Electric vehicles have been surging in popularity over the years, and it seems that they aren’t slowing down anytime soon! So, what is an electric vehicle and why are so many Naperville drivers making the switch? The team at River View Ford is here to run through the many benefits of electric vehicles, including zero emissions and environmental perks to lower ownership costs and fewer maintenance tasks!
We also discuss the types of electric car chargers and answer questions about are all electric chargers the same. Keep reading to learn more, and check out our Ford hybrids and EVs in Oswego today.
As defined by the Department of Energy, an EV is “a vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being charged from an external source.” In most cases, electric vehicles swap the traditional combustion engine for an electric motor and battery. Instead of using gasoline for fuel, EVs fill up on electricity at charging stations. The electricity is stored in the battery, and it is used by the electric motor to propel the vehicle forward.
Now you know what an electric vehicle is, but how does it differ from a hybrid? Hybrid models add the gas-powered engine back into the mix, so they can use both gasoline and electricity for power. A traditional hybrid combines both energy sources simultaneously, while a plug-in hybrid uses electricity until it runs out of battery power. Only then does it switch to gas power on the roads of Montgomery. The gasoline engine recharges the hybrid battery, which is what you’ll see in a Ford Escape hybrid and a Ford Explorer hybrid.
You might also see a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, like the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid. This type of driving also combines an electric battery with a gasoline engine. Only this time, the engine does not recharge the hybrid battery. You can plug in your hybrid at home to recharge the battery at night in your garage. With the right kind of home charger, you can recharge the PHEV battery in a couple of hours.
Why should you consider switching to electric vehicles? While gas-powered vehicles are still more popular in Yorkville, the tides have been slowly turning over the years. More and more drivers are opting for fully electric rides, and here are just a few reasons why:
You have three different EV charging levels to choose from:
You can use a standard, grounded (three-prong) 110V/120V outlet in your home as a Level 1 EV charger. It’s the slowest type of charging available for electric cars.
Having a Level 2 EV charger in your garage is much faster than Level 1. You will need to have a professional electrician install a Level 2 EV charger in your garage or carport.
Many public charging stations utilize a Level 2 EV charger for electric cars. Some public stations charge money while others do not. Look for these charging stations at retail stores, hotels, apartment complexes, and even car dealerships.
Also known as DC Fast Charging, a Level 3 EV charger delivers electricity quickly to achieve 80% of full charge in as little as 30 minutes. You can use this type of charger when you’re away from home on a road trip or weekend getaway. Even if a Level 3 EV charger costs money (which many do), it’s still cheaper than gasoline!
As of right now, most electric cars in North America use the same connectors for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, so they are universal in most cases. There may be some differences for vehicles equipped with DC Fast Charging capabilities.
Not all electric cars charge at the same speed. Here’s a brief rundown of what electric car chargers are available.
We highly recommend installing a Level 2 Charger for your home. Clean out clutter first if your garage has been used as a storage space for a long time.
Next, locate the power panel in your home that distributes electricity throughout the entire building. Most new homes come with a 100 Amp power panel, but there should be an amperage rating printed on your main circuit breaker.
Then, hire an electrician. For Level 2 Charging, the electrician will install a dedicated 240-volt plug or add a hardwired circuit back to the power panel. The labor costs may run you a few hundred dollars.
Ford recommends the Ford Connected Charge Station for your EV or PHEV. You’ll need to purchase this charger before the electrician comes to your home.
Your EV charging time will depend on your exact model and charging method. Before we get into how to calculate your charging time, let’s take a look at the different types of charging levels. With three common charging levels, you can see how long it takes to charge an EV with each method below:
Your EV charging time will vary even among the same type of charging level. This is why you should know how to calculate your charging time. Whether you’re planning out your road trip or you want to see which home charger you should invest in, you should know this formula: battery size (kWh) divided by charger power (kW) equals charging time (hours).
This will give you a better idea of what to expect for your electric car and charger type. Still, you’ll want to keep in mind that it’s not a perfect formula as it takes longer to charge an electric car when it’s below 20% of charge or above 80%.
Ready to take the next steps? Contact us or call 888-994-1003 to schedule a test drive with our team when you find one of our electric cars in stock. We’re happy to help in any way we can!
