Is An Electric Vehicle Right For Me?
The automobile industry will be dominated by electric vehicles in the future. Electric cars are getting cheaper and more advanced every year, and more and more people are buying them. It is possible for electric cars to be seen every day on the road, depending on where you live. Compared to gas-powered cars, electric cars have a few key differences, and here we explore both the advantages and disadvantages.Â
Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Electric
Is Your Daily Commute Under 330 Miles?
Most of today's electric vehicles have a driving range-per-charge between 50 to 330 miles. If your daily commute is under 250 miles per day, there is likely an affordable EV model that will fit your needs.
BUYER TIP: When you're looking at EVs, be sure to check the "range-per-charge" for the vehicle. This is the number of miles the car can typically drive between full charges. For example, if the range per charge for an EV is 100 miles and your daily commute is 30 miles, you should be able to go about 3 days between charges (30mi + 30mi + 30mi = 90mi). EV range varies significantly between models.
Do You Frequently Take Long Road Trips?
Long road trips can present challenges for today's electric vehicles. Public charging and battery technology is continually improving, but planning is still required for long trips. There are many EV models available with a range-per-charge of 150 to 250 miles. There are some high-end EVs that can get over 330 miles on a single charge.
Does Your Household Have More Than One Car?
In a household with more than one car, an EV represents a great opportunity for your family to save money while improving the environment. The EV can be used for commuting and the other vehicle for long distance drives... it's that simple!
Do You Have Off-Street Parking At Your Home?
Plugin electric vehicles require charging. You can either use a 120V outlet or install a 240V charger in your garage or driveway to charge your car. Level 2 EVSE equipment, which charges at 240V, reduces charging time substantially, is more energy-efficient, and you can schedule charging times, allowing you to take advantage of special electric rates.
Do You Want to Save Money AND Pollute Less?
EVs cost less to drive and pollute less, period. An EV uses electricity that is typically generated from sources that are cleaner than burning gasoline or diesel in a vehicle.
An All-Electric EV Might Not be Right For You at This Time If...
- you commute 300 or more miles per day.
- you do not have off-street parking as it may be difficult to charge your EV at home.
- you regularly take long road trips - EV charging may not be convenient. Note, BEVs have ranges from 80 to more than 300 miles per charge, which is similar to the range of some gas-fueled cars.
BUT, keep in mind, EV range is steadily increasing every year, and there is probably a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that would be a good fit for you. While PHEVs still use gasoline and require oil changes, many models have an all-electric range that will meet your daily commuting mileage needs.
Things to Know About EVs
There are various types of EVs available; these are the three most common:
Batteries and electric motors are used instead of a gas tank and an internal combustion engine in battery electric vehicles. There is also a term called "Plug-in Vehicles" that is sometimes used for BEVs (in contrast to Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). In addition to running entirely on electricity, they produce no exhaust from fuel combustion.
An electric motor and an internal combustion engine are combined in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. When a PHEV's battery is nearly depleted, the gasoline-powered engine turns on to provide power, as some of them operate exclusively on electricity. The battery of a PHEV can be charged when the vehicle is not in use, just like that of a Battery Electric Vehicle.
A hybrid electric vehicle has both an electric motor and a gas engine, and doesn't need to be plugged in for charging. However, HEVs still burn fossil fuel, emit carbon dioxide, require trips to the gas station, and require scheduled engine maintenance. If you commute long distances or have limited access to a charging station, an HEV may be a good choice.
The Benefits
Electric vehicles offer several advantages over conventional fuel-powered vehicles. In addition, they offer lower operating costs, reduced emissions, low maintenance needs, and high performance.
Save Time and Money
By eliminating oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and engine belt replacements, you'll spend less time and money on engine maintenance. The EPA estimates that you could save $5,000 in fuel costs over five years by switching over to an electric vehicle instead of a gas-powered vehicle of the same size. In some cases, you may also be eligible for state or local rebates and incentives. Additionally, EVs come with long battery warranties and flexible financing options. Living electric has a lot of perks - savings are only the beginning.
Easy Charging
You can charge your smartphone by plugging it in. Plugging in an EV anywhere there is a 3-prong outlet is easy with Level 1 charging. With the myBrand Mobile App with Energy Assist, you can find a public charging station near you or charge at home with a 240-volt charging unit. Whether you're looking for a charging station operated by an electrical utility or an independent retailer, Energy Assist locates over 40,000 compatible charging stations for you. Whether you're at home or away, EV makes plugging in a breeze.
Innovative Technology
Take advantage of cutting-edge technology and design. Its tablet-like display screen shows battery life and driving history. Tracking real-time vehicle information can help you maximize efficiency. Even more, the revolutionary Ultium Platform is engineered for range, power and flexibility to charge fast, run long and fit every type of vehicle. This innovation will power General Motors' plan to offer 30 new EVs worldwide by 2025. Thus, electric vehicles will soon be available to everyone.
Fun to Drive
Would you like to go electric or just explore the idea? Consider the redesigned 2024 Bolt EV, the all-new 2024 Bolt EUV, or even the first Electric Silverado EV. Impressive range, eye-catching style, spacious interior and surprisingly strong acceleration make it fun to drive on any road. Go from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds with the Bolt EV or in 4.5 seconds in a Silverado EV! You recently purchased an electric vehicle, but what's the best thing about it? As soon as you drive by gas stations, you'll get used to it. Test drive an EV today at Friendly Chevrolet and see for yourself!
Charging is Easy
Charging your vehicle is as simple as plugging in your smartphone. Whether it's starting your day with a full charge or utilizing a network of over 40,000 public stations, Chevrolet provides the tools to ensure a convenient experience.
Charge Anywhere.
Standard120-Volt Portable Charge Cord
Offers about 4 miles of range per hour of charge and is a great option for overnight charging. Just plug in anywhere there's a 3-prong outlet.
Important Information
Charge at Home.
Available240-Volt/32-AMP Charging Unit
Offers up to 25 miles of range per hour of charge time and is the fastest, most recommended way to charge at home (professional installation required).
Important Information
Charge On the Go.
AvailableDC Fast Charging
Offers up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charge time and is available for public use.
Electric vehicle batteries are typically designed to last for the expected life of the vehicle, but battery life should be considered when calculating the extended cost of ownership, as all batteries eventually wear out and must be replaced. Battery replacement is typically costly, but keep in mind that gas powered vehicle equipment, such as motors and transmissions, have a lifespan too. The rate at which batteries expire depends on the type of battery and how they are used.
The failure rate of some electric vehicles batteries already on the road is as low as 0.003%. There are also high mileage warranties on electric vehicle batteries available with many manufacturers. Several manufacturers offer multi-year and 100,000 mile+ warranties on the batteries in their vehicles. Review manufacturer information carefully when selecting an EV model.
Emissions
EVs produce no tailpipe emissions. Even when the power is generated using fossil fuels, electric vehicles usually show significant reductions in overall global carbon emissions over gasoline vehicles due to the highly carbon-intensive process of mining, pumping, refining and transporting gasoline.
Energy EfficiencyInternal combustion engines are relatively inefficient at converting fuel energy to propulsion as most of the energy is wasted as heat. Electric motors are more efficient in converting stored energy into propulsion, and electric-drive vehicles do not consume energy while at rest or coasting. Additionally, regenerative braking can be used to recapture energy during braking. Typically, conventional gasoline engines effectively use only 15 percent of the fuel-energy content to move the vehicle or to power accessories, while electric-drive vehicles have on-board efficiency of around 80 percent.
Electric cars are not completely environmentally friendly as there can be significant issues to consider related to energy and material use in the manufacturing process. This may include energy-intensive manufacturing processes or the mining and refinement of chemicals and materials.
The average U.S. household spends nearly one-fifth of its total family expenses on transportation, so saving on fuel can make a big difference in the average family's budget. Electricity is less expensive than gasoline and EVs are more efficient than gas-powered vehicles. Electric prices are also generally much more stable than gasoline prices. On a national average, it costs less than half as much to travel the same distance in an EV than a conventional vehicle. Your savings could be far more substantial if your current gas-powered vehicle gets poor mileage.
Battery Electric Vehicles (or BEV) require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because there are fewer fluids (like oil and transmission fluid) to change, and far fewer moving parts. EVs require minimal scheduled maintenance to their electrical systems, which can include the battery, electrical motor, and associated electronics. Because of regenerative braking, brake systems on EVs typically last longer than they do on conventional vehicles.
- No Oil Changes: BEVs do not require engine oil, so there are no oil changes (normally required every 3,000 to 7,000 miles; requirements vary by automobile manufacturer)
- No Spark Plugs and Wires: BEVs do not require spark plugs and wires, so no replacements (estimated replacement at 100,000 miles on gas engine) are needed.
- No Exhaust System: BEVs do not have mufflers or catalytic converters, two components of your exhaust system that can fail and result in expensive replacements.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) have an electric motor and a gas motor. Cars with gas motors still require the standard maintenance a regular gas-powered vehicle requires (oil changes, spark plugs and wires, exhaust systems etc.), but at less-frequent intervals.
The Disadvantages
It's as easy as plugging in your smartphone to charge your vehicle. Whether you're charging your car or using one of over 40,000 public charging stations, Chevrolet provides everything you need to stay connected.
Finding a Charging Station
Currently, there is no real comparison between the number of gas stations vs charging stations. For many who might charge at home every night and don't regularly need access to other charges this is only a minor factor. There has been a rapid increase in the number of charging stations across the country in the last 5 years. According to statista.com, the US had over 40k charging stations as of Feb 2021. This number will only go up as adoption of EV increases. There has also been a big push from automakers to help accelerate the growth of charging stations which should help alleviate this issue in the years to come. One example is the recent GM partnership with EVgo (the largest public fast-charging network in the US) to add more than 2,700 more stations in public venues over the next five years.
Charging Takes Longer
One thing gas has over electricity is how quickly you can refill the tank. Filling up at a gas station takes two to three minutes. Recharging an electric car can take hours to fully charge. The time will vary on the model of the car and the throughput of the charger. Newer fast chargers are rated for a higher wattage and can charge up a battery to around 80% in about 30 minutes. As the technology matures, this time should continue to decrease. For many, this is not a concern as they drive less than the range of their EV most days, but for those who need to drive longer distances regularly this should be a consideration.
The Driving Range on a Full Charge
The range of electric cars has increased with battery technology in recent years. It is now not uncommon to see new electric cars with an effective range over 300 miles. The 2024 Bolt EUV is rated for 250 Miles on a full charge, and the 2024 Silverado has a listed 400 mile range on a full charge. For comparison, gas powered cars can typically boast a range around 400 miles per tank of gas. If you do frequent long drives, then the range should absolutely be a consideration in your purchase decision.
Higher Initial Purchase Cost
While it is true that all electric cars cost less to operate then their gas-powered cousins, the lower ongoing costs typically come at the tradeoff of a higher purchase price. The current price gap between equivalent models seems to be around $10,000, but this gap should continue to decrease as the technology matures. Despite this, EVs tend to cost less over the lifetime of the vehicle when you factor in gas and maintenance. However, there are often state and federal incentives and rebates that can close some/all of this purchase gap. Please contact us for more information as these rebate programs can and do change.Â
EV Vehicles from Chevrolet
2024 Blazer EV
Reimagine What an SUV Can Be.
Meet the first ever all-electric Blazer EV.
Blazer EV is the complete package of style, performance and technology.
An all-electric midsize SUV featuring multiple trim levels, colors, and battery ranges, built from the ground up around the game-changing Ultium battery.
2024 Silverado RST
Charge Up Your Imagination.
Smart. Agile. Aerodynamic. Fast. Trucks are typically not what you think of when you think of them.
But Silverado EV isn't just a truck. Defying categories and breaking boundaries, it is a game changer.
2024 Bolt EUV
Welcome to the Electric Future.
A future with all-electric vehicles: what does it look like? The exterior looks sleek, with bold styling that opens up to a refined interior. For convenience and flair, the charge port is illuminated. We're already living in an all-electric future thanks to the New Bolt EUV.
2024 Bolt EV
Redesigned 2024 Bolt EV.
Technology: Limitless. Seamless.Performance: Hello open roads.Charging Made Easy.
2024 Bolt EV comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist * - a suite of our advanced safety features designed to let you go confidently ahead.
Already an EV Owner?
EV Charging Station Home Installation
A consumer's decision to purchase an electric vehicle should be heavily influenced by the ability to charge at home. With this partnership, it becomes easier to locate a reputable, cost-effective installer of EV charging stations. A simple online survey will be available through Qmerit, and EV owners will be able to receive up to three competitive quotes from installers. Based on the survey, the owner's home's unique characteristics will be taken into account to ensure quotes are accurate.
EV Charging on the Go Now Easier Than Ever
With Energy Assist, launched in 2017, electric vehicle owners can plan and manage their routes more efficiently, locate charging stations along their route and in their area, monitor their route, and get real-time notifications if their range projections change dramatically. Data from the vehicle is integrated into Energy Assist to enable intelligent planning and precise prediction of charge times.
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Dallas, TX 75207
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Sources
U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Omnibus Household Survey.
U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center, Maintenance and Safety of Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles.
Shah, Saurin D. (2009), Plug-In Electric Vehicles: What Role for Washington? (1st edition). The Brookings Institution. pp. 29, 37 and 43.
U.S. Department of Energy - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Saving on Fuel and Vehicle Costs.
Disclaimer
Some of these facts are provided by ChooseEV. Some numbers and statistics in this content may be estimates and subject to interpretation.
Many factors must be taken into account to determine the total cost of ownership of EV and traditional gas-powered vehicles.
This information is provided to give consumers a general understanding of EV concepts and opportunities.
Customers should review information from EV manufacturers before making a purchase decision.
More EV Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_car
https://www.caranddriver.com/research/a32758614/electric-cars-pros-and-cons/
https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/10-pros-and-cons-of-electric-cars
https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2020/ev-charging-stations-continued-strong-growth-in-early-2020-nrel-report-shows.html
https://www.statista.com/statistics/416750/number-of-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-outlets-united-states/
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/charging-your-ev-without-a-home-charger
https://www.edfenergy.com/electric-cars/batteries
https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_charging_home.html
https://afdc.energy.gov/calc/
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2021-us-electric-vehicle-experience-evx-ownership-study
https://www.capitalone.com/bank/money-management/life-events/do-electric-cars-save-money/
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml
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