Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by electricity stored in batteries, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which rely on gasoline or diesel. Unlike ICE vehicles, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. They are generally quieter, more efficient, and can be charged at home or public charging stations. Additionally, EVs have fewer moving parts compared to ICE vehicles, leading to lower maintenance costs and a simpler driving experience. Electric vehicles come in several types, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), hybrids (HEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), each offering unique features and benefits.
Types of Electric Vehicles
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV’s)
BEVs use electricity stored in a large battery to power their electric motor for a range of 80-410 miles. Quiet, powerful, and efficient, most BEVs achieve over 100 mpg equivalent while producing zero tailpipe pollution. Many of the most affordable, shorter-range BEVs can replace at least one gasoline car in multiple-car households, while the longer-range models may be able to replace a gasoline car even for a one-car household.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
PHEVs have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. A PHEV has an electric range of 13-53 miles, and operates like an EV for most daily driving. A gasoline engine provides energy once the battery is exhausted, allowing longer trips while achieving great hybrid gas mileage. Many PHEV drivers go for weeks without using a drop of gas, but have range confidence due to the back-up gasoline engine.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
These vehicles use compressed hydrogen gas for fuel. The hydrogen gas is combined with air in a special fuel cell to create electricity. The electricity created with the fuel cell is used to power the vehicle’s electric motor. FCEVs are zero emission vehicles, which means that no pollution comes out of their tailpipe (just like pure battery electric vehicles). Drivers can travel more than 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, and it takes about 3 to 5 minutes to refuel – about the same amount of time it takes to fill up with gasoline or diesel. There are currently 55+ hydrogen refueling stations in operation across California, with plans to expand the network outside of the state. Toyota, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai are already offering FCEVs for lease and sale. Audi, Chevy, Nissan, and others have announced plans for new FCEVs in the coming years.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
HEVs have an internal combustion engine along with batteries that capture and store energy that would normally be wasted when the vehicle is driven. Unlike plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, drivers don’t plug in HEVs to charge the vehicle’s batteries. Instead, a HEV uses the gasoline engine and regenerative braking to charge the vehicle batteries that help power the car (usually when people are driving at slower speeds). Using a mix of gasoline and electricity provides greater fuel efficiency and significantly reduces tailpipe emissions, but HEVs are not quite as clean or efficient as plug-in electric vehicles. HEVs have both the range and power of conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Recharging an electric vehicle is as simple as plugging in to an electric outlet. An electric vehicle can be recharged at night when demand is low, or in the middle of the day when solar energy is abundant and energy rates are cheaper; charging an EV is equivalent to paying approximately $2.00 to $2.50 per gallon of gas. Many EV drivers avoid the 4 - 9 p.m. peak time when electricity rates are highest, and EVs have timers to automate the process. Driving on electricity can help many households save money on fuel since electricity costs less than fossil fuels like gas and diesel.
The total cost of charging an EV can vary based on factors such as the size of the vehicle's battery, the type of charger used, local electricity rates, and the timing of the charge. Despite these variables, the savings are evident when compared to the rising costs of gasoline. Over time, these lower fueling costs, combined with reduced maintenance expenses—since EVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes—make EVs a more cost-effective choice. As the market continues to grow and incentives for EV adoption expand, the financial benefits of switching to electric are becoming increasingly compelling.
Levels of charging
There are three different “levels” of charging that EV drivers can access today:
Level 1
3-5 miles of charge per hour; a standard household 120V outlet is the most affordable way to provide an overnight charge for drivers who average less than 50 miles/day. Level one can also be a solution for workplaces where cars are parked for many hours per day.
Level 2
10-50 miles of charge per hour; the preferred option for faster home charging, workplace and public destination stations.Various programs can provide funding to install multifamily, workplace, or other Level 2 chargers.
Level 3
Direct-current (DC) fast charging. The current generation of 50-350 kW DC fast chargers deliver up to 90-200 miles’ worth of charge in 15 minutes – many EV drivers on a road trip time their fast charging session to coincide with a lunch or coffee break. Next-generation fast chargers are also being introduced that will charge future EVs with 200 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives
Electric vehicle (EV) incentives are financial benefits offered by governments and organizations to encourage the adoption of cleaner, more sustainable transportation. These incentives can include rebates, tax credits, reduced registration fees, and grants, designed to offset the higher initial costs of EVs and promote environmental benefits. Many of the incentives can be combined to maximize savings, though the specific combinations and eligibility requirements may vary by location and program.
Explore the incentives and rebates you might qualify for below. If you have additional questions or would like one-on-one guidance, you can sign up for the Community Environmental Council’s “EVs for Everyone” technical assistance program.