7 Things You Need to Know About Electric Cars

The emergence of electric vehicles (EV) has broadened the introduction of renewable energy in the sector of transport. As one form of energy-consuming technology, these vehicles have created a new demand for electricity that can be supplied from renewables such as solar energy. In addition to the benefits gotten from this technological shift, there is also a reduction of air pollution especially the ones caused by the release of CO2 in the air. It has also created significant efficiency gains that create room for this technological mobility to emerge as an important storage device for renewable electricity. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the main parameters that you need to know about electric cars.

Some Electric Cars Have Engines – Some Don’t

when some people come across the word “electric cars”, they often think it is the vehicle fitted with a pure battery such as Tesla Model S or the Nissan Leaf. There is a need for such individuals to know that there are cars that are designed with a plug of recharging a battery from a wall as well as its engine. This is the technology that has been adapted by hybrids such as Honda, Toyota, and Ford, and it can be employed to other dedicated vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt. The people with such cars make every effort to ensure that their vehicles would travel many miles using electric power alone as a source of energy. To avoid these cars from becoming immobile on the sides of the road, drivers ensure that the charge in their batteries does not get depleted as well as maintaining their gas level.

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Temperature Matters

The recommended temperature for electric car batteries is set around 700 Fahrenheit. Extreme heat such as in Arizona and Phoenix, where the road surfaces can have a temperature of around 150 degrees during summer, and extreme colds such as in Canada and some parts of the U.S, can reduce the range.

Electric Car Temperature
Electric Car Temperature

However, if such extreme heat is added to the energy-sucking heater, or rather to the air conditioner, the range of electric cars would be reduced by a third, especially in very cold weather. It is important to keep in mind that the weather condition of California is almost perfect for electrical vehicles in most parts of the year. Therefore, this republic is expected to buy more-plug electric vehicles as compared to the combination of its 5 immediate states.

Range Anxiety Abates

It is entirely normal to see the drivers worrying after seeing the number of miles to cover yet the battery of their electric car is tickling down to zero. However, an experienced driver would say that the newbies drive few miles in a day than they think.

Do Not Panic
Do Not Panic

Over time, such drivers will become comfortable after knowing that a fully charged electric vehicle can cover several miles over and over again before the battery charge gets depleted.

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Electric Cars Cost More to Buy Than Similar Gasoline Cars

The plug-in electric car that is considered to be least expensive, which is the 2013 Smart for Two Electric drive, costs twice as compared to gasoline For Two. For instance, before incentives are deducted, the cost of a 2013 Nissan Leaf electric car is expected to start at $28800 as the Sentra of the same size starts at $15,990.

Electric Car Costs
Electric Car Costs

Electric Cars Cost a Lot Less Per Mile to Operate

If the gasoline would cost you $4, 100 miles is likely to be covered by the 25-mpg car and consume a fuel costing $ 16. On the other hand, for an electric car to cover the same distance, it would cost you from 75cents to $6.50 on electricity depending on your local rate per kilowatt per hour.

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Electric Cars are Much Nicer to Drive Than You Think

The stage in which we could have said these cars are all “golf cats” has already passed. But seemingly, many drivers are yet to know that electric vehicles are not only very quiet but also have surprising torquey.

Driving With Plesure
Driving With Pleasure

Besides, they produce maximum output that starts from 0rpm, therefore, acceleration of them are strong and smooth from the stop
There is a long tailpipe in gasoline cars but electric cars emit less.
Studies have shown that when driving a mile in a 25-mpg car, more CO2 is likely to be produced as compared to when grid power is driven. Arguably, in many states, it is better to drive in more than a mile in a 50-mpg Toyota Prius hybrid car that is the most fuel-efficient as compared to other car models.


Written by M Eduard

M. Eduard was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. Eduard spent his MBA summer internship at Sungevity, a residential solar energy retail company in Oakland, CA. He started this website to share his knowledge about renewable energy.