2020 is set to be the year of Electric Cars, according to numerous automotive analysts around the world.
More and more global manufactures are joining the wave of launching new electric vehicle products in hopes to lower the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions level.
As a result, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points are noticeably increasing on streets, highways, and parking spaces around all continents.
Now you can get a bird’s eye view on what you need to know about the new trend of vehicles including tips on electric vehicle fill-ups and charging.
(Accessibility version below)
All You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Fill-Ups
1. How far can I go on 1 hour of charge?
The distance your vehicle can go after an hour of charging depends on your vehicle model and the embedded battery type. The unit of measurement for charging is kilowatt-hours. Regular 120v power outlets allow for a distance of 6.5km per hour of charge, 240v residential chargers allow for 40km, Commercial chargers for 40km, and Fast-charge commercial chargers can allow for distances up to 300km.
2. How long does it take to charge?
Based on the time it takes to charge to 80% of a 63kWh battery (standard sized battery of a US BEV model as of May 2019), a 120v power outlet can take up to 42 hours, a 240v residential charger 2.6-15 hours, commercial chargers 20-60 minutes, and fast-charge commercial chargers 8-20 minutes.
3. Am I able to charge my EV at any charging point?
Unfortunately, no. Manufacturers have different models for plugs depending on the region, speed of charge, and the manufacturer brand. For example, the SAE Combo Coupler System (CCS), CHAdeMO, and Tesla are the three most common plug types.
4. How often should I charge my EV?
While frequency does depend on your driving habits, if you are a daily user of your EV and drive long distances each time, it’s recommended that you charge your EV battery each night. However, on average, EV users tend of charge about 2-3 times a week.
5. Where can I find the closest charge station?
Charge stations are marked clearly on most maps, but visit websites like PlugShare to find out more details. This site also indicates which plug types are supported by the charge points.
6. How much is the cost of an electric vehicle fill-up?
Costs vary greatly depending on the country and model of vehicle, but the national average rate for the USA is $0.13/kWh, for the UK 0.14pounds/kWh, and the EU at 0.21 euros/kWh. It also depends on the time of day (peak/off-peak), for example, for a 2018 Tesla Model 3, would cost about $1.56 for 50 miles, if you charged at an off-peak hour of 11pm. However, it would cost four times as much at $6.37 during peak hours.
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