frequently asked questions
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1. How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle (EV)?
The short answer is that all available EVs could fully recharge their batteries overnight with a 240V (electric dryer) style connection with sufficient amperage. The longer answer is "it depends." Read on if you want to get nerdy. There can be several variables, but it is primarily based on three things:
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For example, a Tesla Model 3 can support 250kW fast DC charging power, but that level of power is not available in most locations yet. All of the Tesla Superchargers in West Virginia are currently (as of May 2, 2020) supplying 150kW maximum DC power, so that would be the limit at a Supercharger. However, home charging would be less. At home the Model 3 can (depending on its battery configuration) can accept either 7.6kW or 11.5kW maximum for AC charging. At Level 1 charging from a standard 120V household outlet, the Model 3 could only draw 1.4kW. So, you can see the range of charging power from 1.4kW all the way up to 150kW in West Virginia. Roughly, you could say that it could take 100 times longer to charge on a Level 1 outlet versus a Fast DC charger. Technically, there are other variables that make that less true, but we won't get into that here (e.g., charge curve, temperature, etc.). Recharging a long range Tesla Model 3 could take a handful of hours at home on a Level 2 240V charger and an hour or less at a Supercharger, again depending on how much charge you need and other variables.
These figures will vary by make/model of vehicle and by charger, so if you really care to delve into the details, this is something you can investigate before purchasing. BUT, generally, if you're happy charging overnight on a 240V circuit, don't sweat it. Only if you're driving long distances does it become more of an issue.
These figures will vary by make/model of vehicle and by charger, so if you really care to delve into the details, this is something you can investigate before purchasing. BUT, generally, if you're happy charging overnight on a 240V circuit, don't sweat it. Only if you're driving long distances does it become more of an issue.
2. What kind of maintenance is required by EVs?
Because EVs do not have many of the components of an internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicle, there are relatively few maintenance items. There is no oil or oil filter to change, there are no spark plugs, there is no exhaust system, there isn't a multi-gear transmission (in all EVs except one), no engine air filter, no fuel filters, oxygen sensors, you get the idea. That leaves us with the basics of tires/tire rotations, wiper blades/fluid, brakes/brake fluid, 12V batteries and the interior cabin systems like HVAC. All the major mechanical power train components on an EV do not require any type of frequent maintenance, but check the owner's manual to see what items might require some longer term maintenance (battery health check, etc.).
Because EVs do not have many of the components of an internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicle, there are relatively few maintenance items. There is no oil or oil filter to change, there are no spark plugs, there is no exhaust system, there isn't a multi-gear transmission (in all EVs except one), no engine air filter, no fuel filters, oxygen sensors, you get the idea. That leaves us with the basics of tires/tire rotations, wiper blades/fluid, brakes/brake fluid, 12V batteries and the interior cabin systems like HVAC. All the major mechanical power train components on an EV do not require any type of frequent maintenance, but check the owner's manual to see what items might require some longer term maintenance (battery health check, etc.).
3. How much does it cost to drive on electricity?
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Electric vehicles use electricity that is priced per kWh on your electric bill. When charging at home, that's what it will cost to recharge. You can visit fueleconomy.gov to learn about the efficiency of both EVs and ICE powered vehicles to estimate costs. For example, a long range Tesla Model 3 has an efficiency rating of 26kWh per 100 miles on the above site. If you drive 12,000 miles per year and your driving is similar to EPA testing, then you could estimate your costs as follows. Divide your desired annual miles by 100 and multiply by 26 to get an estimated kWh. Add about 10% to cover charging losses and then multiply by the rate you pay for power.
If you have solar power and can generate the 3,432 kWh you need annually from your panels, then you can basically drive for free! How does that sound? |
4. How long does the battery last and what happens to EV batteries at the end of their life?
Batteries are generally warrantied for 5-8 years by the manufacturer, but typically last much longer depending on the battery chemistry and cooling system, the environment in which the car is driven (hot southwest versus colder northeast, etc.), and how the vehicle is driven/charged. Some Teslas have been used as taxis and have been driven hundreds of thousands of miles on the original battery. Bottom line is that most modern EVs will last longer than most folks keep a vehicle. You may see some degradation in the capacity of the battery, but this is generally a minor decline over time. OEM warranties generally cover severe degradation, below 70% of the original capacity, but check the warranty for details.
Most consumer EV batteries at the end of their first life will have a "second life" as stationary energy storage. Nissan, BMW, and others have demonstrated this capability. Tesla batteries from wrecked vehicles are highly sought after for hobbyist projects. Ultimately, the batteries can be recycled and this process is being more fully developed. However, most consumer EVs are still relatively early in their life cycle and this is an area that will see further innovation as more consumer EV batteries become available for recycling.
Batteries are generally warrantied for 5-8 years by the manufacturer, but typically last much longer depending on the battery chemistry and cooling system, the environment in which the car is driven (hot southwest versus colder northeast, etc.), and how the vehicle is driven/charged. Some Teslas have been used as taxis and have been driven hundreds of thousands of miles on the original battery. Bottom line is that most modern EVs will last longer than most folks keep a vehicle. You may see some degradation in the capacity of the battery, but this is generally a minor decline over time. OEM warranties generally cover severe degradation, below 70% of the original capacity, but check the warranty for details.
Most consumer EV batteries at the end of their first life will have a "second life" as stationary energy storage. Nissan, BMW, and others have demonstrated this capability. Tesla batteries from wrecked vehicles are highly sought after for hobbyist projects. Ultimately, the batteries can be recycled and this process is being more fully developed. However, most consumer EVs are still relatively early in their life cycle and this is an area that will see further innovation as more consumer EV batteries become available for recycling.