The Full Charge Conundrum & Other Pressing EV Questions Answered

Are electric vehicles (EVs) up to the task for long journeys? What’s the duration for a full battery charge? And do they genuinely offer a greener alternative to conventional cars? In this blog post, we address these vital questions and shed light on the common queries that prospective and current EV owners often grapple with.

The Full Charge Conundrum: How Long Does It Take?

One of the most common questions about EVs revolves around charging time. Many people wonder if charging an EV takes significantly longer than filling up a traditional gasoline or diesel vehicle. Let’s break it down:

1. Home Charging

Charging an EV at home is convenient and typically involves using a standard 120-volt household outlet or a higher-voltage Level 2 charger. Here’s a rough estimate of charging times:

• Level 1 (120V): Slowest, approximately 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging. A full charge for a typical EV with a 200-mile range could take around 40-60 hours.
• Level 2 (240V): Faster, providing around 10-20 miles of range per hour. A full charge may take 10-12 hours for the same 200-mile range EV.

2. Public Charging

Public charging stations, often found at malls, parking garages, and along highways, offer faster charging options. These Level 2 chargers are commonly used for on-the-go top-ups. Depending on the charger’s power output and the EV’s battery capacity, a 30-minute stop at a Level 2 charger can add approximately 50-100 miles of range. There are a lot of companies with a focus on making electric vehicle charging hassle-free for businesses, fleets, and commercial establishments. For example, commercial EV chargers from Gobins that have advanced charging solutions for electric vehicles cater to the growing demand for efficient and reliable charging infrastructure. Such chargers feature diverse power outputs, ensuring suitability across various EV models and battery capacities.

3. Fast Chargers

For even quicker charging, some EVs are compatible with DC fast chargers. In as little as 20-30 minutes, you can add 150-250 miles of range, making them ideal for long trips.

Should I charge my EV to 100? This is another question you may have with regardings to charging. The answer? Charging an electric vehicle (EV) to 100% is not necessary for daily use and is generally not recommended for regular charging practices. Most EV manufacturers recommend maintaining the state of charge (SoC) of your battery between 20% and 80% for daily driving.

Are EVs Practical for Long Trips?

The practicality of EVs for long-distance travel depends on several factors:

1. Range

Modern EVs come with varying ranges, from around 100 miles to well over 300 miles on a single charge. If your daily commute and most of your trips fall within the range of your EV, it can be a practical choice for your lifestyle.

2. Charging Infrastructure

The availability of charging infrastructure is crucial for long trips. With the growing network of public charging stations and the increasing prevalence of fast chargers, it’s becoming easier to plan long journeys with EVs. Mapping apps often include charging station locations and real-time availability, making route planning a breeze.

3. Charging Habits

Charging an EV at home is convenient for daily use, but for long trips, you’ll need to make use of public charging infrastructure. Planning your charging stops in advance and getting familiar with the charging network can make long trips in an EV much more manageable.

Are EVs Truly Environmentally Friendly?

EVs are often touted as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles, but let’s delve into the details:

1. Tailpipe Emissions

The most significant environmental advantage of EVs is that they produce zero tailpipe emissions. Traditional vehicles burn fossil fuels, emitting carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). EVs, on the other hand, run on electricity, which can be generated from renewable sources, resulting in zero direct emissions.

2. Lifecycle Emissions

The environmental impact of an EV depends on its entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to disposal. While the production of EV batteries can be energy-intensive and carbon-intensive, studies have shown that over the long term, the overall lifecycle emissions of EVs are lower than those of traditional vehicles.

3. Reduced Air Pollution

Electric vehicles (EVs) are champions for urban air quality, cutting down on harmful pollutants that adversely affect the health of city populations. By eliminating emissions that come from traditional combustion engines, EVs help reduce the incidence of respiratory ailments and pave the way for a healthier, more breathable urban environment, enhancing the quality of life for those residing in cities.

What About Charging Costs?

Charging an EV is generally more cost-effective than refueling a traditional vehicle with gasoline or diesel. The exact cost savings depend on various factors, including your local electricity rates and the efficiency of your EV. On average, charging an EV is roughly equivalent to paying around per gallon of gasoline.

The Bottom Line: EVs Are Here to Stay

Electric vehicles are not only practical for daily use but are also becoming increasingly viable for long trips. So, if you’re considering making the switch to an EV, rest assured that you’re not only choosing a greener mode of transportation but also one that’s increasingly convenient for all your journeys.