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Electric Vehicle FAQs
About EVs
What is an EV?
An electric vehicle is any vehicle that can drive on electricity derived from a power plug. Read more in our Buying Guide.
How far can I go?
Many new electric vehicles have a range of 150-300+ miles on a full charge and can conveniently charge fully overnight. The average American drives less than 40 miles per day. Even if you have a long commute or take long trips, with variety of models available and a growing network of public charging stations, there is an electric vehicle that will fit your lifestyle.
I heard EVs are really quiet. Isn't that dangerous?
EVs aren't totally silent. In a parking lot and at low speeds, you will hear noise from fans, pumps, and the tires.
How do they drive?
Electric motors generate instant torque so they have quick acceleration and offer a quiet and smooth ride. Some EVs have a lower center of gravity than conventional cars, meaning they can hug the road and allow for a comfortable, smooth drive. Additionally, most have almost identical interiors to gas-powered cars when it comes to features that ensure you are cruising comfortably. Don't believe us? Schedule a test drive today!
Are they safe?
Electric vehicles, like all cars, go through rigorous safety testing and meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Some electric cars offered today have received Top Safety Pick ratings. More info here.
Environmental Benefits
Are EVs really green?
Yes! Electric vehicles help improve local air quality because they produce no tailpipe emissions. Driving an electric vehicle in Concord today will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% compared to a traditional vehicle. In a few years, when Concord is supplied by 100% carbon-free electricity, driving vehicle will reduce your emissions 100%. Even considering the manufacturing and disposal of the vehicle and battery, the full life cycle, battery electric vehicles produce half the emissions of the average comparable gasoline-power vehicles.
What about the batteries?
Batteries can be recycled. The batteries in plug-in vehicles are mostly lithium ion. Because it is illegal to dispose of these batteries in a landfill and the material is more valuable than traditional lead-acid batteries, it is valuable to recycle EV batteries. Some manufacturers are also exploring useful applications for used batteries. While any manufactured product has a variety of potential environmental and social impacts, the batteries used in electric cars do not contain any toxic materials nor any rare-earth metals, and are increasingly being incorporated into end of automotive life reuse and/or recycling programs. In addition, automakers and battery manufacturers are increasing their supply chain diligence to ensure that battery raw materials are responsibly sourced from areas with ethical labor and environmental practices. Read more about the Responsible Minerals Initiative.
Charging
How do I charge my EV?
Many new EVs come with a standard 120-volt (Level I) charging cord which can plugged into any standard outlet. Most EV drivers will want to charge with a 240-volt outlet (Level II). You have several options for Level II charging at home. For more information about how to charge smart in Concord, visit CMLP.
Where do I charge?
Most EV drivers charge overnight at home. This is the best time to charge because it is when our electricity demand is lowest. Charging when demand is low reduces our electricity costs and the need to bring additional power plants online to meet peak demand.
What if I want to take a roadtrip or travel far from home?
There are thousands of public electric vehicle charging stations across the country. To find a public charging station, visit Plug In America or use one of many charging station apps.
How long does it take to charge?
It depends on the size of your battery, how far you have drive and the type of charging station. All electric vehicles can get a full charge overnight. Learn more about charging smart in Concord here.
How much does it cost to charge?
It depends on the vehicle and when and where you charge, but a full charge costs much less than filling a car with gasoline. On average, it costs the equivalent of $0.80-$1.50 per gallon to charge your EV.
Costs
Aren't electric vehicles expensive?
Electric cars can actually be cheaper to buy/lease than gas-powered cars once you factor in rebates and incentives. Even if the purchase price is a little higher, when you consider the total cost of ownership, including purchase, rebates, fuel costs, and maintenance, most plug-in cars are cheaper to own than similar gas cars.
How much will I save on gas?
A recent UCS study found that annual fuel savings range from $440 to over $1,070 per year depending on where, when and how you charge your electric vehicle. Charging at night is the cheapest way to charge. CMLP provides more information about charging smart in Concord.
What maintenance will I have to do?
Electric vehicles require less maintenance than traditional vehicles because they do not require oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts, and unlike gasoline engines, electric motors require no routine maintenance. These reduced maintenance costs can save you $1,500 over the lifetime of the vehicle. Many manufacturers offer warranties on their batteries for 8-10 years or 100,000+ miles.