Driving Into The Future
Discover the Advantages of Electric Vehicles!
Electric vehicles ("EVs") are becoming a “hot item” in the auto world, with many auto manufacturers beginning to offer at least one model. Improved versions are on the near horizon too, for good reason. Electric vehicles provide environmental advantages and, even though they may carry a higher price tag initially, tax credits and lower operating costs often balance out the initial investment.
Electric powered autos are not a new technology. Although EVs may seem like the latest and greatest invention, in reality the technology has been around for more than a century. In the 1890s, electric cars were more popular than gas-powered autos because of their simplicity, reliability, and low cost of operation. In fact, Henry Ford’s wife drove an EV. For a variety of reasons, EV technology languished with the rise of gas-powered engines, but today, EVs once again are charging to the auto transportation forefront. This resurgence is fueled by significant advancements in power electronics and energy storage technologies.
Take a look at the information below to learn more about the benefits of driving electric. Contact us if you have any questions about EVs and a co-op representative will be in touch with you.
Vehicles can be sorted into four main categories:
Conventional Vehicles
These vehicles have an internal combustion engine, with the most common fuels being gasoline and diesel.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
These vehicles have both a gasoline engine and an electric motor and battery pack, both gas and electricity power the wheels. The electric motor and battery are designed to improve fuel economy, so less gasoline is used to operate the vehicle. The battery is charged solely by operating the vehicle; it is not possible to charge by plugging in.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
These vehicles have larger battery packs than hybrids and use both gas and electricity to power the wheels. These vehicles vary in their electric range but shift to gasoline-only operation when battery power is depleted or in certain other conditions. The vehicles plug in to charge the battery.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
These vehicles have much longer electric ranges than PHEVs, are powered solely by electricity and are charged by plugging in. Both PHEVs and BEVs fall under the “EV” umbrella.
Emission Facts
Plug-in electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions, which improves air quality. When accounting for the electricity that powers EVs, emissions are still lower than traditional vehicles.
If the electricity used to charge the vehicle is produced from nuclear energy or renewable sources (such as solar or hydropower), operating an electric vehicle is completely emissions free.
