EVgo to install 2,850 DC fast chargers in major metropolitan areas across the US, and it’s building an additional 2,000 fast chargers at Pilot and Flying J travel centers to accommodate long-distance travelers.

GM’s involvement in the creation of IONNA, a joint venture to develop a high-powered charging network, shows its commitment to accessible EV infrastructure. With a goal of installing more than 30,000 chargers in both urban and highway locations, GM is working hard to ensure that EV drivers have plenty of options when it comes to fast, reliable charging.

A Bright Future for EV Drivers

With GM’s expansion into the Tesla Supercharger network, EV drivers will have even more charging options at their fingertips. This collaboration between two major players in the electric vehicle space signals a future where EV owners can expect greater convenience and accessibility, no matter where they’re headed. By improving public charging infrastructure and making it easier for customers to charge their vehicles, GM is leading the way toward a more electrified and connected future.

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The electric vehicle world covers almost anything with wheels, a motor, and a battery. A bike powered by an electric motor could be extremely useful for college students on campus, for an urban population, and as a companion vehicle for some driving adventures. Ford recently teamed up with N+ to build some electric bikes that will wear two of the most popular Ford nameplates: Bronco and Mustang.

Let’s see what these two new electric bikes have to offer.

The differences in character

The Ford Bronco and Mustang couldn’t be much different from each other, save for the ultimate goal of each vehicle. These two vehicles are made to make driving fun but in different ways. The Bronco is a hardcore off-roader that’s designed and developed to tackle nearly every outdoor trail and obstacle in its path, while the Mustang is made to be a fun and fast muscle car that can tear up the track and leave other cars in the dust. Both vehicles are made to be fun, and Ford has teamed up with N+ to make a bike that fits each vehicle’s individual personality.

Ideal design DNA

Much like the vehicles they are named for, the two electric bikes are made to tackle different areas of biking fun. The Bronco model is a trail-riding mountain bike with an electric motor that is ideal for your fun hill climbs and trail rides while the Mustang has performance and handling on the street in its DNA, giving it the spirit of the iconic pony car.
These two builds make it easy to have a bike that can be a lot of fun wherever you want to take your ride.

What does the Bronco e-bike offer?

The Bronco e-bike has a motorcycle-style seat to make it more comfortable when you hit a bump or ride over some roots in the forest. This bike has a dual suspension system with rims that are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hardwall tires that are knobby and made to give you better grip and durability when you take this bike on the wilderness trails that you want to explore. This bike could be the perfect companion to its namesake, giving you a great way to explore trails where the Bronco 4×4 can’t go.

What does the Mustang e-bike offer?

If you want an electric bike that has a sportier look and feel, the Mustang e-bike is the right choice. This model has an aluminum alloy frame and a conventional saddle-style seat that makes it look more like a regular bike. The tires are a set of Pirelli Angel GT semi-slicks that give this bike the perfect riding feel when racing down the streets in your local town. The Mustang e-bike helps celebrate 60 years of the pony car with a 60th Anniversary Edition with vintage decals and available limited numbers to give you something extra special.

What drives these two e-bikes?

Both bikes use the same hub-mounted electric motor that is good for 1 horsepower (yes, only one) and 63 lb-ft of torque. This is more than enough power to allow an average-sized person to enjoy the ride. The top speed of these e-bikes is limited to 28 MPH, and the driving range is 60 miles. The battery pack is a 48-volt 720-Wh battery, which takes 3.5 hours to charge to refresh the batteries.

These bikes also feature a set of four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a set of bright lights, and an LDC display on the handlebars that shows the speed, range, and battery life to ensure riders know what’s going on with the motor and drive system.

These Ford-branded e-bikes aren’t cheap

You wouldn’t expect an electric bike with Pirelli tires to be cheap, and these e-bikes are not. The Mustang model starts at $4,000, while the Bronco model will cost at least $4,500. Both bikes offer the choice of ten colors, but these choices cost an additional $390 to go away from the standard colors provided.

These new Ford e-bikes should begin delivery later in 2024, giving many shoppers an option of a fantastic companion vehicle or the right electric bike for students to ride around on college campuses.

How will you use your e-bike

Could the Bronco or Mustang e-bike be the right choice for you? If you love to ride around on two wheels but you don’t want to pedal, these bikes give you an enjoyable electric option that bridges the gap between a traditional bicycle and a motorcycle.

The post Ford’s Bronco and Mustang Electric Bikes: Style Meets Power first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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Your gas-powered vehicle loses power and acceleration while driving in the mountains. This is caused by the extra work a vehicle has to do to drive uphill but also because the air is thinner, and most gas and diesel-powered vehicles are made to perform ideally at sea level. EVs tend to maintain power better in the mountains because they don’t require air to operate the electric motors, but are you losing driving range when going up a mountain?

How well do EVs handle climbing a mountain?

It only makes sense that when a machine is working to go up a mountain road, it takes more energy to complete this task than driving on flat ground. EVs don’t lose power like combustion vehicles because the thinner air doesn’t affect them, but they will lose driving range more rapidly while climbing a mountain than when driving on level ground.
Because your EV will lose some driving range when going up mountains, you need to plan for some range loss when driving these roads. It is smart to know where the nearest electric charging stations are located to plan stops along the way.

Can you regain driving range on the way down?

Driving down a sloped mountain road means you’ll use the engine to handle much of your braking. Electric vehicles not only use engine braking but capture some of that energy by utilizing the regenerative braking system. This energy is sent to the batteries and can add more miles to your driving range.

In a recent test by the team at The Fast Lane, the team learned that EVs regain much of the energy lost from the incline during the decline portion of a mountain drive. They did this test by going up on one side and back down, going in the opposite direction. If you test this out during your mountain drive and continue to go forward toward your destination, there might be some variances in slope, which means you might not recapture as much energy on the way down as you lost on the way up.

What factors impact an electric vehicle’s driving range?

Colder temperatures

Driving on mountain roads that rise high above sea level means you might face some challenges while behind the wheel. Other than the incline and decline of the mountain grades, the air temperature is often colder when you reach high altitudes. This colder temperature could mean driving range loss for an EV, even if all you do is park it for a little while.

Driving style

While not as much an environmental issue as a user problem, your driving style and driving conditions can significantly impact your driving range. When you drive at high speeds or aggressively, you will quickly notice a decrease in your driving range due to the increased energy consumption. Don’t allow other drivers to force you to drive faster or more aggressively than you would normally.

Vehicle makeup

Each electric vehicle has a quoted driving range, and that figure is based on several factors. This number is calculated using battery capacity, vehicle weight, electric motor power, and aerodynamics. Most modern EVs have a 70% useful rate for the maximum driving range.

Charging habits

What are your charging habits? If you typically charge at home and push the battery capacity to 100% of its charge, your battery lie will be reduced. The same can be said if you use fast charging stations almost exclusively. If you choose to charge at home, set a limit for the charge you want on the battery. Stopping below 100% battery charge can extend your battery’s life. The only time you should charge to 100% capacity is when you head out on a road trip and will need to charge several times along the way.

How can you maximize your driving range?

You probably never thought about the driving range of your vehicle until you bought an EV. Electric vehicles come with this concern because you can’t find a charging station on every corner. If you want to maximize your driving range, you should:

• Employ efficient driving habits
• Plan your route
• Avoid poorly maintained roads
• Minimize using climate system in your EV
• Maintain your tires

For the most part, the driving range lost in an electric vehicle while going up a mountain road will be regained on the other side while coming down. This is good to know, but if you drive an EV, you’ve got to keep an eye on that driving range and know where charging stations are located along your route.

The post How Well Do Electric Vehicles Handle Mountain Roads? first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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Its difficult to put the Mini Cooper in any category. It could be a premium subcompact car, it might be an extremely tiny SUV, or it might be one of the last remaining hatchbacks in the market. Regardless of what this little car brings to the table, it is a stylish, fun, and active vehicle. The SE model comes as an EV, which makes it even more intriguing and charming.

What powers the electric Cooper?

This small and unique EV could be the darling of the town. Many people might turn and look as you drive on by. The SE Electric is great for city driving but not so great on the highway. Its driving range is limited to only 114 miles on a single charge. This driving range comes from a 135-kW electric motor that gives this little vehicle 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. A full recharge when using a DC fast charger takes about 90 minutes, and an at-home 240-volt battery pack does the job in 4.75 hours.

What does the Cooper EV include?

The Mini Cooper SE Electric has a few unique features that are ideal for this electric vehicle. It has a unique set of 16-inch wheels and a heat pump to handle the heating system. Otherwise this model uses the same trim ladder as the other Cooper models. This electric Mini has a two-door configuration, which makes it highly recognizable.

Here’s what you’ll find at each trim of this electric Mini Cooper:

Classic Trim

• Run-flat tires
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automatic on/off LED headlights with cornering lights
• Heated power side mirrors
• Heated washer jets
• Carbon-black leatherette upholstery
• Height-adjustable manual front seats
• Cruise control
• Power windows and door locks
• Manual air conditioning
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Digital instrument cluster
• 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 6-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Apple CarPlay
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Rearview monitor
• Rear parking sensors
• Tire pressure monitor

The Classic trim options include three colors, performance summer tires, and heated front seats.

Signature Trim

• Additional exterior colors, including roof and mirror colors
• Power-folding mirrors
• Proximity key fob
• Keyless entry
• Panoramic moonroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate controls
• Heated front seats
• Navigation system

If you choose the Signature trim, you can delete the panoramic moonroof and the navigation system if you desire. Options for this trim include:

• Heated steering wheel
• Alarm system
• Cloth and leatherette upholstery
• Roof rails
• Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel

Iconic Trim

• Additional paint and roof choices
• Nappa leather steering wheel
• Head-up display
• Wireless charging pad
• Premium leather upholstery

Check out the Union Jack taillights

The Union Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom, bringing elements of the English, Scottish, and Welsh flags together in a unified manner. The Mini Cooper SE Electric has a set of taillights that utilize this design with LED lights and interesting uses of the stripes. The diagonal part of the lights is the regular taillight, while the horizontal part acts as the turn signal. This leaves the vertical part to be the brake light, offering a unique way to signal other drivers and pay homage to the UK.

Can an FWD car be fun to drive?

The Mini Cooper, in any of its forms, is supposed to be a fun and active car. This impressive machine is only offered with FWD, but that doesn’t make it less fun. The quick acceleration of the electric powertrain in the SE Electric model makes it easy to take this car out for a spin around town. You’re sure to enjoy the peppiness and quick steering responses when behind the wheel.

No Android Auto… bummer

The Mini Cooper SE Electric is certainly behind the times. This car doesn’t offer standard phone integration, which is odd. In fact, Android Auto is not available for this little car at all. That could be the BMW influence at work. Apple CarPlay is part of the mix, and Android users will have to connect via Bluetooth when driving this small electric car.

The electric Mini Cooper could be a good choice for drivers who don’t mind sticking to city streets. It has a low driving range and doesn’t provide connectivity for Android users. Still, this little car has the style you admire that makes it recognizable as part of the Mini Cooper family. Will you choose the Mini Cooper SE Electric?

The post 2024 Mini Cooper SE Electric: Compact, Charming, City Cruiser first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post 2024 Mini Cooper SE Electric: Compact, Charming, City Cruiser appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

What Drivers Should Consider Before They Buy

Everyone knows the benefits of buying a new EV. Electric vehicles don’t use fossil fuels, reducing their environmental impact and saving drivers money. These days, most used car dealerships have at least one or two in their showrooms. But are they worth buying?

Batteries Are the Biggest Worry for Used EV Buyers

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than their gas-powered alternatives. Fewer moving parts means less to go wrong, and EV owners’ typical driving habits further improve the situation. The limited range of most EVs means people don’t drive them as far.

What most drivers worry about when buying used EVs isn’t the general condition of the cars but the batteries. Most major battery components come with manufacturers’ warranties, and the EVs found at used car dealerships are usually well within the eight-to-ten-year warranty periods.

The flip side of the coin is that when EV batteries reach the end of their warranty periods, they are expensive to replace. The cost of purchasing a new battery pack starts at around $4,000 and can range as high as $10,000 for some models.

Eco-Friendly Drivers Can Do Their Part for the Planet Twice

Buying an EV takes one more combustion-powered engine off the road. That’s good for the environment since the pollutants emitted by traditional gas-powered cars contribute to climate change.

Buying any vehicles at used car dealerships is also better for the environment since it reduces the need for natural resource extraction. The initial manufacturing of an electric vehicle has a larger carbon footprint. Drivers who buy them new don’t start making up for the higher manufacturing emissions for 6 to 18 months.

Used EVs have already offset their initially higher emissions. Buying them instead of going for brand-new models right off the factory lines means drivers are doing their part for the future of the planet not once but twice.

Used EVs Don’t Make Sense for Everyone

That EVs run off electricity instead of gas is what sets them apart from traditional vehicles with combustion engines. Unfortunately, it also makes them a poor choice for some drivers.

EVs require frequent charging and older models have shorter ranges and lower battery capacity. Drivers who don’t have a place to plug in at home may find themselves at a disadvantage. The price of public charging stations varies significantly.

Renters may have difficulty convincing landlords to install dedicated 240-volt plugs. Plus, not all homes can support EV charger installation. If a home has old wiring, an electrician will need to fix it. Even if the house has modern wiring, installing an EV charger can cost thousands of dollars.

All these factors make it essential that buyers consider whether a used EV is the right solution. Talking to experts at reputable used car dealerships about the pros and cons of purchasing an electric vehicle can make the decision easier.

The post Is a Used EV a Good Idea? first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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It is a sure way to protect your investment and it will help to extend its life. Detailing an electric car is very similar to detailing a traditional gas-powered vehicle, with just a few things to look out for. Take a look at what you need to know.

Yes, It Can Go Through a Car Wash

Some new electric car owners wonder if they can take their EV through the car wash. The answer is yes. Just like a gas or diesel-powered vehicle, it is safe to bring your EV through a car wash. Automatic car washes will not cause any damage to the battery or electric system because they are all designed to prevent water from getting in.

If you prefer to wash it at home, you can do that too. You’ll need the same type of equipment to wash your EV as you would any other vehicle. Make sure to use soap made for washing cars, microfiber cloths to prevent paint damage, and two buckets of water, so you have one that will stay clean for rinsing. If you use a pressure washer, don’t use it near the charging port. The extra pressure could cause the water to get inside the port.

Cleaning the Charging Station

When it comes to electric vehicles and car detailing, the charging port and charging station need some attention. Before you do anything, make sure the charging station is turned off. You can then use dry cotton swabs to wipe away any dirt and grime that has built up on the charging ports.

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt from the outer housing, and then once you’ve removed the dirt you can use another dry microfiber cloth to dry it off. If you don’t take this step, make sure you give it plenty of time to air dry before you use it to charge.

Detailing the Interior

You can detail the interior of the car much like you would any other vehicle. Gather any trash and debris and throw it away, and then wipe down the dashboard and other surfaces with a damp cloth or spray a cloth with a car surface cleaner before wiping down the surfaces. Vacuum the seats, carpets, and floor mats. If you have removable floor mats, take them out and clean the carpet underneath them. You can then wash the floor mats outside of the car before putting them back in.

Don’t Forget the Wheels!

Car detailing means you take care of everything, including the wheels. Start by spraying them with water, and then apply a wheel cleaner. Use a soft brush to dislodge the dirt, grime, and brake dust before rinsing it off. Wash and rinse one wheel at a time.

The post What to Know about Detailing an Electric Car first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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Charging an electric car isn’t as easy or as straightforward as pulling up to a gas pump. There’s a lot more technology and things to consider when you need to plug in to recharge your EV batteries.

What happens if you charge your EV to 100% every time you charge? Should you use DC Fast-Charging exclusively? Can you still use a regular 120-volt outlet to charge your electric car? Where are the nearby electric charging stations?

Prior Proper Planning Prevents Problems

Even before you buy your new electric vehicle, you should know where the public charging stations in your area are located. Whether you’re heading out for a road trip that will take you away from home for several days or you’re taking a different path than normal, it’s important to know where the charging stations are so that you don’t end up stranded.

There’s An App For That

Thankfully, most charging networks provide apps to customers, and many electric vehicles have charging station locations programmed into the GPS system. Still, you need to have a charging plan before heading out in an EV. Electric vehicle charging stations aren’t as plentiful as gas stations for ICE vehicles yet.

Overcharging Your Battery – Reduces EV Battery Lifespan

Electric car batteries aren’t like smartphone batteries. They don’t need to be charged to 100% every time, and charging them past 80% can reduce the lifespan of the battery. Although 80% is the sweet spot for EV charging, most owners will plug in the EV overnight to ensure the battery hits 100% while charging.

Fast Charging, Slow Charging, Which Cable?

Electric cars come with various charging cables, each designed for a specific purpose. Using the wrong cable can slow down your charging time and damage your car’s battery. This could be a costly mistake, especially if you repeat it several times over. Make sure you have the right charging cable for your vehicle.

In most areas, the overnight time is considered the off-peak hours, which is also when electricity is cheapest. This is why many homeowners will run a clothes dryer at night because they can save some money. An electric vehicle uses the same amount of power to charge as an electric clothes dryer, which makes overnight charging a smart financial decision.

Less Frequent Maintenance Doesn’t Mean No Maintenance

Although EVs require less frequent maintenance, there’s still a schedule to follow, which is necessary when you drive any vehicle. This schedule is meant to help you keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. The battery pack is typically under warranty for eight years, but that coverage ends if you don’t keep up the vehicle’s maintenance.

Frequently Charging Your EV To 100% – The Optimum Level Is Less

Automakers list the driving range of a vehicle when it has a full battery, but they don’t add that you don’t need to charge it to full every time. If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll want to start with a battery at 100%, but this isn’t optimal for daily overnight charging.

Short Commutes Require Less Charging

If you want to optimize EV battery life, you’ll need to understand what your daily and weekly driving habits are. If you know that you won’t drive more than 40 or 50 miles in a given day, it’s not necessary to charge the batteries to 100% or to plug the car in every day. EV batteries will last longer when recharged less frequently, but if you’ve got a long journey coming up, by all means, charge the EV to 100%.

You Can’t Go To The Nearest Station For A Gallon Of Electricity

What used to be a pretty common sight is a person walking along the road toward the next gas station with a gas can in their hand. These drivers thought they could make it to the station, but that wasn’t the case. Unlike this inconvenience, you can’t just walk to the nearest EV charger and pick up a gallon of electricity. It’s important to watch your battery level and keep it in the sweet spot between 20 and 80% charge at all times.

Rapid Charging Reduces Battery Life

Some drivers swear by rapid charging or are still in the mindset that they must go to a station to refuel their vehicle. Current electric vehicles are made to be recharged most effectively at home using a 240-volt charging port. Although some people can’t avoid using rapid charging exclusively, if you have an at-home charger, plan to use it for almost all of your EV charging needs.

The post Maximize Your EV Battery Life: The Dos and Don’ts of Charging first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post Maximize Your EV Battery Life: The Dos and Don’ts of Charging appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

Gas stations are everywhere you look, but electric vehicle charging locations aren’t nearly as plentiful. Automakers and government agencies are working to rectify this problem. If you’re ready to make the transition from an ICE vehicle to an EV, you’ll want to understand some of the basics of charging and what to expect. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario, the same as it is when refueling your gas-powered vehicle.

Know your charging levels

Level 1

When EVs first hit the market, most were capable of charging overnight utilizing a traditional 120-volt household outlet. This charging level is called Level 1, and it’s the lowest power level you can use for charging an EV. Today’s EVs aren’t made to use this low level of charging, which has made Level 1 charging all but obsolete.

Level 2

Most electric car charging is done via Level 2 at-home charging. These chargers are twice as powerful as Level 1 systems, utilizing a 240-volt outlet in the home. Public chargers also offer Level 2 charging capabilities, but most drivers stopping along the route to recharge won’t select Level 2. Instead, this charging level is the perfect level for overnight charging. Currently, most EV drivers can only use a Level 2 charger to replenish their batteries to 100% charge.

Level 3

Electric car charging using a Level 3 DC Fast-Charging station is the fastest way to add driving range to any vehicle. Depending upon the voltage acceptance rate of the vehicle, these chargers can add up to 80% of the full charge to the EV batteries in less than one hour. Although this is the fastest charging rate, modern EVs with lithium-ion battery packs are limited to the 80% level to protect the batteries from overheating.

What charging socket is included in your EV?

Many automakers have recently announced plans to adopt the Tesla North American Charging Standard for their new vehicles. This should unify the types of chargers used and offer a larger charging network to most EV owners. Until this occurs, there are three different charging sockets used by automakers. This means EV owners must ensure the charging station selected has compatible charging sockets to power their EVs.

Can EVs fully charge at DC Fast-Chargers?

The widespread DC Fast-Charging network is meant to quickly add most of the electric car charging range to an EV to keep these vehicles going. An EV can fully charge at a DC Fast-Charger, but an EV that can utilize 350-kW of charging capability could see this rate drop to 50-kW once the 80% mark is reached. This slowing of the charging rate is to protect the EV batteries. Technically, the EV can be fully recharged at a Level 3 charger, but it’s not practical and takes a lot of time to go from 80-100%, which is time the driver could use to get closer to their desired destination.

Should EV drives join charging networks?

Unlike gas stations, where you can simply pull up to any pump, put in a credit card, and begin pumping, EV charging networks require accounts and memberships. This means most EV drivers should join multiple networks to have access to more chargers. Thankfully, modern EVs offer ways to consolidate all of these networks into a single account to ensure widespread charging availability and use. Still, if you purchase a pre-owned electric vehicle, you might not have this capability and will need to join several charging networks to have the best chance of accessing public charging locations.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

Typically, electric car charging is much more affordable at home than at public charging stations. Your at-home charging costs show up in your monthly electric bill, which could result in spending a lot less than when charging on the road. Regardless of how you charge your EV, it’s much more affordable than refueling a gas or diesel-powered vehicle. Additionally, electricity prices are generally pretty consistent compared to the constant ups and downs we see at gas stations.

Is there an etiquette to EV charging?

Unlike a gas pump, electric car charging requires a few rules of etiquette to be done properly. When you plug in, you’ll need to ensure the charging has begun correctly and wait a few minutes to ensure faults don’t occur. Once fully charged, it’s best to unplug your car and move away from the charger for others to use. Place the charger handle in the receptacle and protect the cables to ensure the charger is in good working order for the next EV driver.

Now that you know a little more about electric car charging, which EV will you drive?

The post Everything You Need to Know About Electric Car Charging first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Electric Car Charging appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

Until the infrastructure exists to support EVs in a similar manner to gas-powered vehicles, charging time, charger locations, and driving range will continue to be a serious consideration. Of course, there are other aspects of EVs that you’ve got to think about as well. Because these vehicles are new to the market, many automakers offer incentives, and the federal government also has a tax break for most EVs.

Here are some things you want to consider when you’re ready to buy an electric car.

Where do you go, and what do you take with you?

The early days of EVs offered nothing more than fully-electric hybrid vehicles, with Tesla being the only outlier. Today, EVs come in all shapes and sizes. There are off-road SUVs, pickup trucks, sedans, family-sized SUVs, and hatchbacks. The only thing missing is an all-electric minivan, but that’s probably coming. With this wide array of options, it’s important to know what you need and where you go when selecting the right EV to drive.

Where will you get fuel?

Owners of gas-powered cars don’t typically worry about finding a gas station but rather the price of a gallon of fuel. Unfortunately, electric car owners don’t have this same comfort. The infrastructure supporting EVs is still being created and expanding, which puts you at a disadvantage. Before buying an EV, find the local public chargers that you can use and find out whether or not you can install an at-home Level 2 charger for your overnight charging needs. If you can’t refuel your EV with electricity, it’s not worth buying.

Will your EV qualify for tax incentives?

The first round of the Federal EV Tax Credit was more of a blanket credit for hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs. This early version also had a vehicle limit, which was exceeded by a few automakers. The most recent tax credit opens things up for automakers that previously exceeded the limit while adding several constraints regarding the type of vehicle, where battery materials are mined, and where the vehicles are built. Will your EV qualify for these tax incentives?

How much driving range is required?

Electric cars list the driving range to help owners understand how far they can go between recharges at home. If you spend all of your time driving around town, you might not need more than 200 miles of driving range or an entire week. On the other hand, if you have a long commute or like to take weekend trips, you’ll want EV with at least 300 miles of driving range. Most EVs offer more than 200 miles, and some reach as high as 400 miles of range.

How much fun are you looking for in your EV?

Some EVs are advertised as fun, exciting, and fast. The Tesla Model S Plaid is considered the fastest electric vehicle in the world, but the new Lucid Air Sapphire might take this title away. Some EVs are built with off-road qualities, making adventures into the wilderness possible and fun. Although electric cars drive and feel different from traditional gas-powered vehicles, they can fit your lifestyle and offer the fun and excitement you desire.

Should you buy or lease your electric car?

This might be the second-most important question you’ll answer. Most advice normally points to buying over leasing, but EV technology is advancing so rapidly that leasing could be a much better option. Electric vehicles are new enough that some uncertainty still exists regarding the lifespan of EV batteries. If you want to err on the side of caution, it’s probably best to lease your first or second EV until more is known about the longevity of these new vehicles.

Would a PHEV or hybrid be a better option right now?

The newness of the electric car world could cause us to pause and take a step back. If you’re unsure whether or not you should drive a fully-electric car, you can dip a toe in the proverbial alternative fuel market with a traditional hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle. A PHEV could be the best option because most offer some of the same tax benefits as EVs and also provide 20 to 40 miles of all-electric driving range. Hybrid vehicles utilize a traditional gas engine for most of the driving, which makes them much more versatile than EVs.

Are you ready to buy an EV? Use these tips to help understand if you, the auto market, or the infrastructure is ready for you to drive a fully-electric vehicle.

The post How to Buy an Electric Car first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post How to Buy an Electric Car appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.