With drivers across the globe now choosing to go electric, it’s only fair that we addressed several important questions that first-time buyers might have about owning an EV.
Here’s a brief overview of the benefits and challenges, how exactly they work, and what it’s like to own an electric car.
How Exactly Do They Work?
EVs, unlike their traditional counterparts, run on electric batteries, rather than gasoline or diesel.
A large, rechargeable battery produces a direct current that is converted to an alternating current and flows through a series of components before reaching the electric motor that powers the wheels. In order for the motor to maintain the desired speed while the car is in motion, the correct amount of power must be transferred to it. Two vital components, the potentiometers, and the controller make this process of converting, dispensing and controlling the power supplied to the EV motor possible – so it can be driven much like a regular automatic car.
At the same time, first-time EV drivers would do well to bear the following differences in mind:
Charging Concerns
It’s quite normal at the start for first-timers to experience ‘range anxiety’ – the fear that they’ll run out of charge in a place where there are no charging stations nearby. As undesirable as it is- this situation can easily be avoided by charging your car overnight. Even with the lowest possible voltage, this charging time should be enough to cover 40 miles. For people who do not have access to charging facilities at home or for longer journeys, a little more planning may be required.
Even if you do end up stranded, there are now thousands of charging stations across the country and apps to help you locate the ones closest to you.
Maintenance and Repairs
EVs have far fewer moving parts than combustion engine cars, so there’s a lot less that can go wrong. Components in EVs don’t wear out as fast as they would in a conventional car and tend to be easier to replace, so owners can expect fewer trips to the dealership. Another obvious bonus is that EV owners don’t need to perform regular oil checks.
Driving Experience
The most noticeable difference between driving a conventional car and driving an EV is how quiet EVs are. Even at high speeds, the noise emitted from the motors is minimal. For first-time drivers, this might take some getting used to.
Since EVs often go without a gearbox, they handle much like an automatic car and are easier to drive than a manual vehicle. The multiple motors and the electric motor’s ability to produce high torque at low rpm means you’ll experience a punchier acceleration. Much like a bumper car – the EV slows down almost instantly after you take your foot off the accelerator, so expect to be using the brakes less frequently.
As EVs evolve to compete with their gasoline cousins, they’re likely to play an important role in our combined attempt to reduce our impact on the planet. Though critics argue that by using electricity produced by coal they simply displace rather than reduce CO2 emissions, the availability of electricity produced through renewable means will soon render this complaint null and void. It’s no wonder then that more and more people are making a very wise decision to switch to electric cars.