Different Types of Electric Vehicles
There are two types of electric vehicles, Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles.
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EVs are best for those looking for zero emissions, lower maintenance, and primarily drive within the range of a single charge.
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PHEVs offer flexibility with an extended range using gasoline, making them a good choice for those who want to reduce emissions and fuel costs but still need the backup of a gasoline engine.
Fully Electric - (EV)
Fully electric vehicles are powered only by an electric motor instead of a gas-powered
Motor. The average range of an electric vehicle is around 350km.
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Benefits:
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Charging is less expensive than gasoline
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Convenient to charge at home/work
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Less money to maintain because of fewer and simpler components (no oil changes)
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Zero tailpipe /GHG emissions
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No engine noise
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Instant acceleration
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Longer battery range compared to electric hybrids or plug-in hybrids
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May be eligible for federal tax credit
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Challenges:
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Purchase price is usually more than gasoline, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles
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Extra planning is needed for long trips
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Shorter range for driving distance than gas powered vehicle
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Charging can be inconvenient without home/work charger
Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrid electrics use both an electric motor and a gas-powered engine. Typically, the electric motor will power the vehicle until the battery is depleted at which point the electric motor will automatically switch to the gas engine. Most hybrid’s travel between 32km-64km on electric power. The average Canadian drive approximately 50km daily.
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Benefits:
-Cost less than fully electric vehicles, and about the same as a gas-powered car
- Good fuel economy even after the electric range is depleted,
- Provides the benefit of an electric vehicle (no tailpipe emissions) while still having a gas engine for longer trips without charging concerns
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Challenges:
-Lower battery range than a fully electric vehicle
- More expensive than a gas-fueled vehicle
- Charging can be inconvenient without home/work charger
- Battery often takes up cargo space