Upfront cost can be higher, but:
○ You save on fuel and maintenance.
○ Federal and local tax credits or rebates may apply (up to $7,500 in the U.S.).
○ Total cost of ownership over time is often lower.
Over their lifetime, yes.
○ EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions.
○ Even accounting for electricity generation, they generally have a lower carbon footprint than gas vehicles—especially if charged from renewable sources.
Basic EV Types
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): Fully electric; no gas engine. Runs only on electricity (e.g., Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf).
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): Has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. Can be plugged in to charge (e.g., Toyota Prius Prime).
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): Can’t be plugged in; recharges the battery via braking and the engine (e.g., standard Toyota Prius).
FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle): Uses hydrogen to generate electricity (e.g., Toyota Mirai).
Battery & Charging Terms
kWh (Kilowatt-hour): Measures battery capacity. More kWh = longer range.
kW (Kilowatt): Measures power (used for charging speed and motor output).
Level 1 Charging: Slowest—uses a standard 120V outlet (like charging your phone overnight).
Level 2 Charging: Faster—240V, common in homes with special chargers and public stations.
DC Fast Charging: Super-fast—can charge 80% in ~20–45 minutes, depending on the car.
Regenerative Braking: Converts braking energy back into stored electricity.
Range: How far the EV can travel on a full charge.