AAA_Guide_to_EV_OwnershipEV

gettyimages-1686151264-170667aEV Basics: Top Tips for Transitioning to an Electric VehicleAs eco-friendly technology evolve, a more diverse and innovative driving landscape is taking shape within the United States. With these evolving technologies, electric vehicles (EVs) are a growing presence on today’s roads, and with the auto industry’s transition to EVs accelerating each year (EV sales rose by 55% in 2022), battery-powered cars are proving to be more than a fad. Additionally, the World Economic Forum estimates that annual EV sales will increase 18-fold by 2030 to meet global emissions targets.
But what exactly is an electric vehicle? Do EVs hold enough charge to get you where you need to go? And what are some key tips for maximizing their range and efficiency? Buckle up, as we explore the basics of battery-powered vehicles and help you take charge of a new kind of driving experience.What is an EV?An electric vehicle, or EV for short, is a type of vehicle that runs on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. Unlike traditional cars with internal combustion engines, EVs use an electric motor powered by a battery pack to generate torque and power the wheels. EVs come in different forms, including all-electric vehicles (AEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). AEVs run solely on electricity, whereas PHEVs have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine.Basics of EV BatteriesEV batteries are the key power component of electric vehicles. The batteries are made up of hundreds or thousands of small cells, each containing a positive and negative electrode, separated by a thin membrane. These cells are connected to create a battery pack, which provides the energy needed to power the electric motor.
Most EV batteries are made of lithium-ion, a type of rechargeable battery known for its high-energy density and long lifespan, whereas batteries for gas-powered vehicles are made of lead-acid. According to the Clean Energy Institute, lithium-ion (li-ion) cells can deliver up to 3.6 volts, 1.5-3 times the voltage of alternatives, which makes them suitable for high-powered applications, such as transportation. Despite rigorous safety testing, EV batteries do come with some precautions since they’re susceptible to extreme heat or penetration of the battery case.Simple Steps to Enhance Your EV's Battery Safety1. Do not overcharge your EV battery.2. Get your EV battery regularly checked by your vehicle’s authorized service center.
3. In the event of combustion or fire, immediately evacuate the vehicle and never attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. Always contact first responders for assistance.Remember, automotive safety standards and regulations mean multiple redundancies are in place to monitor temperature and voltage, and to ensure safe EV operation. To keep things in perspective, Automotive Fleet shares the following statistic: EVs catch fire at a rate of .03% of every 100,000 vehicles, gasoline vehicles at a rate of 1.53%, and hybrids at 3.47%.charging Battery-gettyimages-1461174647-170667aHow Long Do EV Batteries Last?Generally, EV batteries last around 10 years, but some factors, such as excessive heat and fast-charging can reduce their lifespan, according to J.D. Power. The good news is, most EV batteries are built to outlast their warranties, and most EV battery warranties within the U.S. cover the first eight years or 100,000 miles. For comparative purposes, most standard powertrain warranties on new combustion-engine vehicles last around five years or 60,000 miles. Keeping your EV in a climate-controlled environment such as a garage and keeping your charge above 20% usually can help preserve the life of your EV battery.Basics of EV ChargingIt’s not uncommon to find that many new EV owners or prospective buyers feel confused about charging. But the good news is, charging is not nearly as complicated as people think:Types of charging
There are three categories of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and direct current (DC) fast chargers. These three different levels charge at different speeds, and while the actual charge process is no more difficult that fueling a gas-powered car, it does take a bit of preparedness to ensure you’re using the right charging equipment and are aware of any implications.

Level 1: Most, if not all, EVs come with a portable Level 1 charger (also called a cordset). The connector on one end plugs into the car’s charge port, while the connector on the opposite end plugs into a standard wall outlet. It’s always a good idea to have your home inspected by a licensed electrician prior to charging your EV for the first time; this ensures that your home’s electrical system can safely carry the additional load of the charge. Level 1 charging is ideal for home environments since it typically works in conjunction with standard 120 V outlets. Expect to get approximately 5 miles of range per 1 hour of Level 1 charging.

Level 2: Though Level 2 charging equipment is generally used in workplace and public settings, it’s also available as a wall-mounted unit that can be purchased and installed at home. Charging at speeds five times faster than Level 1 chargers, Level 2 equipment uses 240 V electric outlets (the type used for large appliances) instead of standard 120 V outlets to give you an extra 14-35 miles of range per hour of charging time. The amount of additional range you get will depend on the type of Level 2 charger you buy, as battery type, charger configuration and circuit capacity can vary.

DC: Direct-current (DC) fast-charging equipment is generally only available at fuel stations along major transportation routes because it is quite large and costly to install. Delivering around 80% charge in as little as 20 minutes, it’s typically the most expensive public-charging option. And while many EVs are equipped for DC fast-charging, it’s important to have the widely adopted CCS connector before planning to charge at a DC-equipped facility. Remember that EV connectors vary to accommodate different regions’ electrical grids, but in North America, CCS is the most common connector for DC charging. Learn more about DC charging compatibility at Energy.gov.

gettyimages-987662560-170667aTips of Maximizing EV Range Efficiency
Owning an EV can make for a fun driving journey, but it comes with its own set of unique challenges and considerations. Here are some tips for maximizing EV range and efficiency while making your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

Know the range of your EV – Every EV owner/driver needs to know the number of miles they can travel on a fully charged battery. The shortest EV range on the market should be able to meet your needs, going nearly 100 miles on a single battery charge. Most EVs can typically go around 300 miles per charge, and on the high end, at least one model — Tesla’s Model S Long Range Plus — can exceed 400 miles. Be sure to check your EV’s EPA rating the same way you would check a gasoline-powered car’s ratings and calculate your range prior to commutes. Many companies offer free EV range calculators for free online.

Utilize regenerative braking – Found on most hybrid and full-electric vehicles, regenerative braking is a mechanism that captures the energy that would normally be lost during the braking process and uses that energy to recharge your EV’s battery. To utilize regenerative braking for maximum efficiency, avoid stomping on your brakes and practice coasting to a stop. This allows your brakes to add as much energy as possible to the battery.

Cost to Refuel EVs vs Internal Combustion Engine CarsWhile EVs can cost more to purchase than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, it may surprise you to learn that EVs have cheaper annual fuel and maintenance costs. Over time, these savings can make up the difference on sticker price. For ICE vehicles that drive 15,000 miles per year, the average cost of fuel over the five-year ownership (using the nationwide average of fuel prices in that time) is $9,490, according to NADA. EV owners driving the same distance spend $4,295 on charging.EV Tax Credits and IncentivesIf you’re ready to make the leap to an EV, be sure to get familiar with national and local tax incentives that could save you thousands. On October 6, 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department proposed a rule that would make it easier for EV buyers to receive a tax credit of up to $7,500 in or after 2023 on new EVs, and up to a $4,000 credit for used EVs. Visit IRS.gov for full details on clean vehicle and energy credits and to view the list of EVs that qualify for tax credits. The list can change as time goes on, so if you have your eye on a particular EV, you’ll want to check back
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