Tips for First-Time EV Owners
So, you decided to switch, trading in your trusty internal combustion engine for a zero-emission plug-in or electric vehicle. With gas prices so high and a plethora of new EV models from which to choose, that trend will only increase. There are a few things that every first-time electric car buyer should ask themselves before making the switch from gas to electric, so here are a few tips for first-time EV buyers.
Charging at Home is Easiest for EV Owners
In the U.S., 80% of EV charging is done at home, generally overnight, rather than at public charging stations. Charging at home is cheaper and faster for EV owners than using public charging stations. You take advantage of your downtime and cheaper electricity rates by charging at home overnight. The most convenient place to charge up your EV is your garage but relying on a Level 1 120-volt cord that came with your EV means you only get a few miles of driving from each hour of charge. After a long drive, it could take all day to fill your battery again. Installing a 240-volt outlet and a Level 2 charger lets you fill up five times faster.
Take Advantage of Regenerative Braking
The regenerative braking systems in EVs help a great deal to preserve charge, recapturing a large portion of the energy lost as you slow down. This can significantly benefit the driving range depending on driving conditions and your vehicle's size. Regenerative brakes work like a generator and feed energy back into the hybrid or electric system to help replenish a little bit of range. These small boosts in battery range can accumulate and improve efficiency over time when used regularly.
What Does MPGe Stand for?
The efficiency of EVs is measured in what is called Miles Per Gallon Equivalent or MPGe. The Environmental Protection Agency devised the MPGe formula. It determined that 33.7 kWh of electricity is equivalent to the energy content of a gallon of fuel. So, an EV uses 33.7 kWh of electricity to travel 100 miles or an MPGe of 100. This enables you to calculate how much it costs to charge your car.
How Do I Charge My EV on the Road?
No matter the range of your EV, there will be a time when you are out and about and need to charge up. Which means you will need to know where the public charging station is. Public chargers are typically installed in public parking garages, retail parking lots, new-car dealerships, and even on some urban streets. Public charging stations are typically Lever 2 or DC Fast Chargers. Several apps and websites offer interactive maps showing the locations of public charging stations, what type of charging they support, and even whether or not they're currently in use.
Reedman Toll Chevrolet is Here to Help!
If you would like to learn more about owning an Electric Vehicle or purchasing your first one, please visit Reedman Toll Chevrolet, where our mission is to be the automotive home of drivers in the Langhorne, PA area. We provide a vast selection of new and used vehicles, exceptional car care, and customer service with a smile. We can't wait to help you step into the electrified future.Â
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