Electric cars: everyone has an opinion about them, but separating fact from fiction can be a bit tricky. In celebration of World EV Day on the 9th of September, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about electric vehicles (EVs). From how they work to charging options, battery life, and more, this post will cover the basics to help you better understand the exciting world of EVs. So, whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about how they work, this guide is for you.
What Exactly is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of car powered by electricity from a battery, as opposed to traditional vehicles that run on petrol or diesel. The key difference is that EVs use electric motors (which could be placed in various configurations) instead of internal combustion engines (ICEs).
EV vs. ICE vs. Hybrid: What’s the Difference?
- EVs run solely on electricity stored in a large battery pack.
- Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars are powered by petrol or diesel.
- Hybrids combine petrol and electric power.
Electric cars use a large traction battery to power the motor(s), while a smaller 12-volt battery kick-starts the car, similar to traditional vehicles.
Understanding EV Batteries and Range
One of the most critical components of an EV is its traction battery. Typically located along the vehicle’s floor for better balance, these massive batteries power the vehicle’s motors.
What is Range?
The range of an electric vehicle refers to the distance it can travel on a fully charged battery. This range depends on the battery size, measured in kilowatt hours (kWh):
- A 50 kWh battery is about average.
- Anything under 50 kWh is considered small.
- Larger batteries, like 100 kWh, provide greater range.
Charging an Electric Vehicle
Charging an electric car is as simple as plugging in a cable — but the speed, type, and location of the charger can make a huge difference.
Home Charging
Most EV owners charge their vehicles at home since it’s the most convenient and cost-effective option. You can use either:
- A standard 3-pin plug charger: Slow and takes up to 13-14 hours to fully charge a 50 kWh battery.
- A dedicated wallbox charger: Faster, with a 7 kW power output that can charge the same battery in around 7 hours.
Public Charging
For faster top-ups, you can use public rapid chargers found at service stations or dedicated charging points. These can charge EVs much faster, especially DC rapid chargers that can output up to 350 kW. However, not all vehicles can handle such high speeds, with most charging systems capped at 100-150 kW for efficiency.
Power, Kilowatts, and Kilowatt Hours Explained
Let’s break down the jargon:
- Kilowatts (kW) measure the power of an electric motor. For example, a 115 kW motor equates to around 154 horsepower.
- Kilowatt hours (kWh) refer to energy capacity. A 50 kWh battery means it can supply 50 kW of power for an hour.
This may sound complicated, but imagine your EV has a 50 kWh battery. If you had a 1 kW motor (equivalent to 1.3 horsepower), the energy stored in the battery would allow it to run for 50 hours.
AC vs. DC Charging
- AC (Alternating Current): Used in homes, slower but stable.
- DC (Direct Current): Found in rapid public chargers, much faster but typically more expensive.
Charging Costs: Home vs. Public Charging
The cost of charging your EV depends on where and how you charge:
- At home, the average cost per kilowatt hour ranges from 20 to 30 pence. However, specific tariffs for EV owners can reduce this cost significantly, especially during off-peak hours. Charging a 50 kWh battery during these times could cost as little as £3.50.
- Public chargers are more expensive, with some rapid charge stations charging as much as 85 pence per kWh, which could bring your total to £42.50 for a full charge.
How Fast Do EVs Charge?
The speed at which an EV charges depends on several factors:
- Battery Chemistry and Design: Some batteries charge faster than others.
- Charging Speed: Rapid chargers can speed up charging but slow down when the battery reaches 80% to prevent overcharging.
Charging Strategy for Long Trips
A smart EV driver doesn’t always wait for the battery to deplete. Instead, they top up as needed, such as stopping for a quick 10-minute charge during a long journey, which is often enough to reach their destination.
The Real-World Range of EVs
Although manufacturers advertise certain ranges, real-world factors like terrain, weather, and load can impact performance:
- A Tesla Model 3 can go 390 miles on a single charge.
- The Mercedes EQS can cover 450 miles.
However, extreme weather can reduce an EV’s range. For example, a Tesla Model may see a drop from 250 miles in summer to 220 miles in winter.
Battery Life and Longevity
Contrary to what many think, EV batteries are built to last much longer than smartphone batteries. EV batteries are rated by their cycle life, which measures how many complete charges and discharges they can handle before losing significant capacity. Most modern EVs have battery warranties that guarantee their performance for several years.
Read This BMW iX: The Electric SUV to Watch in 2024 – EV Gear Review
FAQs: Common EV Questions
1. How long does it take to charge an electric car?
It depends on the charger. Home chargers usually take 7-13 hours, while rapid public chargers can top up a battery from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes.
2. Can I charge my EV in the rain?
Yes! EV chargers are designed to be weatherproof and safe to use in all conditions.
3. Do EV batteries degrade over time?
Yes, but very slowly. Most modern EVs are designed to last for several years and offer warranties to cover battery degradation.
Conclusion
Electric cars are the future, and understanding how they work is the first step to embracing this exciting technology. Whether you’re charging at home or at a rapid charging station, EVs offer flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Ready to dive deeper into the world of electric cars? Watch our full video for more insights and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on EV technology!
