One of the most popular questions asked when people are shopping for electric cars is “Do I need to put gas in it?”
The answer to this question is a two-parter. The first part is a flat “no!” An electric car will run solely on electricity. There is absolutely no need to put gas into your electric car. However, if you own a hybrid electric car then you can put gas in it. The hybrid will run on electric power and once that is used up, will switch to old-fashioned gasoline.
An all-electric car is strictly used with electricity. There is not even a place to add gasoline. Plus, no oil changes!
To answer this question we must break down the two types of electric vehicles. First is the all-electric. This car runs only on a battery. It is effective, efficient, and most new models will run for a few days to a full week without needing to recharge. This satisfies people who are driving a long commute back and forth to work on a daily basis. With an all-electric car, the daily energy being used can generally be refilled from an ordinary 110-volt outlet at home. That means you don’t need to purchase an expensive 240-volt charger and go through the hassle of installing it.
All-electric vehicles also have less components and parts than a hybrid or a standard gas vehicle. This translates to less maintenance and less money out of your pocket. One of the things people really love about the all-electric cars is that they don’t require an oil change – ever!
The way all-electrics are different from the hybrid electric cars is that hybrids use both gasoline and electricity. The hybrid’s mileage via electricity is a bit shorter than the all-electric, and when it runs out of juice it will switch to gasoline. This offers maximum versatility. A short daily distance on electric and longer journeys by using gasoline. The fundamental difference is that with an all-electric vehicle, all you can use is electric.
With an electric car, especially a newer model, the range you can get from a full charge is upwards of 320 kilometers. That’s a pretty long drive without stopping. Despite this, some people still worry about running out of electricity halfway to their destination. Nobody wants to get stuck on the roadside with an empty battery. Even though that is unlikely to happen, here are some ways you can maximize the range of your shiny new electric car.
Try to lay off the gas. If you stomp the pedal and treat your electric car like a rocket, all that stomping is going to suck up electricity. Conserve by taking it easy and driving at the posted speed limits. Switch into “eco” mode if your car has it and accelerate gently. Sport mode is great fun but will drain your battery faster than being a moderate and sensible driver. This rule is similar to saving gasoline.
We all like to be comfortable, and some of us like to drive inside of a four-wheeled sauna on their way to work. Remember that the heat and AC in your car are going to use electricity and that your car runs on electricity. Conserve energy by not blasting too much heat and maybe rolling down the windows in the summer instead of cranking the AC full blast. A clever trick in the winter is to preheat your vehicle in the morning while it is still charging. When it comes to the AC, blast the fan instead of the compressor. Let the air cool you down instead of the frigid ice some people like to fire out of their grills.
Keep your tires at the right pressure levels. If your car’s tires are underinflated then it can cause drag and increase the energy output, sucking up your miles. Test the tire pressure every so often and make sure to keep them filled at the right amount.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the lighter your car is the less it will eat up energy. If you have 300 pounds of rocks in the trunk, chances are your mileage will be reduced. Pack light if you can and save on the energy. This is easy. Just take out the extra hockey equipment after practice and store it inside until practice day comes around again. Keep all the unneeded junk out of the trunk!
Another no-brainer, but it is wise to plan a short, energy-efficient route. This does not necessarily mean the highway. You will get better mileage out of your new electric car by keeping the speed low and steady. Coast along the side roads instead of cranking down the highway. This will save energy and reduce the need for recharging. Of course, this means avoiding steep roads and hilly areas where applicable.
When thinking about your car’s battery, the best thing you can do is think about it like you would your cellphone battery. Most people choose to charge their cars at night while they’re at home, just like how people charge their phones on their nightstand while snoozing. Similarly, it is possible to charge your car while at work, just like you would charge your phone in the staff room.
And so, the answer to this question is a simple “yes!” Your battery will function just like any other rechargeable battery. If it runs out of juice, it won’t work. If you have 63% juice left and you plug it in for a few hours, you will come back to 100% juice. There is no wrong time to recharge your car. 7% or 89%, it can go nowhere but up while charging.
This is a tough question. In order to understand if an electric vehicle is for you or not, you must ask yourself a few questions first.
If your answer is yes, an electric car is for you. There is no question that gasoline-fueled vehicles are one of the leading factors in air pollution and smog, especially in crowded cities where there are millions of people spewing fumes into the sky. If you love the environment and want to put an end to pollution, get behind the wheel of an electric car and be proud of your lowered carbon emissions. Save a few trees, a couple of fish, and maybe even a beaver. Anyone dedicated to saving the Earth will love an electric car.
The answer is undoubtedly a very loud “Yes!” We are all sick of buying gas. Nobody likes driving to the station in the morning and being late to work because you forgot to fill your tank the day before. With an electric car, there are no more gas stations. Charge your car before you go to sleep and wake up refreshed with a refreshed electric charge! Sounds pretty good, right? You can now avoid all those annoying “How about those gas prices, eh?” conversations with your coworkers.
If you like a smooth and quite ride with a bit of a kick, an electric car is right for you. Most models of electric vehicles are ultra-quiet and offer a pretty impressive rate of acceleration. We aren’t telling you to race your friends at the red light, but with an electric car, you certainly can. They are also nice for long drives through the country. No more annoying engine sound to bother you on your peaceful commute.
Is an Electric Car for Me?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, an electric car is definitely for you. Save the planet, drive a fast and agile car, and stop dealing with the expensive gas station fill-ups. These are just three of the huge reasons electric cars are growing more popular by the day. It’s hard to find a person an electric car isn’t good for.
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