Learn what to expect when purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) including:
● An average range of 234 miles,
● Annual fuel and maintenance savings, and
● Charging stations at grocery stores, parking garages, workplaces, and hotels along your route.
EVs and their infrastructure have come a long way in providing a reliable alternative to fossil fuel-based transportation, making “range anxiety” a thing of the past. Read on to learn what you can expect when you upgrade to an electric vehicle.
How far can I drive with an EV?
The average EV range is nearly four times what it was a decade ago! The average person drives 37 miles a day which is easily within the median EV range of 234 miles. For a more in depth look check this list of EV models by range.
EVs use regenerative braking to capture energy from braking resistance and give it back to the car, making them highly efficient while running errands around town. While electric vehicles can drive fewer “freeway” miles due to lack of regenerative braking, advancements in EV charging infrastructure mean long-distance drivers can still make good time.
How much will I spend on fuel?
Fuel costs make a compelling argument to go electric. The average American family spends around $5,000 on gas per year. Gas-car drivers pay about 200% more annually to fill their tanks compared to EV drivers charging with MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable energy.
What about maintenance?
In addition to saving on charging, you’ll also save on maintenance! EVs don’t require oil changes and smog checks because they only have around 20 moving parts compared to over 2,000 in gas cars. More parts equal more unexpected maintenance issues and additional trips to the mechanic.
What are my charging options?
Charging stations can be found along your route at grocery stores, parking garages, workplaces, hotels, highway rest stops, public parks, and more. You can find charging stations with PlugShare or your preferred EV charging station locator app. For longer trips, EV road trip planners can help you determine the best route.
Time to charge an EV depends on the level of charger:
- Level 1 chargers run on standard 120-volt outlets that we use to plug in lamps, toasters, and other small appliances. You’ll get 5−6.5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Level 2 chargers run on a 240-volt outlet that we use for larger appliances such as ovens and clothes dryers. You’ll get 14−35 miles of range for one hour of charging.
- Level 3 commercial chargers run on 480 volts of DC current. They’re here to rescue your road trip with up to 10 miles of range per minute of charging—a nice lunchtime refuel for you and your EV.
Over 1.2 million Californians are driving EVs today, including over 60,000 residents in Contra Costa, Solano, Marin, and Napa Counties. Learn more about why you should make the switch.
