The Complete Electric Vehicles Beginner's Guide

Although gasoline-powered vehicles continue to dominate the auto market, EV technology has matured to the point where you may be wondering if your next car will be electric. If you're interested in electric vehicles but don't know where to begin, we can teach you what they are, what they can do, and where they're going.

What Is an EV, Exactly?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, with sales increasing year after year and a wide range of models available from nearly every major manufacturer. An EV is simply a vehicle that runs on batteries rather than fossil fuels. An EV, like a gasoline-powered vehicle, has a gas tank that supplies fuel to the engine and a set of batteries that power an electric motor.
There are many different types of EVs, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which only use battery power, and hybrids, which use both gasoline and battery power. Some electric vehicles even use hydrogen-powered fuel cells, but only pure battery-powered electric vehicles allow you to charge at home.

How Electric Vehicles Differ From Gasoline Vehicles

Electric vehicles and gasoline vehicles may appear similar on the outside, but they are very different on the inside. An EV has powerful batteries instead of a gas tank. EVs also use electric motors rather than gas engines, which emit a variety of greenhouse gases as byproducts of combustion.
Rather than filling up your EV at a gas station, you plug it into a charger when not in use, just like you do with your phone and other portable electronics.
EVs frequently outperform gasoline vehicles in terms of performance, efficiency, and interior storage space. When compared to comparable vehicles, they are also more expensive, but prices have come down over the years, and many EV models qualify for federal tax credits, state credits and rebates, and other programs.

How Electric Vehicles Function

Electric vehicles operate by storing energy in batteries and using that energy to power an electric motor. The batteries are typically charged by plugging them into a charging station, but wireless charging is available, and some EVs even use solar power.
An electric vehicle can have a single electric motor, similar to how gasoline vehicles have an engine, or each wheel can have its own electric motor. A single motor is usually more economical and affordable, whereas EVs with separate motors can provide better handling and even perform tricks such as "tank turning" that gasoline vehicles cannot.
A "tank turn," while not always practical, is an interesting maneuver in which a vehicle rotates in place without moving forward or backward.
When an EV needs to slow down, its motor can be run in reverse and used as a generator. Regenerative braking is a technique that allows the EV to charge its own batteries, recapture some expended energy, and improve efficiency.
EVs with all-wheel drive, or one motor per wheel, can reclaim even more energy when slowing down.
Because electric vehicles do not require large gasoline engines, transmissions, or other components, they are often more spacious inside than gasoline vehicles. More storage is frequently available, with some EVs offering both a traditional trunk in the back and a frunk, or front trunk, in the space where a gasoline vehicle's engine would be.
EVs are also much quieter to operate, which is a result of using battery-powered motors rather than gas-powered engines.

How Are Electric Vehicles Charged?

Although basic hybrid electric vehicles charge themselves while driving, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids must be plugged in to charge. Charging can occur at a municipal or commercial charging station, as well as a residential charging station.
Each EV Charging Standard and Connector Type is Described
Charging stations are available at businesses, gas stations, apartment buildings, and you can even install one in your own home.
Is it better to charge my electric vehicle at home or at a public charging station?
Charging an electric vehicle is similar to charging any other device. Instead of a gas cap that must be removed to add fuel, EVs have an electrical connector. To charge an EV, connect the charging cable from a charging station to the vehicle's charging connector, and the batteries charge.
Fast charge stations provide power more quickly, whereas lower-powered home chargers are designed to charge slowly over time.
Wireless charging is also available and functions similarly to wireless phone charging. Vehicles that support this method have a wireless charging receiver built into the underside, and charging is accomplished by parking the vehicle over a wireless charging mat.
Only recently have battery capacity and other significant advances enabled EVs to compete with gasoline vehicles in terms of range and performance.

Who Is an EV Made For?

Electric vehicles are intended for everyone, and there are models to suit almost any situation. From affordable family sedans and hatchbacks on one end of the spectrum to two-door supercars on the other, EV trucks, SUVs, and crossovers are available.
While almost anyone should be able to find an EV that meets their needs, EVs are better suited to certain situations than others. The most significant limiting factor is charging, which can be a problem for some people due to their living situation.
Keeping an EV charged can be difficult if you live in an apartment or condo complex that does not provide EV charging. The same is true if you live in a house with no garage. Some cities have EV charging infrastructure, but it may not be available where you live.
Range has also been a sticking point in the past, but if that was ever your biggest stumbling block, you should take a look at the current options. Long-range EV ranges are competitive with gasoline vehicle ranges, and charging stations are available in many areas.
If there aren't many charging stations near where you live and travel, that will most likely change in the coming years.

Why Is the Automobile Industry Moving to EVs?

EVs have been around for over a century, but they have been largely overshadowed by gasoline vehicles for the majority of that time. The automotive industry has always experimented with technology, but it was only recently that battery capacity and other significant advances allowed EVs to compete with gasoline vehicles in terms of range and performance.
Even though EVs are still a small part of the overall automotive industry, the industry has begun to shift toward battery power and away from fossil fuels. Part of this is due to the industry's belief that consumer demand will rise as people become more familiar and comfortable with EVs, but there is also a regulatory factor at play.
Some states have already set deadlines to phase out the sale of new gasoline vehicles, and others are likely to follow suit. A federal mandate could also eventually put an end to the sale of new gas-powered vehicles across the country. That is likely to happen in the coming years, if not decades, but the automotive industry wants to be ready when it does.

When Will All New Vehicles Be Electric?

Ownership and Operating Costs of Electric Vehicles
For a variety of reasons, the costs of owning and operating an EV are typically lower than the costs of owning and operating a comparable gasoline vehicle. License and tag fees are lower in some areas, EVs are less expensive to charge than gasoline vehicles, and EVs require less ongoing maintenance.
Buying an EV may also be less expensive than you think, thanks to a federal EV tax credit that applies to most EVs and state incentives that can further reduce the price.

Electric Vehicle Tax Credits and Rebates Explained

Many of the costs associated with owning and operating an EV are location-specific. Some states, for example, offer credits or do not charge sales tax when you purchase an EV. Other states charge less for licenses and tags and have other beneficial programs. There is also a federal tax credit available to help with the cost of purchasing an EV, and it applies to the majority of EVs.
The greatest savings come from how much more efficient EVs are. In most cases, you'll pay far less for electricity than you would for gas to drive the same distance in an equivalent gasoline vehicle. Electricity prices vary greatly from one location to the next, but some states even offer reduced electricity prices if you charge your vehicle at specific times of day.
Compared to gasoline vehicles, EVs require less ongoing maintenance. In contrast to gasoline vehicles, the main components of an EV, such as the battery, electric motor, and the electronics that connect everything, require little or no regular maintenance.
There are no fluids to change on a regular basis, such as engine oil and transmission fluid, and even the brakes last longer thanks to regenerative braking systems.
The Nissan Leaf has a 0-60 MPH time of less than nine seconds, compared to the 10+ seconds required by the smaller, lighter gas-powered Chevy Spark.

The EV Range is Greater Than You Think

Range has always been one of the most significant advantages that gasoline vehicles have over electric vehicles, but that gap has narrowed.
There are many short-range EVs designed for short trips and in-city driving, but there are also EVs capable of traveling 300 miles or more on a single charge.
Taking an EV on a long road trip still necessitates more advance planning than driving a gas-powered vehicle, but even this is much easier than it was previously.

Performance: Can It Compete with a Gasoline Vehicle?

Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicles typically outperform gasoline vehicles in a variety of ways. While EV performance varies by make and model, all EVs benefit from drivetrains that are relatively simple in comparison to gasoline vehicles.
When you press the accelerator pedal in an EV, the transition from stationary to moving is limited only by the tires' ability to grip the road. There is no ramp up, as the electric motor in an EV can apply all of its available torque the moment the accelerator is depressed, unlike a gasoline-powered vehicle.
In fact, some high-end EVs can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in less than two seconds. Even a modest hatchback, such as the Nissan Leaf, can reach 60 mph in under nine seconds, as opposed to the 10+ seconds required by the smaller, lighter gas-powered Chevy Spark.

Costs of EV Insurance

Insuring an EV is similar to insuring any other vehicle. Because insurance costs are largely determined by how much it will cost the insurer to repair or replace your vehicle in the event of an accident, EVs are typically slightly more expensive to insure than gasoline vehicles. However, this is not a universal rule, and some EVs cost less to insure than the national average.
The bottom line is that if you buy an expensive EV that is costly to repair or replace, your insurance costs will reflect that. However, some insurance companies do offer discounts to electric vehicle owners, so it's important to shop around instead of sticking with the one you already have.

How Do I Purchase an EV?

With a few exceptions, the process of purchasing an EV is similar to that of purchasing a gasoline vehicle. Some EV manufacturers, such as Tesla, sell directly to consumers, which differs from the dealership system you may be accustomed to. Other manufacturers sell through dealerships, so if you go to a dealership for a test drive, you're likely to see EVs right next to gasoline vehicles.
Another complication that you are unlikely to encounter when purchasing a gasoline vehicle is that some EVs are only available as pre-orders. These vehicles are either not yet available or demand has exceeded supply. In some cases, you can pay a fee to reserve a pre-order vehicle and then decide whether or not to buy it when it becomes available.
In other cases, you can order a vehicle that is customized to your exact specifications, sign a purchase agreement, and then take delivery of the vehicle when it is ready. The exact process will vary depending on the vehicle and manufacturer, so check for details if the vehicle you want is on pre-order.
Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing an EV is that you may be eligible for tax credits, rebates, and other incentives. Most EVs are eligible for a federal tax credit, which you can apply for when filing your taxes. Some states have additional programs that offer a tax credit, reduced or waived sales taxes, or even a direct rebate. Before purchasing an EV, research the available programs in your area and, if necessary, consult with a tax professional.