Dear Matt,
There is a lot of information circulating about electric vehicles, but it can be confusing with different descriptions like hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric. What is the difference?
Thanks for your question. Believe it or not, we’re seeing an increased amount of questions regarding electric vehicles and if they would be a viable choice for some members, especially those living around urban areas. There are many things to consider when looking at purchasing an electric vehicle, and the type is the first step.
All-Electric
An all-electric car is just that. It runs on 100% electricity, 100% of the time. It has batteries that are charged by plugging into the grid at home or at a designated charging station. Once charged, the car runs off those batteries. It does not have a traditional gas engine and does not require oil changes. This also means no vehicle emissions. All-electric have a limited range on a single battery charge. The Tesla vehicles are credited with bringing all-electric to the mainstream, but all major auto manufactures have all-electric cars in production or development. There are even startup companies trying to replicate the success of Tesla.
Hybrid
A hybrid vehicle comes in many different configurations, but they all share commonalities. They use a hybrid of two technologies — an electric engine with batteries and a gasoline engine. Some vehicles use the gasoline engine to charge the batteries, and some use it to help move the vehicle. A hybrid is a middle ground as they do offer better fuel economy than an all-gasoline engine, but these do not have the range limitations of all-electric. For example, the Toyota Prius is the model that brought hybrids to the mainstream, although now every manufacturer has models of hybrids.
Plug-In Hybrid
If you’re looking for benefits of electric vehicles with the security of a gas engine, a plug-in hybrid may be a good fit for you. These vehicles are plugged in overnight to charge a battery that has a limited range of miles before the gas engine takes over. This model is popular for city drivers with short commutes. The Chevrolet Volt was the first plug-in hybrid that FreeState showcased to members at the 2019 Energy Fair, but there are many on the road today with 30 different types of plug-in hybrid models.
When looking to purchase an electric vehicle weigh the pros and cons of each type. Be aware of the range you need on a daily basis, and how electric vehicles can work for you.
Dear Matt,
I have a question about electric cars. Gas at the pump is pretty cheap right now, so how does the electric car compare to buying gas?
This is also a great question because it is a big consideration when looking at purchasing an electric vehicle. So, let’s take a look at the comparisons.
In the chart to the right, you can see our figures and how they will work out.
It is important to note that the miles per gallon in gas vehicles improve with highway driving. While hybrids and electric actually do slightly better with the stop and go of city driving due to the regenerative braking recharging the batteries.
As you can see in the chart to the right, there is a significant difference in the cost of operating different vehicle options.
As with any big purchase, other considerations must be taken into account. Think about what your current vehicles provide in the realm of fuel economy, how does an electric or hybrid compare, or even a newer model of a gasoline engine?
Also, consider the range you need. How long is your commute, or how many miles does it take to cover your needs every day? Another consideration is charging stations when you are not at home. Does that pose a challenge to you?
At the end of the day, if you find that purchasing an electric vehicle is right for you and your family, consult an electrician to make certain your home can handle the increased load an electric car may bring.