Important Questions You Should Ask Before Buying An Electric Vehicle

Although traditional vehicles and electric vehicles have the same basic purpose, which is to get you from point A to point B, there are some obvious differences between the two options. It's important to have a good understanding of these differences before you make the purchase. Without thorough research, you may find out the hard way that electric vehicles are not for you, or that it's just not the right time for you to purchase an electric vehicle.

How Do Electric Vehicles Work?

Unlike traditional cars that use gasoline to fuel combustion engines, electric vehicles work, exactly how they sound, electronically. These automobiles of the present and future contain battery packs that are charged by the electrical grid and consist of thousands of rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells. The battery packs require elaborate cooling systems in order to regulate the temperature around them and this system also supports the efficiency, safety, and life of the battery packs. Electric motors are actually far less complex than traditional combustion engines and typically have a one-speed transmission, meaning they can accelerate faster than the vast majority of internal combustion engines.

How Far Can Electric Vehicles Travel?

The distance that an electric vehicle can travel without recharging (the vehicle's range) depends on the battery pack. Many of the newer electric vehicles can travel just under 200 miles on a single charge. Some of the more expensive models can travel well over 300 miles. Increasing vehicle range is something that automobile manufacturers are constantly working on.

Where Can You Recharge Your Electric Vehicle?

Drivers can recharge their electric vehicles at designated charging stations. Although there are not nearly as many charging stations as gas stations, the numbers are increasing as the popularity of electric vehicles increases. Depending on the brand of your vehicle, you can also purchase charging stations for your home. Some electric vehicles even have charging equipment that connects easily to any power outlet, which makes driving an electric vehicle far more convenient.

How Long Does It Typically Take To Charge The Battery?

Charging your electric vehicle at home works well when you have the time to charge it for long periods of time, such as overnight. If you're driving your electric vehicle on a road trip or for long distances, you'll need to plan the route around available battery charging options. It's not like you can stop at any corner gas station in order to fuel up.

What Happens If the Battery Runs Out?

If the battery in your electric vehicle runs out of charge or electricity, the automobile will ultimately have to be towed to the nearest charging station. It should be noted that this can cause damage to the battery and reduce its lifespan. However, once the battery is fully recharged, the car will work as normal again.

What's The Typical Lifespan of An Electric Vehicle Battery?

Your electric vehicle battery should last anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 miles. This equals just about ten years for the average driver. One major electric vehicle manufacturer reports that a battery will lose around 5% of its capacity in the first 50,000 miles. After that, the battery life will drop much slower. Most electric vehicle manufacturers offer battery warranties of 5 or 8 years or 100,000 miles.

In conclusion, as electric vehicles become more popular, it's only normal to have questions about how they work. If you feel like an electric vehicle is right for you, head over to test drive a few models. If you're still not sure that an electric vehicle will suit your current needs, simply wait for them to develop further. The good news is, more consumers will favor them as they improve and when that happens, the prices will drop as well.