Can an EV fit my lifestyle?

With the proper cable (typically included with the car), you can plug into a common 120V power outlet and gain 3-5 miles of range per hour charged.  If you drive 20-30 miles per day, you can plug your BEV in each night and regain the range used during the day.

If you want a faster charge you can explore upgrading to a 240V system, which typically provides 10-20 miles of range per hour charged. For any modifications to your home’s power system, consult an electrician to add 240V outlets, installed charging boxes, and ensure your home can support the proper amperage.

Charging costs vary based upon time, place, state of charge, and total battery size; however, it's typically cheapest to charge at home than through third-party fast chargers.

You can estimate the cost to charge a full electric vehicle in your area with our EV charging cost calculator.

There are three primary types of cars and trucks with electric power:

HEV - Hybrid Electric Vehicles (commonly 'hybrids')

HEVs feature a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered by gasoline combined with a supplemental battery that doesn't need to be plugged in. The Honda Insight and Toyota Venza are examples of HEVs.

PHEV - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (commonly 'plug-in hybrids')

PHEVs are similar to HEVs with a conventional engine and electric motor but have two primary differences: longer EV-only range and can be plugged in to recharge their battery (but most don't have to be – the battery can recharge as a typical HEV does).

PHEVs are well liked because for most of their driving they can operate in EV-only mode, but can engage the ICE when driving longer distances or needing more power. The Ford Fusion Energi, which has an EPA-estimated EV-only range of 26 miles for 2019 and 2020 model years, is an example of a PHEV.

BEV - Battery Electric Vehicles (commonly what people mean when they talk about 'EVs')

BEVs use a battery and electric motor are used for propulsion instead of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). The Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volvo XC40 Recharge are examples of BEVs.

Energy must be used to get any vehicle up to speed, and typically that energy comes from either a fuel source or battery pack in your car. 

With a traditional braking system, pushing your foot on the pedal triggers the brake components to compress together, creating resistance to slow your vehicle's wheels. Any energy you had used to get up to speed is then lost as heat. 

With a regenerative braking system, your wheels are connected to a motor that recaptures some of the energy used to get your vehicle up to speed, which is then converted back to stored power in the battery—hence the name 'regenerative'. 

Most electric vehicles, including full EVs, HEVs, and PHEVs, feature both braking systems and allow you to select whether to use both or only regenerative braking. Because most regenerative braking systems kick in immediately after releasing your accelerator pedal (no need to apply the brake pedal) you can drive while using your traditional brakes significantly less often; this is commonly called one-pedal driving.