EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT EVs (but were afraid to ask)!

The Epic EV Roadtrip aims to: educate the public about electric vehicles; encourage 10,000 new EV test drives; and hasten the transition to EVs from gas powered vehicles. EVs are cleaner, less expensive to fuel and maintain, and are really, really fun to drive … and an EV is making this 18,000 mile trip.

See below for a brief intro on many topics regarding EVs. Learn about their benefits and take a test drive soon. You have nothing to lose - except for trips to the gas station and stinky tail pipe emissions. You won’t be sorry. Pledge to take a test drive HERE...

EV vs ICEV Basics

The fundamental difference between EVs (electric vehicles) and ICEVs (internal combustion engine vehicles) is that EVs are run by electric motors that are powered by batteries built into the vehicle, while ICEVs are run by piston engines that are powered by burning fossil fuels. ICEVs refuel their tanks at gas stations, while EVs typically recharge their batteries by plugging in to an electrical outlet overnight for normal daily trips, and at faster recharging stations during longer trips. EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, while ICEVs emit greenhouse gases such as CO2 and a variety of hydrocarbons.

Alphabet Soup (HEV, PHEV, ICEV)

A summary of the spectrum from electric vehicles to vehicles with internal combustion engines:

(B)EV = (Battery) Electric Vehicle: Runs solely on battery power and does not have a gas engine.
PHEV = Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Primarily runs by battery power and falls back on its gas engine when the battery is low. These are much closer to all-electric than gasoline-powered.
HEV = Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Primarily powered by a gas engine, though battery power provides assistance and can solely run the vehicle at low speeds. These are much closer to gas powered than to all-electric.
ICEV – Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle: Powered solely by a gas engine. Does not have battery-run electric motors.

EV Regenerative Braking

The regenerative braking systems of EVs (and hybrids) slow the vehicle while converting much of the kinetic energy from the vehicle’s momentum into energy that can be stored back into the battery (allowing it to be reused). This differs from conventional braking systems, where the vehicle is slowed by the friction between the brake pads and the rotors, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat (which is wasted). Less energy wasted = better efficiency!

Tax Incentives for EV Purchases

As of this writing, there is a $7,500 federal tax credit for purchasing qualifying EVs in the U.S. as well as additional state tax credits in many states. A tax credit is a reduction in tax liability, not a reduction of purchase price or a tax deduction. Once a manufacturer has sold 200,000 EVs in the U.S., a phase out period begins, eventually reducing the credit to $3,750, then to $1,875 and then to $0. Some jurisdictions have other benefits including use of carpool lanes. Ontario currently has a $14.000 (CAN) tax credit for qualifying vehicles.

Parts That EV’s Don’t Have

An EV does not have a radiator, radiator hoses, timing belt, water pump, alternator, oil pan, fuel filters, clutch, O2 sensors, catalytic converter, starter motor, thermostat, serpentine belt, spark plugs and wires, fuel injectors, fuel pump, and the list goes on. With an EV, you will never again need oil changes, radiator flushes, tune ups, nor will you likely need new brake rotors. WARNING: With an EV, you WILL need to replace your wiper blades and tires with the same frequency and keep your wiper fluid topped off. Due to regenerative braking, your brake pads will also last much longer than they would in a ICEV.

Torque and Acceleration

Due to the electric motors of EVs, torque and acceleration is instantaneous and constant. Most EVs will easily beat their ICEV counterparts off of the line – in fact, various production Tesla sedans and SUVs have beaten the best sports cars in the world on the track. While you may not have an interest in drag racing or impressing the stranger next to you at the stoplight, quick acceleration is often important when merging onto highways and avoiding accidents and may be the difference between a near miss and a tragic accident. Take a test drive and experience this for yourself.

Factors Affecting EV Range

A particular EV does NOT have a single "range" (a distance that the car can travel from a full charge). The actual range of an EV can be affected by the speed you drive, the elevation change of your route, temperature and other factors. Generally, the stated “rated” range for an EV is given for driving on flat roads at 65 mph in normal temperatures with little or no wind. Driving faster than 65 mph will increase the wind drag and reduce your range, and driving slower than 65 mph can increase your range. Subjecting the car battery to very cold temperatures can significantly decrease your range. The effective range is also reduced when not starting with a full charge, and when not willing to run the battery to a zero charge.

Range Anxiety

One common objection to owning an EV is based on the fear of running out of charge during travel. This objection is becoming weaker as:

More EVs are becoming available with ranges in excess of 200 miles, and
Public charging stations are popping up everywhere.

Driving an EV does require trip planning, and you should understand what range suits your needs.

Recharging on Long Trips

Is it inconvenient to recharge your car battery? Well, maybe yes and maybe not so much. Many people think of recharging as stopping their travels and waiting for the car to be ready to use again. However, 95% of your travels will likely be commuting or short trips that only require you to plug in at home – it takes just a few seconds to plug in and unplug the charging cord each day. This is actually more convenient than a gasoline vehicle, since you’ll never have to stop for gas – sometimes in the freezing cold, wind, or driving rain. No more being late for a meeting as you wait in line for a pump.

During longer trips, however, there is a paradigm shift. Planning ahead is key, since recharging takes quite a bit longer than filling up with gas. Seasoned EV long-distance travelers will start with a full charge, try to take rest stops where they can plug in for a few minutes, and fully recharge during meal stops. They often find themselves more refreshed at the end of a long trip.

EV Trip Planning

When taking trips that exceed your battery's range, some advance planning is recommended. EVTripPlanner.com is one of several excellent resources to use to plan your path and recharging stops. With this online tool, adjustments are made for the car used, your average speed relative to typical traffic, interior and exterior temperature, wind conditions, and other factors. Other tools include ABetterRoutePlanner.com as well as on-board mapping systems that come standard in some vehicles, including Teslas. Additional time should be built in to your trip since charging takes longer than refueling an ICEV.

Is an EV Right for You?

Maybe or maybe not - but more likely than you might think. Challenges still occur for those who do not have a dedicated power source at home. If you have a garage with a 240V/40A source, you will have no problem recharging each night. If you live in an apartment without a charging station and have no adequate charging source at work, an EV might not be right for you…yet.

EV Charging & Superchargers

Instead of going to the gas station to fill your car with gas, electric vehicles can charge from nearly any electrical outlet. The rate that your battery can recharge depends on the voltage and amperage of the outlet. The more kilowatts of power provided, the faster the recharge:

Level 1 Charging – Provides about 1.2 kilowatts (kW) of power to your vehicle (from AC sources such as a common 120V/10A outlet found in most US homes.) May provide 3 miles of range per hour charge.
Level 2 Charging – Provides about 9.6 kW power (from AC sources such as common 240V/40A outlets used for clothes dryers) and charging roughly 8 times faster that Level 1 chargers. May provide 30 miles of range per hour of charging – preferred by most homeowners.
Level 3 Chargers (DC Fast Chargers) – Provides up to 60 kW power (common at public charging stations – but not compatible with all electric vehicles)
Level 3 Chargers (Tesla Superchargers) – Provides up to 120 kW power (fastest charging available, currently only able to charge Tesla vehicles.) May completely charge a vehicle in less than an hour.

Tesla Supercharging Network

When driving long distances, finding fast charging stations can be very important to keep you on schedule. Tesla currently has a network of the superchargers available along nearly every major highway. The power available is as much as 120kW, which is 2 to 3 times faster than the common Level 2 chargers found at many public charging stations. Tesla continues to expand their U.S. and international network of superchargers. Click here for a map of existing and proposed Tesla superchargers.

Engine vs. Motor Efficiency

A conventional ICEV engine has an efficiency of between 0.12-0.20, meaning that only about 20% of the energy in the gasoline is converted to kinetic energy of the vehicle. This is dominated by the engine efficiency. In contrast, electric motors are significantly more efficient, ranging in efficiency from 0.65 to 0.95.

Fuel Cost (EV vs ICE)

While a comparison of fuel costs is highly dependent on current gas and electricity prices, the type of cars being driven, the grade of fuel used, the area of the country, and how the car is driven, it is common for EV electricity fueling costs to be 30-40% of the gas fuel costs for an equivalent ICEV. The potential for lower vehicle maintenance costs can further reduce the total cost of driving an EV (see “Parts That EV’s Don’t Have” section above).

EV vs ICEV Sustainability

Just because an EV has no tail pipe emissions does not mean that it is totally clean. The electricity to charge the battery is generated somewhere. Energy is also used to manufacture the vehicle. Fortunately, the percentage of electricity produced by clean methods such as solar and wind are increasing while the use of coal is decreasing. For ICEVs, in addition to burning fossil fuels on the road, significant energy goes into the extraction, refining and transportation of gasoline and diesel. It has been estimated that an EV leaves around one-half the carbon footprint that an ICEV does.

Taking a Test Drive

If you are interested in learning more about EVs, nothing is better than taking a test drive and talking to a sales associate. My (Steve’s) personal experience is that Tesla stores have knowledgeable sales associates, but some associates at legacy dealerships have little or no knowledge of their electric vehicles. Treat yourself to a test drive (and don’t forget to Pledge to Take an EV Test Drive on our site to register your intent.

Less Polluting

Electric vehicles are far less polluting than gasoline or diesel powered vehicles, even when the source of electricity is from coal. The reason for this is that gasoline engines are only 20% efficient; only 20% of the fuel expended ends up turning the wheels of the car. Electric cars are 90% efficient. They simply make better use of the energy source! And, the electric grid gets cleaner every year. The Union of Concerned Scientists recently released a report stating that right now EVs are equivalent to a gasoline car achieving 80+ MPG. We’re moving in the right direction year by year, and buying an EV is a giant step toward the goal of a pollution free environment.

Cost of Ownership

Although pure electric cars are still somewhat more expensive than their gasoline/diesel counterparts, the vastly reduced cost of ownership mitigates the upfront costs significantly. An EV has only a fraction of the moving parts of a traditional car. There’s simply fewer parts to wear out. Oil changes and smog checks are virtually eliminated. “Fuel” costs for EVs are often a third to one half of gasoline powered cars. Home solar can reduce the cost of charging your electric car further. Regenerative braking (slowing/stopping the car charges the battery) greatly extends brake pad life. Keep this in mind when pricing an electric vehicle.

Repairs as Profit Centers

It is often suggested that car dealerships make much more of their profits from repairs than from selling new cars. This could be a reason the transition from gas powered vehicles to EVs has been so slow. Dealerships may be more interested in selling vehicles for which they can provide more service. Refer to "Parts That EVs Do Not Have" section above to see how much less repair potential there is for an EV.

There are many BEV and PHEVs on the market today. To see a partial list, click here.