Tips for First Time EV Buyers

Drivers in search of an EV have three levels of electric power to choose from. The first is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV for short. An HEV still employs an internal combustion engine under the hood. However, it also uses a small EV battery pack to power an electric motor that powers the vehicle when coasting or slowing down. This minimizes emissions and maximizes fuel efficiency while still having the power of a gas engine. At the opposite end of the scale, you can choose a BEV, which is the acronym for Battery Electric Vehicle. A BEV completely does away with an internal combustion engine and, thus, uses no gasoline. BEVs use a large battery pack to power at least one electric motor, but most oftentimes two. The battery is charged by an external electricity source using either a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charging cord. Lastly, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) bridges the gap between an HEV and BEV. It pairs an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors powered by a medium battery pack that is recharged using a Level 1 or Level 2 charging cable. Below, read more about the different EV charging cables.

As mentioned above, manufacturers offer three different types of electric vehicle chargers. The purchase of a new PHEV or BEV comes with a Level 1 charging cable. This plugs into a standard household outlet and provides about 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 1 chargers are the slowest type of charger but can be sufficient for some drivers who have limited daily driving needs. Meanwhile, Level 2 chargers are available for purchase and most often found at public charging stations. Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet, which is similar to what is used for a clothes dryer or electric stove. Level 2 chargers can provide up to 20-30 miles of range per hour of charging, making them ideal for drivers who drive more frequently. Lastly, Level 3 chargers, otherwise known as DC Fast Chargers, can provide up to 80% of a battery's charge in as little as 20-30 minutes. Level 3 chargers are only found at public charging stations along highways and major roads. Additionally, as of now, only BEVs can use a DC Fast Charger.

The most important thing to have an understanding of before buying an EV is the battery pack. Just like the battery in your phone or tablet, it will perform its best when it is well taken care of. To keep your battery in good condition and providing its best range, you should treat it like any other rechargeable battery. Similar to the battery in your smartphone or tablet, EV batteries use lithium-ion. These batteries can be subject to overcharging, which, over time, can lead to damage of the battery pack. Therefore, you should only charge it for the amount of driving you'll have to do. To keep the battery in good shape, you should let the battery get down to around 15% before plugging it in. Then, leave it plugged in long enough for it to charge to approximately 85%. Charging your battery to 100% every time you charge it can cause damage to the cells, resulting in less range. Also, as often as possible, you should use your vehicle's regenerative braking feature, which reverses the electric motors and sends electricity back to the battery while the vehicle is decelerating. Finally, you should avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures. So, as often as you can, park in the shade or in a garage to prevent the battery from being exposed to too much heat.

Making the switch to electric power is a great decision because it saves you money on fuel and maintenance as well as reduces your carbon footprint. If you're interested in getting your first electric vehicle, a PHEV is a great way to make the transition. Here at Westborn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have a wide range of new PHEVs, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Wrangler 4xe, and more. Browse our new inventory here on our website to find the right one for you, or visit our showroom to take one for a test drive. We look forward to earning your business!