Is An Electric Vehicle Right For Me?
The future of the automobile industry is electric. Every year electric cars are getting better and cheaper and every year more and more consumer are purchasing electric cars. Depending on where you live, you likely see many electric cars every day. There are some key differences between electric cars and the gas powered cars that you are used to. Here we'll explore both the benefits and the disadvantages of owning electric.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Electric
Daily Commute
Most of today's electric vehicles have a driving range-per-charge between 50 to 330 miles. If your daily commute is under 250 miles per day, there is likely an affordable EV model that will fit your needs.
BUYER TIP: When you're looking at EVs, be sure to check the "range-per-charge" for the vehicle. This is the number of miles the car can typically drive between full charges. For example, if the range per charge for an EV is 100 miles and your daily commute is 30 miles, you should be able to go about 3 days between charges (30mi + 30mi + 30mi = 90mi). EV range varies significantly between models.
Road Trips
Long road trips can present challenges for today's electric vehicles. Public charging infrastructure and battery technology is continually improving, but planning is still required for long trips. There are many EV models available with a range-per-charge of 150 to 250 miles. There are some high-end EVs that can get over 330 miles on a single charge.
Your Household
If you live in a household with more than one car, an EV likely represents a big opportunity for your family to save a lot of money, while improving the quality of our environment. Use an EV for commuting and use the other vehicle for long distance drives... it's just that easy!
Parking
Plugin electric vehicles require charging. Charging can be done with a standard 120V outlet or you can have a 240V charger installed in your garage or driveway. Known as "Level 2 EVSE equipment," 240V charging reduces charging time substantially, is more energy efficient and some EVSE models allow you to schedule charging times, which may allow you to take advantage of special electric rates.
Save Money & Pollute Less
EVs cost less to drive and pollute less, period. An EV uses electricity that is typically generated from sources that are cleaner than burning gasoline or diesel in a vehicle.
It Might Not Be The Right Time If....
- you commute 300+ miles per day.
- you do not have off-street parking, it may be difficult to charge your EV at home.
- you regularly take long road trips, EV charging may not be convenient. Note, BEVs have ranges from 80 to more than 300 miles per charge, which is similar to the range of some gas-fueled cars.
BUT, keep in mind, EV range is steadily increasing every year, and there is probably a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that would be a good fit for you. While PHEVs still use gasoline and require oil changes, many models have an all-electric range that will meet your daily commuting mileage needs.
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Things to Know About EVs
There are various types of EVs available; these are the three most common:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs or AEVs)
Battery Electric Vehicles have a battery and an electric motor instead of a gas tank and an internal combustion engine. Sometimes BEVs are also referred to as "All Electric Vehicles" or "Plug-in Vehicles" (not to be confused with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). They run entirely on electricity and do not produce any exhaust from the burning of fuel.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor AND a gas-powered internal combustion engine. Some PHEVs operate exclusively, or almost exclusively, on electricity until the battery is nearly depleted, then the gasoline-powered engine turns on to provide power. Like Battery Electric Vehicles, PHEVs can be plugged in to charge the battery when the vehicle is not in use.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor AND a gas-powered internal combustion engine, and don't plug-in for charging. HEVs can have substantial range on a single tank of gas, but they still burn fossil fuel, produce carbon emissions, require trips to the gas station and scheduled engine-maintenance. An HEV may be an ideal choice for those with extended commutes and limited charging system access.
The Benefits
Save Time and Money
Without all of the usual engine upkeep — oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, engine belt replacements — you’ll spend less time and money on maintenance.
Easy Charging
Charging is as easy as plugging in your smartphone. Your EV comes equipped with Level 1 charging which means you can simply plug in anywhere there’s a 3-prong outlet.
Innovative Technology
Enjoy next level tech and design. Everything from battery life to driving history is easy to view on the tablet-like display screen. You can even track real-time vehicle information to help you maximize efficiency.
Fun to Drive
Ready to go electric or just explore the idea? Consider the redesigned 2024 Bolt EV, all-new 2024 Bolt EUV, or the first ever Electric Silverado EV - , they take you where you want to go, 100% gas-free.
Charging is Easy
Charging your vehicle is as simple as plugging in your smartphone. Whether it’s starting your day with a full charge or utilizing a network of over 40,000 public stations, Chevrolet provides the tools to ensure a convenient experience.
Charge Anywhere.
Standard
120-VOLT PORTABLE CHARGE CORD
Offers about 4 miles of range per hour of charge and is a great option for overnight charging. Just plug in anywhere there’s a 3-prong outlet.
Charge At Home.
Available
240-VOLT/32-AMP CHARGING UNIT
Offers up to 25 miles of range per hour of charge time and is the fastest, most recommended way to charge at home (professional installation required).
Charge On The Go.
Available
DC FAST CHARGING
Offers up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charge time† and is available for public use.
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.
Emissions & Energy Efficiency
Emissions - EVs produce no tailpipe emissions. Even when the power is generated using fossil fuels, electric vehicles usually show significant reductions in overall global carbon emissions over gasoline vehicles due to the highly carbon-intensive process of mining, pumping, refining and transporting gasoline.
Reduced Operating Costs
The average U.S. household spends nearly one-fifth of its total family expenditures on transportation, thus saving on fuel can make a big difference in the average family's budget.
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.
The Disadvantages
It is important to consider both sides of the equation when deciding if an EV is right for you. Despite the massive push in this country to move to a greater number of electric vehicles, there remain several potential disadvantages or cons of owning and operating an electric car. These disadvantages include finding charging stations, charging times, higher initial costs, limited driving range, and battery packs can be expensive to replace. There is no doubt that the future is electric and as both the adoption rate of EVs increase and the underlying technology matures these downsides will become less and less of a factor.
Finding a Charging Station
Currently, there is no real comparison between the #s of gas stations vs charging stations. For many who might charge at home every night and don't regularly need access to other charges this is only a minor factor.
Charging Takes Longer
One thing gas has over electricity is how quickly you can refill the tank. Filling up at a gas station takes two to three minutes. Recharging an electric car can take hours to fully charge.
The Driving Range on a Full Charge
The range of electric cars has increased with battery technology in recent years. It is now not uncommon to see new electric cars with an effective range over 300 miles.
Higher Initial Purchase Cost
While it is true that all electric cars cost less to operate then their gas-powered cousins, the lower ongoing costs typically come at the tradeoff of a higher purchase price.
Already an EV Owner?
EV CHARGING STATION HOME INSTALLATION
The ability to charge at home plays heavily into a consumer’s decision to purchase an electric vehicle. This partnership removes perceived barriers to finding a reputable, cost-friendly EV charging station installer. Through Qmerit, EV owners will be able to fill out a simple online survey and be provided with up to three competitive installer quotes. The survey will ensure quotes are precise based on the unique characteristics of the owner’s home.
EV CHARGING ON THE GO NOW EASIER THAN EVER
Energy Assist, first available for customers in 2017, currently enables EV owners to plan and manage their routes more effectively, locate available charging stations – both along their route and in the area – monitor their route and receive real-time alerts if their range projections change dramatically. Energy Assist is integrated with data from the vehicle, which enables intelligent planning and precise charge time predictions.