Types of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) have an electric motor and are powered by an onboard rechargeable battery. EVs were one of the first automobiles ever produced and sold in the United States. However, early EVs had limited range and charging options, leaving gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles to dominate the market.
Two primary types of EVs are available:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs): These EVs are the first type of EV produced. They are fully electric and run solely on the electricity stored in a rechargeable battery pack. They produce zero tailpipe emissions because they don’t burn any fuel.
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): These vehicles offer more flexibility. PHEVs have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. They can run on electricity for a certain range, then switch to the internal combustion engine when the battery is depleted. They can also use both at the same time. PHEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions when operating in electric-only mode.
Vehicle range and battery technology
BEVs depend entirely on their battery for power, affecting everything from driving to heating and cooling the cabin. The size and type of battery determine how far the car can travel on a single charge.
- BEV range: New BEVs typically have a range of about 114 miles to 450 miles. This range can be affected by extreme cold or hot weather because the car needs more energy to maintain optimal cabin and battery temperatures. BEVs often get better range in the city than on the highway because of the frequent regenerative braking that recharges the battery.
- PHEV range: PHEVs have a smaller electric-only range than BEVs, typically 8 miles to 45 miles on a single charge, after which they switch to an internal combustion engine.
Most EVs have advanced lithium batteries: lithium manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and lithium nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide (NCA). These batteries are preferred because they store a lot of energy for their weight. NMC and NCA batteries might be more expensive than LFP batteries, but they weigh less and have a longer travel range.
EV sales
EV sales have grown significantly in recent years. In 2012, less than 100,000 EVs were registered in the United States. By 2022, that number grew to more than 3 million EVs and accounted for 1.2% of all registered light-duty vehicles and 7% of light-duty vehicle sales in the United States.
Initially, PHEVs were more popular in the United States than BEVs, but by 2016, BEVs had surpassed PHEVs as the primary EV type in the United States. Future sales growth will depend on a number of factors, including lower EV prices and a wider network of charging stations.
EV charging stations
Most EV owners, about 75%, charge their cars at home.
- Level 1 charging uses a 120-volt AC outlet and can add 2 miles to 5 miles of electric travel range per hour of charging.
- Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt AC outlet and adds 10 miles to 20 miles of electric travel range per hour of charging. These stations are common at workplaces, shopping centers, and dedicated charging stations.
- DC fast charging stations are located along interstates. They can charge an EV to 80% in 20 minutes to an hour.
EVs and the electric grid
As more people switch to EVs, city planners must consider their impact on the electrical grid. Although the overall grid can handle the increased electricity demand, local power infrastructure might need upgrades, especially if many EVs are charging simultaneously in one area.
Electric utilities are developing programs to encourage EV owners to charge during off-peak hours (like overnight) or when electricity costs are lower, helping to manage grid demand more efficiently.