The electric vehicle industry is rapidly growing, with driving range estimates improving and charging times becoming faster. The federal government has made accessing tax credits easier for buyers. However, there is still confusion surrounding common EV terms. Charging levels are categorized into three levels based on speed, with Level 1 being the slowest, Level 2 common in public areas, and Level 3 being the fastest, such as Tesla Superchargers. DC stands for Direct Current, and DC Fast Charging is the quickest way to charge electric vehicles with outputs ranging from 50kW to 350 kW and beyond.
Electric motors in EVs are more efficient than traditional gas engines and produce torque at lower RPMs. Electrified vehicles include hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and full battery-electric vehicles. Mild-hybrids provide better performance but do not offer a significant fuel economy benefit. EREVs have an auxiliary power unit, such as an internal combustion engine, to recharge the battery when it runs out. EVSE, or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, enables two-way communication between charging stations and electric vehicles to control safe current flow.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) only emit water and can be found in California. They are more efficient than internal combustion engines. ICE, or Internal Combustion Engine, is the gas-powered engine in most vehicles. kW stands for kilowatt, a unit of power, and kWh is a unit of energy equivalent to the energy transferred by one kilowatt of power in one hour. MPGe measures the distance an EV can travel on 33.7 kWh of electricity, equivalent to a gallon of gas. The North American Charging Standard (NACS) is an EV charging connector system developed by Tesla.
Regenerative braking captures energy generated by slowing down an EV. Solid-state batteries are the next big advancement for EVs, replacing liquid electrolytes with solid ones for increased safety and efficiency. Tax incentives and refunds may be available for some EV purchases, with changes in 2024 affecting eligibility for certain vehicles. Plug-in hybrids offer some electric range but are heavier and more expensive than traditional hybrids. Batteries work harder in extreme temperatures, and hybrids are most efficient at lower speeds in city driving.
