February 18, 2020

Electric car charging station. Future concept.

Decoding Electric Vehicles.

Electric Vehicles are coming your way.

 Know your EV from your HEV and your BEV form your PHEV.

EV = Electric Vehicle

BEV = Battery Powered Electric Vehicle or Battery Electric Vehicle.

PHEV= Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles.

Learn what your options are even if you’re already driving an Electric Vehicle EV and you want to learn more.

BEV –All Battery Electric Vehicles

 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) run on battery power only, this makes them a fully electric vehicle.

With a BEV There is no other fuel used. This means that there is no fuel tank required, there is no exhaust system needed and no exhaust pipe.

You do not create any emissions whilst driving.

A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) battery charges using electricity and can also use ‘regenerative braking.’

When you brake while driving heat and energy is created and your BEV diverts that energy to help recharge your battery as you drive.

There are several all battery (BEVs) available in Australia and these include the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona, Renault Zoe and the Tesla Models.

More new battery only vehicles are expected to come into the Australian market within the next year like the Audi e-tron and the Mercedes EQC.

PHEVs – Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

 Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) recharge the cars battery by plugging in to an electrical charging outlet.

A PHEV is versatile as it can be driven using only battery power.

When the battery starts to go flat or power drops a petrol engine starts and operates until the batteries are charged again.

PHEVs also use regenerative braking. Discussed above.

There are several PHEV models available, these include the Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Ioniq, BMW 330e iperformance, Mercedes Benz C 300e and Holden Volt are examples of PHEVs available in Australia now.

HEVs – Hybrid Electric Vehicles

 HEVs run on a normal internal combustion engine and battery combination.

Using an electric motor and a petrol engine, that is controlled by an internal computing system.

As you start driving, the electric motor gets you moving and then the petrol engine takes over as you go faster.

HEVs use regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

With an HEV, you still need to visit the petrol station to fill up.

Your fuel economy will be much better, and you will have longer between filling up.

There is a range of HEVs available in Australia that include the Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV 4, Honda CR-Z hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq, Nissan Pathfinder, Volvo XC 60 T8 and Subaru Forester, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

How Far Can I Travel in my EV?

 The range you can travel is increasing as technology improves.

The average distance an EV can drive on one charge based on models available in Australia is over five hours without stopping.

For most people that’s more than enough range each day.

Each model has a different range.

This starts at around 130km on one charge to over 600km in one charge for some. Charging infrastructure is being rolled out with charging stations being installed in metro and regional areas.

While you are parked at home, work or your hair appointment you have time to top up your car’s battery charge.

 How EVs Can Improve the Environment 

All Electric vehicles help to reduce greenhouse emissions in varying amounts,

They also help to reduce air pollution and traffic noise.

The fully electric models don’t emit any greenhouse gases.

In saying this EVs aren’t totally emission-free, although this depends on how the power you use to charge your EV was generated.

Hydro or Geothermal electricity would give you zero emissions.

Solar and wind generated electricity close to zero depending on the energy used to make the panels or the wind towers.

Even when oil or gas fired electricity is used, they are a much cleaner form of transport than cars which run on petrol and diesel.

  Choosing Your Electric Vehicle

 Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding, which means there’s now more choice than ever with battery electric vehicles, plug-ins and hybrids available.

If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle in Perth, Western Australia or anywhere in Australia there are some points you should consider.

Electric Cars: Your Buyer’s Tips.

If your next car is going to be an Electric Vehicle of any sort, these tips could help you find the right EV:

How do you use your car?

Is a lot of your driving in peak hours?

Are you someone that likes to get away on the weekends?

An EV can be perfect car for you if you choose the right model that suits your vehicle use.

Research the models that are available before deciding.

1. What kind of EV would suit you?

Are you about to make the leap from a petrol to an electric car?

A Hybrid (HEV) could be the perfect choice.

You may be looking to get rid of service stations from your life. A fully electric car may be the best bet for you. Research the best EV or Hybrid that suits your lifestyle.

Do Your Research.

2. Research is Important.

Most vehicle manufacturers have at least one EV in their line-up of cars.

The range is constantly improving, and prices are starting to become more affordable.

Checking online reviews, specialist EV websites, forums and car publications are a great source of information about the types of cars and features you may be looking for.

3. Locate local charging stations.

You can learn where your charging stations are so that you can plan your driving and you’ll have the chance to check out EVs in actual use.

You can talk to their owners when you see one being charged.

Most EV drivers seem happy to share their experiences.

Make sure you take your proposed purchase for a test drive.

You need to get behind the wheel to see how the EV you have chosen will perform on the road. Try to ensure that you test dive the car on roads that you use regularly so that you can make a real comparison.

Will an EV save me Money?

4. Will an EV result in saving you money?

You will need to include the car’s purchase price, any maintenance cost (this should be a very low cost compared to an internal combustion powered vehicle) and the running costs.

Most EVs have a separate warranty for the battery, this is often longer than the car warranty. Check out the warranty so that you understand what is covered.

Check out the expected life expectancy of your battery.

 Is It True That EVs Cost More Than Other Cars?

They are more expensive if you compare the upfront cost.

If you compare the purchase price of an EV against a petrol-powered car, the electric version will cost more.

This will change over the coming years as car and battery companies gain economies of scale and increase their production.

Competition will also help to drive down costs.

EV purchase costs should be around the same price as a petrol-powered car by 2023.

Running costs of an EV are usually a lot less than petrol cars.

An EV doesn’t need an oil change or a lot of maintenance that a petrol or diesel engine needs.

Charging at most public stations is free or there is a token (small) fee.

If you charge your car at home, it can cost you less if you take advantage of any EV tariff and renewable energy options from your electricity provider.

Charging Your Electric Vehicle

A new term has entered the Australian vocabulary, “Range anxiety” (this is worrying about how far you can drive in your electric vehicle (EV).

If you have a fully electric car or a plug-in hybrid, learning where and how to charge your EV will become a part of your driving habits.

Charging at Home or Work

Charging your electric vehicle at home, you may consider having an EV charging point installed.

You can plug most compatible EVs into a standard electrical outlet.

You may need a charging point needs to be installed by a licensed contractor.

The time it takes to charge your EV will depend on the EV you chosen and the type of charger you use.

Your workplace may have a dedicated charging station already.

You could also use an available electrical outlet or find a nearby charging station.

When to Charge Your EV.

If your commute or daily driving is more than your electric vehicle’s driving range or you like to top up along the way, there are now public charging stations across Australia and in all capital, cities including Perth and WA.

Please note:

Not all public charging stations are the same:

• Some are free of charge; others charge a fee.
• There are stations that charge much faster than others.
• Different brands and models of EVs need different charging ports.

Does you EV have a fast-charging capability:

• There now chargers named “Level 2 chargers”, that will fully charge your car in around 4 hours, this will depend on the type of charger and the model of your EV.

• Even faster there are some DC chargers or fast chargers that will fully charge your car in around half an hour.

EV Resources.

The Australian Electric Vehicle Association

• The Australian Electric Vehicle Association Inc. (AEVA) is an organisation dedicated to switching Australia’s transport networks to electric drive.
• https://www.aeva.asn.au/

Plug Share

• Plug Share is a free application that works on iOS, Android, and web that allows users to find and review charging stations, and to connect with other plug-in vehicle owners.
• Yes, this looks like an American site. But it works for Australia. Type in the charging location and away you go.
• https://www.plugshare.com/
• My Electric Car (MEC)
• My Electric Car has been around since 2009 and is an information site on electric vehicles. It highlights developments in the EV field and trends that are accelerating worldwide in the electric vehicle market.
• A great source of information for Australians interested in Electric Vehicles.

https://myelectriccar.com.au/

Did you know that Australia has 3 weeks of reserves if there is a disruption to our oil supply?

If there was a disruption to oil supply for Australia after 3 weeks there would be no or very little food in the shops, no hospital supplies, the likelihood of economic and social upheaval.

Is it not time to get rid of our dependency on imported oil for our vehicle and transport needs and switch to Electric powered vehicles?

 Electric Cars = Cleaner Air.

The Beginning of a Cleaner Future.

We are at the beginning of a future where battery powered/electric and Hydrogen powered vehicles combined with technology will result in drastically reducing the pollutants produced by vehicle exhausts.

https://www.wacars.com.au/2019/12/27/hydrogen-power-answer/

Reducing Pollutants.

These pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide and multiple other irritants.

Car and cargo transport pollutants cause short and long-term effects on the environment.

Vehicle exhausts emit gases and particulates (solid matter) that contribute to global warming.

Engine noise creates sound pollution and fuel spills also cause environmental damage.

These pollutants can also cause acid rain, harm the environment and damage human health.

Technological Shift to Electric Vehicles.

By embracing this technological shift, we will see a significant reduction in air pollution, better health outcomes in our cities and less greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

This change in the propulsion of all our modes of transport and cargo movement will also change the way we consider energy generation and storage.

Make the Change.

As oil supply becomes more uncertain and as climate change accelerates, electric and hydrogen vehicles look to be a smart option.

In Australia electric cars have had a slow uptake.

For economic, health and environmental reasons, the change to electric and/or hydrogen vehicles is a no brainer. The sooner the better. Make the change with finance from www.loans123.com.au