You’re likely noticing more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road and charging stations in shopping areas and other public locations. The increasing popularity of EVs is being driven by several factors, such as new vehicle options, lower prices, additional charging stations and financial incentives.
According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), EVs accounted for 7.6% of all sales in 2023, which is up from 5.9% in 2022. That market share is even larger when factoring in hybrid vehicles.
While EVs may not work for everyone’s daily driving requirements or preferences, EVs can provide many benefits, such as lower operating costs and less maintenance. If you’re considering making the switch to an EV, your electric cooperative is there to help. As your trusted local energy partner, it can help you make informed decisions about home charging options and factors to help you decide if an EV works for your typical driving needs.
Types of EVs
There are three common types of EVs. All-electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles or BEVs, are powered solely by a large battery. Because BEVs are powered by a rechargeable battery and do not use gasoline, they produce zero emissions. On average, BEVs can run on a full battery for 110 to 300 miles.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by a combination of a large battery, an electric motor and a gas-powered engine. PHEVs recharge battery power from regenerative braking and can also be plugged in to a standard outlet. Depending on the model, they can run on full battery power (alone) for 15 to 60 miles.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use an electric motor to assist gas-powered engines. Similar to PHEVs, HEVs can also recharge their battery power from regenerative braking, but the power comes from the gas engine, and they do not plug in to an electrical outlet.
Home charging options
Most new BEVs and PHEVs include a Level 1 charging unit (110-volt-compatible), which can be plugged into any standard household electrical outlet. A Level 1 charger typically provides two to five miles of range per hour of charging, which may work for those with shorter daily commutes.
For lengthier daily drive times, Level 2 chargers can be installed for faster charging, at 10 to 30 miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger uses 240-volt service, which may require electrical upgrades conducted by a licensed electrician.
If you’re considering making the switch to an EV, contact your local electric cooperative for more information about charging options and requirements, as well as energy-saving tips for the road ahead.
