Home / Residential / Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles

Not so long ago, electric vehicles (EVs) were something more often read about than seen. Now, every major automaker is rolling out their version of a battery-powered car. There are more total electric cars than ever, so it’s not uncommon to be cruising down the Atlanta Highway next to a Tesla or Ford’s Mustang Mach-E.

More people are considering making their next car an EV. Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, EVs are gaining in popularity because of their cheaper energy costs, low maintenance and good overall performance.

Here are some questions to consider before purchasing an electric vehicle.

Does the battery have enough range?

Range anxiety has been a major argument against EVs. However, EV batteries are improving every year, allowing owners to travel longer distances between charges. The average standard EPA-estimated driving range of a mid-price EVs is 200 to 300 miles on a full charge.

Speed, driving habits, weather and the car’s climate control all impact true range. For instance, you’ll burn through more kilowatts of energy at highway speeds than while cruising around town. Also, you can also expect range to suffer in the summer, dropping by an average 17 percent when the air conditioning is running.

How long does it take to charge an EV?

Recharging an EV takes longer than pumping a tank full of gas. The three charging levels that determine how fast an EV can charge are Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 (also known as DC fast charging). Fully charging a car can be done in just 30 minutes (Level 3), or it may take 6 to 12 hours using a Level 2 charger. What is Level 1, 2, 3 Charging?

Will I be able to charge it at home?

Charging at home is the convenient way to juice up an EV, but you’ll likely want to upgrade an outlet specifically for the purpose.

The 120-volt wall outlet found in the average home garage isn’t practical for charging a modern long-range EV’s huge battery. Only around 3 to 5 miles of range per hour will be gained using this power source.

The most common choice for EV owners is to have an electrician install 240-volt service in your garage to accommodate Level 2 charging.

How much does it cost to fuel an EV?

At current prices, a gas-powered vehicle costs 5 times more to fuel than the average EV that is replenished along Walton EMC lines. Four dollars of gasoline will power a combustion engine vehicle for 24 miles while an EV will go 123 miles for the same price. Calculate EV fuel costs.

Are there public charging stations where I live, work and shop?

Even with greater range in the latest models, there will be times when your EV needs an extra jolt of volts away from home.

Charging stations are in communities throughout the Walton EMC service area. For instance, you can find a Level 2 charging station at places like Walgreens in Monroe and O’Kelly Memorial Library in Loganville.

Download apps to help you find chargers when on the go. PlugShare, Chargeway and ChargeHub offer the broadest coverage.

Are there any incentives available?

Find out more information at https://www.irs.gov/clean-vehicle-tax-credits.

Should I lease or buy?

Leasing an EV for two or three years can help ensure you’ll keep up with the latest technology, particularly with regard to operating range.

How much does it cost to insure an EV?

Once you choose an EV model, get a quote from your auto insurance company or shop around for coverage.

Will I still need a gas-powered ride as a backup?

You’ll want to ensure any EV model you’re considering comes with the features you need for comfortable travel and convenience. Is there enough room for your family to ride comfortably? Is there adequate cargo space for storing groceries and kid gear like strollers? Always give any vehicle you’re considering a thorough test drive to see if it drives to your liking, is comfortable and you find its controls easy to operate.