5 things you need to know about electric cars
As net zero emissions become the top priority for governments around the globe, the electric car sector is growing at an amazing rate. Electric cars are no longer mysterious or other-worldly items. They come in all shapes and sizes, are more affordable than ever, and their performance is increasingly being improved.
Whilst these vehicles are not a panacea for our future transport needs, there are some interesting developments that we should all know about. Especially if you’re considering getting yourself an electric car.
1. Not all electric cars are all-electric
There are some models that have a battery component and a combustible engine. While these styles are becoming less common, it is an important distinction if you’re thinking of buying an electric car.
Electric cars come in three main types:
1. Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
HEVs combine a fuel-powered engine with one (or more) electric motors. An HEV does not plug in; it collects energy through regenerative braking.
2. Plug-In Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Similar to an HEV, the main difference is that a PHEV is able to plug in to charge.
3. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
Also known as an all-electric car, it needs to be plugged in to recharge.
2. Charging
Because there are different models and different ways of charging your vehicle, you have to think about what’s going to be best for you. If you are on solar power at your property, installing a home charging station will be the most energy-efficient and cost-effective option.
If you live in a metropolitan area, it is highly likely there will be a range of charging options around you. But you will want to find this out before you buy. If there are not a lot of charging stations near you and you don’t intend to install one at your home, then a hybrid vehicle would likely work best for you.
3. Size and style
Electric cars used to come in only a few styles that were small-medium and not really heavy-duty. However, more models are being made to suit a variety of different needs. Many of the big car manufacturers are working on electric Utes, SUVs, and workhorse vehicles so watch this space!
4. Are they actually better for the environment?
Here’s the rub. Electric cars are not zero emissions. In the long-term, owning an electric vehicle will reduce your personal emissions after a certain amount of time. However, mining and manufacturing produce emissions and, once on the road, an electric car must be charged, involving emissions from electricity generation.
The emissions from manufacture and mining are gradually ‘paid off’ if charging the car produces less emissions than a petrol or diesel car produces. One study in the UK estimates it can take two to six years for payback to be achieved, so if it’s lower emissions you’re after, note that this does take some time.
5. Think about your transport needs
Whilst an electric vehicle may be the right choice for you, globally our continued reliance on emissions-producing private transportation is of note.
The pandemic has made us all think differently about transport. People are opting to cycle to work and are even being encouraged to work in their local communities rather than commute.
Greater investment in trains and other low-emission transport is needed, while car shares and co-operatives are on the rise. Combining these initiatives and incentives will help us all work towards a greener future.