Electric EVs, which can be powered either solely by an electric motor drawing electricity from a battery (all-electric vehicle or BEV) or with a combination of engine and electric motor (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or PHEV), have zero tailpipe emissions. However, the electricity used to recharge an EV may come from fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas, so even an all-electric car is not completely carbon neutral.
Compared to their gasoline-fueled counterparts, EVs drive more smoothly and require less maintenance. They also can offer a quieter, more refined driving experience with no need to shift gears and because they don’t have an exhaust system to heat up the engine and transmission. Plus, many EVs let you adjust how aggressively the regenerative brakes work so you can create more energy when slowing or stopping.
Electric EV: Understanding the Evolution of Electric Vehicles
Most EVs plug into a standard 120 V outlet, but some require a dedicated 240 V EV charger to charge more quickly. You can purchase or rent these from companies such as Amazon, Costco, and Home Depot, or find free public charging stations using apps such as ChargePoint and Electrify America. It’s best to charge your EV while it is still parked at home to warm up the battery, avoid depleting its capacity by heating the cabin, and allow time for roadside assistance to arrive if you need it.
The global shortage of semiconductors, or chips, is limiting production and leading to delays with new EV models. The shortage stems from a mix of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of investment in new capacity, geopolitical tensions, and unique contract terms that apply to automotive EV-component manufacturers.