How Does an Electric Car Work?
You’ve heard so much about electric cars lately. As the time to replace your daily driver draws nearer, you have a feeling an electric vehicle could be a great new car. First, though, you have questions that need answering—how does an electric car work, for instance?
At Norm Reeves Superstore, we have the answers for Cerritos, Irvine, West Covina, Huntington Beach, San Diego, and Vista, California, motorists! Let us walk you through how an electric powertrain works, and what you need to do differently when you own—and drive—an electric car.
How Do Electric Cars Work?
All-electric vehicles, or EVs, run purely on electricity, as the name suggests. Just as a gas-powered car would store fuel in a fuel tank, electric cars store electricity in a lithium-ion battery. This energy is used to run the electric motor that propels the vehicle.
Electric cars don’t require gasoline to run. That means you won’t have to stop at the gas station to fuel up anymore! But electric cars still require fuel—just a different kind of fuel.
You will need to charge your electric car, either at home or at a public charging station, to keep it running. While “range anxiety” may increasingly be a thing of the past, thanks to increased ranges and the proliferation of public charging stations, charging is a key aspect of EV ownership.
What Are the Levels of Electric Vehicle Charging?
There are three levels of EV charging: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The higher the level of charging, the faster the charging process, so keep that in mind as you consider how you’ll charge your electric car.
Level 1 charging is the sort of charging you can perform at home. All it requires is a common 120V outlet—the kind you presumably have in your garage already. This is the slowest way to charge your EV, but if you charge overnight (for 8 to 12 hours), you can have a full charge by morning.
Level 2 charging is roughly 10 times faster than Level 1 charging. You can install Level 2 charging equipment at your home, but it can also be found at public locations (and perhaps, your workplace).
Level 3 charging uses direct current (DC) fast charging to charge your vehicle at 3 to 20 miles per minute. The high voltage required means these chargers are rarely economical to equip in homes, but you will find some of them in public places.
How Is Maintenance Different for an Electric Car?
The chief advantage of an electric car, maintenance-wise, is its simplicity. With fewer moving parts than a conventional car, there’s less that requires service on a regular basis.
Because the car runs purely on electricity, it emits zero tailpipe emissions and lacks the liquid fuel components you would find in a conventional vehicle, such as the fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank. These are parts you won’t have to worry about maintaining.
Because electric cars lack internal combustion engines, there’s no need for an oil change or an engine tune-up, so cross those items off your service schedule. Thanks to the miracle of regenerative braking, brake pad replacements will be fewer and farther between, too.
Learn How Electric Cars Work at Norm Reeves Superstore
The easiest way for Cerritos, Irvine, West Covina, Huntington Beach, San Diego, and Vista, CA, shoppers to see how an electric car works is to experience it themselves.
At Norm Reeves Superstore, we can help make that happen. With numerous locations in the region, we’ll help you understand the many ways EVs differ from conventional cars. To start your all-electric journey, contact our team today!
