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Install a charging station for electric vehicles

Charging station for electric vehicles

The ability to charge an electric car at home is important to ensure that it is always full and ready to go out. There are three types of charging stations for any electric vehicle. Everyone has their own installation process.

Level 1 EV Charger Installation

The Level 1 EV Charger is included with the EV and does not require any special installation. Simply plug the Level 1 charger into a standard 120 volt outlet, and you’re ready to go. This is the biggest attraction of the Level 1 charging system. You don’t have to worry about the additional cost of installation, and you can set up your entire charging system without the need for specialists.

Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger Installation

The Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger uses 240 volts of electricity. This has the advantage of short charging times, but the standard socket only supplies 120 volts, which requires special mounting procedures. Devices such as electric dryers and ovens also use 240 volts, and the installation process is very similar.

Level 2 EV Charger: Special Features

The Level 2 installation requires 240 volts from the circuit breaker panel to the charging location. To double the circuit voltage to 240 volts with a 4-wire cable, a “2-pole” circuit breaker must be connected to two 120 volt buses at the same time. From a wiring point of view, this includes connecting the ground wire to the ground bus, the common wire to the wire bus, and the two hot wires to the bipolar circuit breaker. You may need to completely replace the breaker box to use a compatible interface. Alternatively, you can add a 2-pole breaker to your existing switchgear panel. Be sure to turn off all breakers and then the main switch to turn off all breaker boxes.

Once you have the correct circuit breaker connected to your home wiring, you can route the newly installed 4-core cable to the charging location. This 4-core cable must be properly insulated and secured to prevent damage to the electrical system, especially when installed outdoors. The final step is to install the charger where you want to charge the vehicle and connect it to a 240 volt cable. The charger acts as a safe place for the charging power source and does not power until it detects that the charger is connected to the car’s charging port.

Given the technical nature and risks of DIY installation of Level 2 EV chargers, it is always advisable to have a professional electrician install the charging station. Local building codes often require professional approval and inspection anyway, and electrical failures can cause property damage to your home and electrical system. Electrical work is also harmful to your health, so it is always safer to ask an experienced professional to do the electrical work. Installation by an expert can cost between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 90,000, depending on the affiliated company or electrician, and can be higher for more complex installations.

Installing an EV Charger in a Solar Panel System

Combining a EV with a roof solar roof is an excellent combo energy solution. Solar installers may even offer package purchase options, including installing a complete EV charger in your solar system. If you are considering switching to an electric vehicle at some point in the future, but want to switch to solar power now, there are some considerations to simplify the process. For example, you can invest in a micro inverter for a PV system to make it easier to add modules after initial installation if you need more energy to buy an electric vehicle.

Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charger Installation

Level 3 Charger or DC Quick Charger is usually very expensive and requires special and powerful equipment to operate, mainly in commercial and industrial environments. Used in. This means that DC quick chargers are not available for home installation.

Most Level 3 chargers charge about 80% of compatible vehicles in 30 minutes, making them suitable for roadside charging stations. Owners of the Tesla Model S have the option of “charging”. The Tesla supercharger can give the Model S a range of about 170 miles in 30 minutes. An important caveat with Level 3 chargers is that not all chargers are compatible with all vehicles. Before using a Level 3 charger for on-the-go charging, check the public charging points available for your electric vehicle.

The cost of charging electric vehicles at public charging stations also varies. Billing charges vary widely from provider to provider. Electric vehicle charging station charges can be configured as monthly flat rates, minute charges, or a combination of both. Check out your local public charging schedule to find the one that best suits your car and needs.

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Electric car can power your house via Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) smart charging

An electric car can power your house (V2H)

The vehicle-to-home (V2H) smart charging is a way where one can store electricity in their electric car and then use it as a power source in the time of need. The idea of using cars as the storage for batteries sounds great right! The hassle of keeping a battery and an inverter for electricity backup in the house would no more be something to worry about, instead, all can have an electric car which can also be used as a backup source of energy if needed adding more to that it can be seen as a moving source of electricity backup.

But the main question comes here how does it work? Will there be any effect on the battery of the car, and will it not be a violation of battery warranty conditions? Is it commercially beneficial? We are going to discuss all these points further.

How does vehicle-to-home (V2H) work?

Basically, the batteries of electric vehicles store and share electricity when needed. Electric vehicles are charged by electricity and that electricity can from different sources like solar panels, generators, electricity grids even the regenerative braking in the car itself. One can charge the electric car using electricity and during the time of power outages, the battery of these electric cars is discharged via a V2H charger to provide the home with needed electricity.

V2H capable chargers and technologies.

CHAdeMO vs CCS: Currently only Japanese electric vehicles support V2H thus only CHAdeMO fast-charging connectors can provide V2H facilities. However, this can expand V2H capabilities to CCS fast charging ports, too by the latest car to the grid communication interface standard.

DC vs AC V2H chargers: There is a very small number of V2H chargers that support AC charging. The reason is quite simple as the implementation of V2H is easier with direct current (DC) chargers as compared to alternating current (AC) chargers. However, electric cars need to have some kind of invertor as the DC stored in the batteries needs to be converted to AC power to be used at homes.

Will there be any effect on the battery of the car, and will it not be a violation of battery warranty conditions?

Since its conception, battery deterioration, and therefore the economic feasibility of V2H bidirectional operations, has been a point of debate in the electric vehicle market. The pace of EV battery deterioration is determined by how they are being put into use. The deterioration of a battery is determined by several parameters, including how frequently and how much one discharge the battery (discharging current), at what temperature, – to what capacity throughput, at what state of charge (SoC) of the battery, and the depth of discharge (DoD).

As a result of battery life degradation, one of the major problems impeding V2H or other bidirectional solutions is the automobile manufacturer’s battery guarantee.

For eight years, the industry-wide guarantee for EV manufacturers is about 160,000 km of driving with a minimum remaining capacity of 70%. However, Nissan is the only electric vehicle manufacturing company that has said that using V2H would not violate the warranty of its car battery.  As the electric vehicles manufacturers are better able to understand the capabilities and safety of their batteries, they have the chance to build a better battery management system for their electric vehicles, by this, they can guarantee a warranty for a longer period, including V2H operations.

Is it commercially beneficial?

Modern houses are having solar panels installed lowering their electricity bills. Usually, people have an invertor in their house which comes with a battery pack to store electricity and use the stored electricity when needed, the electric car will eliminate the battery as the car can be used to store electricity and be used at the time of need saving some extra money that would have gone for purchasing the battery pack.

Electric cars also have a larger battery capacity compared to normal home storage batteries. This means that one goes longer without electricity compared to home storage batteries. Also, to think that the car cannot be always at the home as one has to use it for other purposes too.

There are a lot of cases where the use of V2H has been found beneficial but there are some places where it makes no difference or sometimes is even costlier when comes to the overall cost. As of now, nothing can be said whether it is really beneficial or not. Shortly when all the electric cars will support V2H charging then it might become beneficial for everyone.

Advantages of V2H

Electric cars can be used as an emergency power supply for homes:

There is no place in the world where power cannot go out, even the most developed countries have power outages at least once a year. Under these circumstances, the electric vehicles that support V2H can act as an emergency power backup for the house. Although it depends on the battery of the car that for how long can it power the appliances in the home.

At the same time a large number of appliances can be used:

Sometimes there might not be enough power in the grid to power up large appliances or too many appliances at a time. The electric car solves this issue as it gives out a constant current all the time. So, if the car comes with V2H compatibility it can power up bigger appliances and even be able to power a large sum of appliances all at once.

Effective use of natural energy and self-sustainable living:

Vehicle- to home provides a perfect combination of two technologies an electric motor which benefits the environment and makes our traveling lot smoother compared to gas cars. By storing the power generated by solar power, wind power, and by collecting the energy from regenerative breaking it can charge up a battery and act as a storage for electric power and we can re-use the stored energy from the battery for home uses. This helps in saving some grid charges along with leading us to an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Electric vehicles are already getting popular in the market and are replacing normal gas cars with the V2H smart charging facility coming to all the electric cars the need for home battery storage will reduce over time. It will change how we consume electricity.

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Understanding differences between kW, kWh & Ah from EV charging perspective

Differences between kW, kWh & Ah

When you decide to buy a new car and want it to be an electric one, there are many things that can cause problems such as the use of terms which only a small number of people are aware of such as kilowatt, kilowatt-hours, ampere-hours, etc. People need to know what these terms refer to as these words share a lot of information related to the cars such as battery capacity, charging speed, range, efficiency and so much more.

People usually get confused between kilowatt (kW)and kilowatt-hour (KWh) that is so easy to make, sometimes even eMobility professionals and electric vehicle journalists get confused between these two. These terms are nowhere new for the people who come from an electric background but for normal people it is new.

Many questions arise related to these such as, what is the difference between kilowatts and kilowatt-hours? What is the meaning of these terms? When one should be considered for use? We are going to discuss all these things with the relationship they have with electric vehicles. We will also discuss the Ampere-hours which is the most common measurement unit used for the measurement of battery capacity.

What is kilowatt (kW)?

Kilowatt refers to power, which can be understood as it is equal to current (in amperes) multiplied by voltage (in volts). Voltage is the amount of electrical pressure a circuit or a conductor has, the force that pushes the electrons around the circuit. Amperes are the speed at which electrons move past a given point.

Power (kW) = Voltage (V) x Current (A)

What is kilowatt-hour?

Kilowatt-hour refers to energy, which can be understood as it is equal to the power in kilowatts multiplied by time in hours. Watts are used to defining the amount of power that runs through a given power supply. A kilowatt is simply a thousand watts. A kilowatt-hour is much like an ampere-hour, it is a measure of energy as how much energy is consumed in a given period. The batteries of electric cars are usually measured in kilowatt-hour. The larger capacity the battery has the longer is the range of the car.

Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) x Time (hours)

What is Ampere hour?

Individual cells that combined together make a battery pack. Battery manufacturers use ampere-hour to describe the capacity of the cell, whereas kilowatt-hour is used to describe the capabilities of the full battery system.

It can be understood as capacity is equal to current and amps multiplied by time in hours.

Capacity (Q) = Current (I) x Time (hours)

Ampere hour is used to define the current a battery can supply in an hour or in other words ampere-hour is used to determine the battery life of the cell. For example, a 5Ah cell will give 5 amperes of current for an hour before it goes dead, and if the output current increases the battery life decreases.

What is the difference between kW and kWh?

Kilowatt stands for instantaneous power, on the other hand, kilowatt-hour stands for cumulative energy. In electrical vehicles kilowatt is used to define the performance of the electric motor and speed of the charger just like horsepower is used to define the performance of an internal combustion engine. However, a kilowatt-hour is used to define the battery size and the energy that is delivered during the charging session of the battery.

Why are electric cars batteries measured in terms of kilowatt-hours (kWh) and not in ampere-hour (Ah)?

Because knowing the amp-hours doesn’t actually tell you the capacity of a battery by itself. This figure is only helpful if you know the voltage, and most people want a comfortable number to be able to refer to capacity. Watts = volts x amps, thus you get a figure that shows how much capacity the battery has by using watts-hours rather than amp-hours.

For very big batteries, kilowatt-hours are best rated (a kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watt-hours). Most do not know or care about the current-voltage or the exact current – they want to know just how far a charge can go and when comparing different vehicles kilowatt-hours are a lot more convenient measure to use.

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The Best Home EV Charger Buying Guide

Home EV Charger

With so many EV home charging stations these days, most people really don’t know which feature to look for when looking for the best home charging solution.

Before we get started, we need to clarify some terms. Electric vehicle feeders or “EVSE” are actually the correct terms for what many call “EV chargers” or “EV charging stations.” The term “charging station” is not a proper term because the actual charging device is built into the car and EVSE actually only provides a safe power source for the vehicle.

However, most people recognize the device that way, so we chose to use the term “charging station” or “charger” here. Even the companies that sell EVSEs call them “chargers” or “charging stations” on their websites.

It is also important to note that this post is specific to the North American market. Power supplies in Europe and most other regions do not use 120 volt power supplies as standard household power supplies, as they do in North America. Therefore, there is no “level 1 charge” in Europe. Also, in Europe, the equipment is very different from that in North America, as the charging cable is often not connected to the device to charge Level 2.

Cost:

You can expect to spend anywhere between $ 400 and $ 1,200 on a high quality, safe certified EV charging station. But if you spend more, you don’t always get more. Also, many of the charging stations listed below often have special offers and discounts. So look around a bit before you make a purchase.

For some, the cheapest charger with excellent finish and excellent warranty is the right choice, and there are top pick recommendations that fit this profile. For others, the ability to view charging session history, calculate accurate charging costs, voice control charging using Amazon Alexa, and other smart charging options are well worth the extra cost.

Things to consider before buying the home EV charger:

Do you control the power supply? If you own your own home, this is not a problem as you can set up a charging station without asking for permission. If you own an apartment, you will need to get permission from the association, which can be a daunting task. If you live in an apartment and have a parking space or garage reserved, you will need to obtain the landlord’s permission before installing the charging station and the garage may have limited electricity.

Does the electrical service panel have enough free space to install its own circuitry for the charging station? If you have any questions about whether you have enough reserve capacity, please contact a qualified electrician to check the service and let them know if you can afford it.

Where do you want to install it? You need to place the charging station near the connector on the car connector and make sure that the charger cable is long enough to reach the connector without stretching. Check the location of the charging port before installing the charging station, as each EV has a different charging port location.

When you are ready to install a charging station and know where to install it, decide on a charging station. There are many options these days and not all charging stations are made the same. Let’s take a look at the different features to consider when deciding which station is right for you.

Power: Level 2 charging stations typically supply 16A to 80A. This can make a big difference in the charging speed of electric vehicles. You probably don’t want to buy a poor performance charging station, but you’ll have to buy a more powerful charging station at a later date. Even if the current EV can only consume 16 amps (3.3 kW), the next EV can consume at least 32 amps (7.7 kW), so you should consider buying a more powerful device. For this reason, if you want to guarantee your future investment, we recommend purchasing a charging station that can supply at least 32 amps, preferably 40 amps.

Cable Length: Some charging stations come standard with only one 16-foot cable. In our experience, that is not enough for most people. We recommend a cable length of at least 20 feet, but ideally 2,425 feet.

Safety Certification: Because EV charging is a relatively new industry, there are many small start-ups that manufacture EV chargers, including device safety from one established testing institute such as Underwriter. Some didn’t take much time or money to check sex. Has a Lab Certification (UL). These devices need to provide high performance to the car for hours every day and make sure it is safe. If it’s not certified safe, that doesn’t mean the charger isn’t safe, but it’s a problem.

Hardwired or plugin? Hardwire means that the device is permanently connected to a power source, so the device cannot be removed without opening the charger and unwiring. The plug-in unit is not permanently connected to the mains, it is simply plugged into a socket. Chargers of 40 amps or less can be plugged into NEAM 1450 or NEMA 650 outlets. Chargers above 40 amps must be wired and securely installed. Charging stations with plugs have several advantages over permanently installed charging stations.

You can disconnect the device from the mains and take it to another location to charge it. Perhaps you have a villa or visit a family member or friend who lives far away. Plug-in units can be carried over long distances, but wired units cannot. These aren’t as small and lightweight as the low-power Level 2 portable chargers, but they’re easy to remove and move around.

The cost of installation may be lower. The electrician only needs to install a 240 volt outlet, so installation is much less than wiring and installing a charging station. All you need is an outlet, so you can install the outlet before you buy the charging station so that you can use the garage when the charging station arrives. If so, make sure your electrician has a circuit that can supply at least 32 amps. If the service panel has available capacity, it is advisable to install a 50 amp circuit that can supply the vehicle 40 amps.

If this is a problem and needs to be repaired or replaced during the warranty period, unplug it and return it. If it is wired, you will need to ask your electrician to remove it, cap the wire, and then go back and reattach the new wire.

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Top 10 electric scooters and e-bikes in India

Top 10 electric scooters / e-bikes

Electric scooters / motorcycles are becoming more and more popular in the country each passing day. There are several electric two-wheelers on the market at great prices that can be purchased by anyone who wants to own an electric vehicle for a smooth driving experience while protecting the environment at the same time. The country will see a wide variety of electric bikes in the upcoming years.

List of top ten electric bikes in India:

Ola electric S1 pro

Simple energy e-scooter

Ola electric S1

Ather 450

Revolt RV 400

Revolt RV 300

Ather 450X

Hero electric dash

Bajaj chetak

TVS iQube

Ola electric S1 pro

Ola electric S1 pro is an electric scooter that comes with the highest speed of 115 km/h. It has a range of 181 km. Ola S1 pro comes with a lot of color options. It is capable of delivering a peak power of 8.5 kW while giving a nominal power of 5.5 kW. It has been managed in a weight of 125 kg. It can be owned by paying a price of Rs. 1,29,999. It can be booked at a price of 499.

Simple energy e-scooter

Simple energy e-scooter is an electric scooter that comes with a top speed of 105 km/h. It comes with a range of 236 km. The simple energy e-scooter comes with a battery pack of 4.8 kWh. Tire size is 12 inches, and it gives nominal power of 4.5 kW along with a torque of 72 Nm. All these features have been managed in a lightweight of 110 kilograms. It can be booked by paying a price of Rs. 1947 and the full ownership will cost Rs. 1,09,000.

Ola electric S1

Ola electric S1 is an electric scooter that comes with the highest speed of 90 km/h. It has a range of 121 km. Ola S1 comes with a lot of color options. It is capable of delivering a peak power of 8.5 kW while giving a nominal power of 5.5 kW. It has been managed in a weight of 121 kg. It can be owned by paying a price of Rs. 99,999. It can be booked at a price of 499.

Ather 450

Ather 450 is an electric scooter that has a weight of 111 kg. It is capable of giving a range of 75 km. It comes with a tubeless tire design and is capable of giving a torque of 20.5 Nm. The Ather 450 gives the power of 7.34 PS.

Revolt RV400

Revolt RV400 is an electric bike that has a range of 150 km per charge. The Revolt RV400 is capable of giving a torque of 170 Nm. The weight of Revolt RV 400 is less than many other electric scooters/ bikes available in the market at the moment that is 108 kg.

Revolt RV300

Revolt RV300 is an electric bike that has a range of 80 to 150 km per charge depending upon the driving style of the driver. The Revolt RV300 takes around 4.2 hours to get fully charged. The weight of Revolt RV300 is less than many other electric scooters/ bikes available in the market at the moment that is 101 kg.

Ather 450X

Ather 450X is an electric scooter that has a weight of 108 kg. It is capable of giving a range of 85 km and has a top speed of 80 km/h. It comes with a tubeless tire design and is capable of giving a maximum torque of 26 Nm. The Ather 450 gives the power of 4.4 PS.

Hero electric dash

Hero electric dash is an electric scooter that has a weight of 77 kgs and is capable of giving a top speed of 25km/h. This electric scooter does not have any remarkable or outstanding features yet it is considered by a lot of electric scooter buyers.

Bajaj chetak

Bajaj chetak is the new revamped version of the legendary Baja chetak which was one of the most selling petrol scooters when it was revealed. The new electric Bajaj chetak comes with a range of 95 km per charge. Like all other electric vehicles in the market, this also comes with an all-digital dashboard. The Bajaj chetak is capable of giving a maximum torque of 16 Nm.

TVS iQube

TVS iQube is an electric scooter that comes with a range of 75 km on a single charge. It takes approx 5 hours to fully charge the battery of the electric scooter. The TVS iQube is capable of delivering a maximum torque of 140 Nm which is higher than any vehicle in the market.

The above list of the 10 best electric two-wheelers in the country was compiled based on several factors. You can also check out the other electric bikes or electric scooters.

With the purchase of an electric scooter, you are contributing to the conservation of the earth since electric vehicles are respectful of the environment and do not emit dangerous gases into the environment. Most basic electric scooters don’t even require a driver’s license. You also don’t need to register your electric vehicle. You can clarify this with your vehicle dealer.

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What is new in Open Charge Point Protocol 2.0? | OCPP2.0 Vs OCPP 1.6

What is new in Open Charge Point Protocol(OCPP) 2.0?

Open communication standards are tools that allow anyone to exchange information using a common underlying framework, usually to overcome a communication hurdle. These frameworks mostly allow collaboration between new technologies to avoid fragmented markets.

This is well demonstrated by email. Developed in the 1980s and still in use today, a standard called IMAP, the Internet Message Access Protocol, allows a Gmail user in the US and an AOL user in India to retrieve your email from the server where it is stored. international communication conversation easier. If Google and AOL developed proprietary email protocols and the US and Indian governments had their own regulations for the protocols, cross-border communications, hardware types, and software brands would be broken. The designers of email protocols understood this and, to avoid market fragmentation, created a common infrastructure that developers can expand while maintaining interoperability.

Some functionality improvements:

The improvements were made primarily in the area of ​​ISO 15118 for smart charging and security, as well as general security improvements. The following section can provide an overview of the functionalities that have been added/improved in the latest version.

Management of device:

Functions to call and configure settings and to monitor a charging station. This is a highly anticipated feature that is particularly welcomed by charging station operators managing complex, manufacturer-independent (fast DC) charging stations.

Improvement in handling transactions:

Especially welcomed by charging station operators who manage a large number of charging stations and transactions.

Additional security:

The addition of secure firmware updates, security logging, and event notification, as well as security profiles for authentication (key management for client-side certificates) and secure communication (TLS).

Added smart charging functionalities:

For topologies with energy management system (EMS), a local controller, and for integrated smart charging of electric vehicles, charging stations and charging station management systems.

Support for ISO 15118:

Related to plug-and-charge and smart charging requirements from the electric vehicle.

Messaging and Displaying support:

Used to provide the driver of an electric vehicle with the rates and tariffs right on the information display.

Many more additional improvements:

The request of electric vehicle drivers should also be solved.

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Learn about electric vehicle maintenance to expand knowledge of existing vehicles

Electric vehicle maintenance

Many of us are accustomed to routine car maintenance, but in many ways it is easier to keep an EV (electric vehicle) in good condition. The advantages of fewer regenerative brakes, fewer moving parts, and fewer fluids than traditional vehicles generally mean much less maintenance on the green car. The same is true to some extent for hybrid vehicles that benefit from part of their EV infrastructure. So, what do you need to know to maintain an electric vehicle?

How does an electric car work?

The concept behind the electric car is very simple. Electricity is stored in the battery pack of an electric vehicle. This electricity is used to power and operate the engine of a car. Since electric vehicles rely on batteries, one of the main differences for owners is the need to recharge the vehicle on a regular basis. “How do I charge my car?” Is one of the most common questions people ask themselves about electric vehicles. The answer is simple.

The network of public charging stations is expanding throughout the UK, allowing you to charge your EV at home or at work. As the range of batteries increases and the number of charging points increases, electric vehicles can be compared much better with ICE vehicles (internal combustion engines) in terms of distance and range.

How is the maintenance of an electric vehicle different from a regular vehicle?

When it comes to maintenance, there are some notable differences between electric and conventional EVs. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of electric vehicles, the simple design is a big advantage. Traditional cars have a very different set of parts that need servicing (oil, cooling system, spark plugs, fuel pump, etc.), but most EVs have three main components. Electric vehicle motors, inverters and car chargers are the areas with the highest maintenance costs.

Since electric vehicles have few items to maintain, maintenance costs can be significantly reduced. This will vary somewhat from model to model, as fewer mainstream models can result in higher replacement parts costs. Regenerative braking. Thanks to regenerative braking, electric vehicles typically require half the brake maintenance of a regular vehicle.

There is little liquid. EV cars maintain much less liquid than regular cars, and these (except for the liquids below) are usually sealed to the car’s infrastructure and are inaccessible.Currently, the only incentive to keep a conventional car is to avoid the emergency repair costs and fines that can arise from intermittent maintenance. For electric vehicles, there are additional driver incentives, such as financial loans to replace old batteries with new ones. Even if the components of an electric vehicle are disassembled into individual vehicle parts and an internal combustion engine, there is a big difference between the two.

Brake pads.

Even in the case of EV cars, you need to take care of the brake pads. However, thanks to regenerative braking, this is usually much easier. Regenerative braking helps avoid the energy loss that occurs when braking a normal car. Instead, in an electric vehicle, when you step on the brake pedal, the motor reverses and brakes the wheels of the vehicle, but at the same time  energy  is generated and transferred to the vehicle’s battery for later use. This is true for both electric and hybrid vehicles.

Wiper.

Electric vehicles are equipped with wipers as standard equipment and must be maintained in the same way as conventional vehicles. It usually makes sense to replace the wiper blades twice a year, in early winter and early summer. However, if it wears during that time, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Liquid.

Electric vehicles usually have only three important liquids that need to be replenished on a regular basis: coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. This is true for most eco-friendly cars, but some are different from each other. For example, the Tesla Model S transmission contains gear oil and needs to be replaced on a regular basis. Coolant is also needed for thermal management of electric vehicles and needs to be replenished from time to time.

Battery.

EV batteries become less efficient over time and may need to be replaced. However, this can take at least 10 years and is not classified as “regular maintenance”. In fact, many manufacturers guarantee battery drive components for 810 years, or 100,000 to 150,000 miles.

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Living in Germany? Leasing Renault Zoe could be almost free

Leasing Renault Zoe could be almost free

The Renault Zoe is a five-door supermini electric car from the French manufacturer brand Renault. Renault originally introduced a number of different prototypes under the name Zoe. First in 2005 as Zoe City Car and then as Zoe Z.E. The electric concept was launched in 2009 and 2010 in two different versions under the Renault Z.E. the Last name.

A production-ready version of the Zoe was shown at the Geneva Motor Show hosted in 2012. Deliveries to private customers began in France in December 2012, followed by several European countries in 2013. Since 2013, the Zoe has been the best-selling all-electric car of all time on the French market with over 100,000 units registered as of June 2020.

The Zoe was the best-selling all-electric car in Europe for two years in a row. , in 2015 and 2016, and also led European market sales in the broader plug-in electric car segment in 2016 and 2020. Since 2020, the Zoe has been Europe’s best-selling plug-in electric car of all time. In December 2020, global sales since launch were almost 285,000 units.

The first Zoe series had a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery, which in the NEDC cycle offers a range between 210 km (130 miles) and 240 km (150 miles). In September 2016, Renault announced the launch of a new model with a longer range which comes with a 41 kWh lithium-ion battery, increasing the range in the NEDC cycle to up to 400 km (250 mi). In mid-2018, a new model with a higher engine power of 80 kW (110 hp) was announced as the ZE 40 R110.

In mid-2019, the ZE 50 R135 was announced with a 55 kWh battery (52 useful) and 100 kW (130 PS) motor, as well as CCS charging; The latest model is ready for series production was shown at the IAA in Frankfurt and delivery started in January 2020.

The Renault Zoe was first launched in 2012, and by now it has its third generation moving in the market. The latest generation comes with two options for the customers to choose from, both these versions give the customers an option to choose between two electric motors.

The Renault Zoe comes with a battery pack of 52 kWh and is claimed to provide a range of around 400 km, which currently on a few cars are capable of delivering at the moment.

The German government is currently giving subsidies to electric vehicles quite a lot aggressively. Actually, so aggressively that leasing the Renault Zoe electric car is kind of almost free.

Governments around the world have been under pressure to create financial incentives to encourage the purchase of new and cleaner cars after the coronavirus pandemic paralyzed the industry. During the end of April, car sales fell a staggering 97.3% year-on-year.

Environmental activists have continued to pressure the government to ensure that any post-pandemic economic reconstruction is sustainable. However, ministers last month rejected a scrapping program that was rumored to encourage purchases of electric cars in the UK. However, other European countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, have increased their electrical incentives to boost their vital auto industries.

As a proud automaker, Germany highly values ​​its auto industry and driving culture – a recent announcement by the country’s Greens to impose a speed limit of 130 km / h on the country’s roads when it comes to energy next year was received with contempt incumbent coalition.

Yeah! That is right no jokes no pranks, it is no lie that Renault is offering its Zoe for free, well this free thing happened because of the subsidies provided by that government and OEM which makes the subsidies to 10,000 euros directly from 6000 euros.

This means that if the cost of leasing the Renault Zoe sums up to 6000 euros then the government would be paying the whole sum of money and the person taking the car on a lease can have a car for free.

One thing to keep in mind is that the leasing thing only works for 2 years, and the battery is not included in this time period. Once the leasing period ends the person has two options, first one is to purchase the Renault Zoe and the second way is that the driver would have to give the leasing amount to Renault.

If one wants to purchase a car with the above subsidies, then there is a slight chance that the leasing rate can quickly increase. If you ask me then the thought of leasing a new Renault Zoe without paying any cost for three consecutive years sounds great to me.

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Everything to Know About LEED Green Vehicle Points

Minimum criteria for the electrical vehicle supply equipment:

For EVSE-equipped parking spaces to qualify for Green Vehicle Point, the charging station must have a level 2 or higher charging capacity. This means it must have at least 208 volts of power. A device must also be connected to participate in the Demand Response Program. This will lower the cost of charging cars by encouraging more people to charge their cars after working hours.

Finally, EVSEs must comply with all applicable local and regional standards for electrical connectors. Two common examples of widely used regional standards are the SAE J1772 Ground Vehicle Recommendation Practice and the SAE Conductive Charging Clutch for Electric Vehicles.

Process to get LEED points for electric / green vehicles:

Buildings can earn one point for green vehicles if they meet two requirements. The first is preferred parking requirements. 5% of all parking spaces must be reserved for green vehicles only. These spaces should be evenly distributed across the different parking lots.

Alternatively, projects have the option of granting green vehicles a 20 percent discount on parking rather than assigning them 5 percent of parking spaces. Information about the discount should be easily accessible and available.

The second requirement for LEED point for the green vehicles is the provision of an alternative service station spread in at least 2 percent of the whole parking spaces. The space offered by electric vehicle electric companies must not include the 5 percent reserved for green vehicles. Companies can choose to install charging stations for electric vehicles or liquid, gas or battery systems.

Eligibility to get local and federal incentives:

As a Chicago PEV owner, you qualify for some of the best EV incentives in the world. Level 1 EVSE generally comes with a standard NEMA connector at the time of purchase, but for Level 2 EVSE with a 240V plug similar to most appliances, you can contact the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity of Illinois (DCEO) to receive a 50% discount on installation costs and a discount for vehicles up to $ 4,000. From state to state and local incentives, there are numerous financing options available that could serve as a catalyst for the sustainable transition from ICE to PEV.

Types of charging stations:

On average, a Chicagoan travels 22 miles per day. Assuming you drive 12,000 miles a year, the $ 286 cost of charging a PEV at an additional 0.07 kWh rate gives you $ 1,634 in savings than the fuel cost of an ICE-based vehicle that costs approximately $ 1,920.Compared to PHEVs, electric vehicles typically take longer to charge when discharged because of their higher battery capacity due to their electrical configuration. So the charging time will depend on the type of ESVE you use to charge your PEV.

In this inverse relationship, efficiency is important: the higher the installation and equipment costs, the faster the load times, and vice versa. Level 1 120V and 208V to 240V class 2 EVSEs use alternating current (AC), due to higher charges due to DC conversion, and typically at 40 km and 1020 mph respectively. The Level 3, on the other hand, might be the pricier ESVE option, but you’ll get fast charging speeds of 6080mph thanks to the 480V DC outlet.

However, level 3 is only available for building management monitoring, and this on-demand installation typically begins with pre-determination of EPI concerns among multi-family tenants (MUDs) prior to selection. careful selection of electrical installers and authorization procedures. from the city. Chicago. For a residential or trail PEV, this custom setting requires you to install your own EVSE if you live in a single-family home or make a reasonable agreement with your property manager regarding ownership. ownership, maintenance and monthly electricity charges., As if they were fixed or not at a lower rate. accounting, meeting.

Earning LEED points for this EV credit requirement ensures that you will submit complete drawings, including EVSE type, location, driving method, circuit diagram, conduit, and electrical calculations. This is where our electrical engineering know-how lies: we can design the electrical capacity of your EVSE to operate at peak efficiency, for total efficiency, to charge all PEVs at once at full rated current.

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Are electric cars cheaper to maintain?

Electric vehicles are easier to maintain

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more mainstream, and you’re probably not the only one wondering if an electric car is right for you. As technologies that support electric vehicles (ELECTRIC VEHICLEs) and batteries continue to improve, the drawbacks of high cost, range limitations, performance issues, long charging times, and lack of charging stations will disappear.

Car giants like Volvo are working to switch to electric cars in the near future. Electric vehicle been luxury electric vehicles like Tesla are changing the general perception of electric vehicles as being accessible only to the elite, offering more affordable options to consumers.

This is certainly significantly less than the traditional power model. Electric vehicles are more expensive to buy than traditional motor vehicles, but are generally cheaper to charge at home. In addition, electric vehicles save owners long-term cash by reducing long-term maintenance costs.

This is because ELECTRIC VEHICLEs eliminate more than 20 mechanical parts that typically require regular maintenance. ELECTRIC VEHICLE owners do not have to pay for adjustments, oil changes, cooling system flushes, transmission maintenance, air filters, spark plugs, drive belt replacements and more. According to sources, electric vehicle owners spend about one-third of what traditional motor vehicle owners spend on regular services.

Electric vehicle nevertheless, electric vehicles are not maintenance-free. All automakers insist that the owner perform a series of regular checks and maintenance to keep the vehicle under warranty. If you do not follow the recommended schedule, your car may not be insured when it needs repair. With the exception of tire rotation, cabin air filter and wiper blade replacement, and washer fluid replenishment, many of these can be traced back to various mechanical inspections.

Apart from simple tasks such as checking the air pressure in the tires, refilling the wind shield washer fluid, and in some cases replacing the wiper blades, automakers perform these procedures by trained technicians in the dealership department. Properly advise what you need to do.

Just because there is less maintenance does not mean that an electric vehicle is bulletproof. ELECTRIC VEHICLE owners will Electric vehicle eventually need to replace tires, repair brakes, and in some cases replace steering and suspension components, hoses, headlights, taillights, and more. As with other types of vehicles, wheel alignment is required if the vehicle is pulled sideways or if the tires wear unevenly Electric vehicle manage to have same wear on both the tires.

And there is an electric car battery. This is the most expensive component to date. Batteries in all electric vehicles deteriorate over time and gradually decline, but lose some of their ability to maintain full charge. It’s a problem with ELECTRIC VEHICLEs that are only 80 miles older on charge than the harvest of more than 200 miles of models today.

Only a relatively small number of electric vehicles manufactured so far have reportedly deteriorated to the point of having to be replaced. How Electric vehicle wear, if you own the ELECTRIC VEHICLE long enough, the range will be narrow and if it is too short and causes discomfort, you will need to replace the battery  or replace the vehicle with a new one.

It’s really easy. Consider all the parts that make up an ordinary car. Engines, radiators, pistons, spark plugs, fuel pumps, cooling systems, exhaust systems, timing belts and more. In fact, a normal car can contain hundreds of moving parts. This means that many problems can occur and parts need to be replaced over time. Compared to the , electric vehicles wear much less, reducing maintenance costs by up to 50%.

Even the best ready drivers get caught. If an electric car breaks down, the most important thing is to go to a safe place. Use the remaining fare to deviate from the road or ride on the shoulder. It is usually safest to get off the electric car. Use the door closest to the shoulder or side walk and make sure all passengers are waiting with you behind the barrier away from traffic on the highway. Only then will you need to call emergency or faulty services as needed.

Normally, it is not possible to restart an electric vehicle when the battery is empty. So don’t risk yourself or your car trying to get your friends towed. Leave it to the experts. Even if you are not a member in the event of a breakdown, major breakdown services such as AA, RAC and Green Flag will keep you safe.

Check the EV manual for towing limits that can damage the vehicle’s system before assistance arrives. Some electric vehicles can be towed as long as the drive wheels are off the ground, while others can only be moved by a flatbed truck. If you’re not sure, use a flatbed to avoid serious damage to your car.

Most major manufacturers offer roadside assistance packages that cover the first few years of driving an electric vehicle. Alternatively, it can be included in the lease package. Pickup services currently also offer fault protection, especially for electric vehicles, but RAC recently announced that it will be equipped with a mobile charging station that can be used to charge electric vehicles left behind in some vans.

As the driver gains experience with electric vehicles, the fear of distance quickly becomes a thing of the past. Most day trips can be done entirely in electric vehicles. Thanks to the fast charging stations in 96% of all highway service stations, you can travel long distances without problems without running out of charge.

Certainly the number of parts is small (about 200 compared to about 1000 for  gasoline cars), but the battery has a dangerously high voltage, so if the owner is not  careful, there is a risk of electric shock, so so far many maintenance There are mechanics  not working on it, they may require expensive tools and are different techniques. As a result, you have to bring your car to the dealer, which is costly.

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Jaguar I-PACE : Impressions | DC Fast Charging

Jaguar I-Pace

The I-Pace may have been launched as Jaguar’s first battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV), but has since been unconscious in the brand’s ambitious plans to become a fully electric vehicle by 2025. In the meantime, it became the face of a new Jaguar. Built on a bespoke EV platform and designed to maximize the freedom of packaging for electric vehicles, the I-Pace is a unique Jaguar.

To make some headlines: Jaguar I-Pace has developed 400hp and 696Nm from twin engines, draws power from a 90kW lithium-ion battery  and has a WLTP range of 480km. Jaguar I-Pace prices start at Rs1.06 Chlore in the S version, but the Topspec HSE featured here is available at Rs1.12 Chlore (Indian exhibition room). At this price, the I-Pace is on par with its luxury SUV rival, the Mercedes-Benz EQC. Future Audi etrons will be in the same price range.

Jaguar I Pace: Design

In a nutshell, it’s radical. Jaguar designers take full advantage of the design flexibility that electric vehicles allow (no bulky engines or transmissions) to show the look of the I-Pace. Sure, the raised eyebrow headlights and square grille are familiar to Jaguar, but the rugged bonnet, cabin design, and large cabins are very different from the traditional SUV silhouette.

The inclination of the rear window is also different from the standard. Whether it looks right for you depends on your personal taste, but it was very enlightening that the 6-foot-long I-Pace focused on during the day of driving. The jug looks futuristic and really stands out.

The I-Pace also contains many interesting details that support aerodynamics. The door handle is the same height as the body (Range Rover Veral-like) and pops out only when unlocked. There is also a louver on the grill that opens only when the battery needs additional cooling. When the louver is closed, air flows through the hood, over the windshield and into the roof.

Going back, you can see that the I-Pace does not have a rear wiper. According to Jaguar designers, the back turbulence is minimized to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the windows. In practice, the placement works well and  can be seen through the rear window even on rainy days, but for the best view, the excellent “Clear Sight” feature that sends images from a roof-mounted camera The option must be enabled in front of the rearview mirror.

Jaguar I-Pace: Design

With digital devices, a touch screen and a minimalist design, the interior of I-Pace New age is cool. You will love it no matter how airy it feels. The windows are large, and the panoramic glass roof that comes standard with Indian spec cars only adds to the sense of space. What is unusual is that there are no blinds on the roof. According to Jaguar, the glass absorbs infrared light and keeps the cabin cool at all times of the day. There was no reason to complain on a cloudy day when we drove the I-Pace, but the real test of the claim would be a bright and hot summer day.

The driver will prefer forward visibility, but it may take some time to evaluate the front edge of the car. The wind shield protrudes far forward and you need to get used to it. But the engraved multi-reclining front seats, clunky steering and smart digital dials reassure you. The layered dashboard is also substantial, and the floating arm with gear button at the bottom of the centre console, mode selector, and suspension adjustment are also substantial.

The I-Pace features Jaguar’s Touch Pro Duo system, with a 10-inch main touch screen on the dashboard and a small 5.5-inch unit for air conditioning underneath. Fortunately, Jaguar hasn’t given up on the physical buttons for temperature and fan settings. The main touchscreen is quick and smooth, but not as intuitive as you might think.

The person behind doesn’t complain about the space. The rear windows are small, but 6 feet of feet and headroom are sufficient, but the huge glass roof gives the cabin a well-ventilated feel. As a result of putting the battery under the floor, the backseat of the backseat is a little upright and the sitting position is a little higher, but overall the comfort of the backseat is quite good.

Interestingly, there is also some storage space under the seats, and this cabin has cutouts for bells and whistles of all kinds, including a 10.5 litre bucket between the front seats. The rear boot volume is given at a whopping 656 litres. The problem is that space-saving tires are installed on the boot floor, significantly reducing available space. There is also a 27 litres storage space under the hood.

Jaguar I Pace: Functions

The I-Pace comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, network technology, panoramic glass roof, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, and electric tailgate. However, given the (relatively) slight additional work compared to the S and SE trim models, the fully equipped HSE trim is an I-Pace that you should buy.

The HSE includes matrix LED headlights, 16-way adjustable electrically adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, adaptive cruise control, heads-up display, echoing Meridian 3D sound system, and gesture-controlled tailgate. Is equipped. Air suspension and 4-zone automatic climate control are only available as options, which is a shame for a significant price increase.

Jaguar I Pace: Drive

Anyone who considers an electric vehicle to be a glorious device must drive an I-Pace. It is expected to be quiet and fast, but the real revelation is its treatment. It spins quickly (with torque vectoring when braking), feels agile, and has excellent all-wheel drive grip, giving you the confidence to push hard. Also, the steering connection is good. It has the right weight and the right weight for different speeds.

You wouldn’t really expect a 2.2 ton high riding crossover to be this addiction. The secret is the location of the heavy battery pack under the floor, which gives it a low centre of gravity. The motors on each axis also allow for a 50:50 weight distribution. Performance is another highlight of I-Pace. I measured the jug and managed 0 to 100 km / h in 4.8 seconds. It’s a sports car performance from a 5-seater electric SUV! With 400hp and 696Nm on demand, acceleration is fast at all speeds.

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Top 10 pros and cons of electric cars

What are the pros and cons of electric cars? For car drivers looking for a low maintenance alternative to their gas-powered car, electric cars offer many advantages. However, if you are worried about not being able to commit to charging your car, you might want to stick with your gas car for now.

Pros of electric cars If you're comparing the merits of an electric car to those of conventional vehicles, be sure to keep the following benefits in mind:

Lower ongoing costs Recharging an electric car is much more affordable in the long run as opposed to refueling a gas-fueled car.

This is especially true when taking into account the fact that you can recharge your electric car at home and get tax benefits from installing a solar powered carport or using solar panels for your electricity.

Reduce carbon footprint According to the EPA, one traditional gas-fueled passenger vehicle with a 22-miles per gallon range emits an average of 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Non-hybrid electric cars emit zero tons of CO2 or other greenhouse gases, making them much more environmentally friendly. Charging electric cars with renewable energy, like solar, ensures no CO2 is emitted at any phase of your vehicle use.

Low maintenance needs Mechanical engines have a lot of moving parts, including pumps and valves, along with fluids that need changing. Think frequent oil changes - which electric cars don't have.

Because electric vehicles don’t have as many components that need replacing, less maintenance is necessary. Electric cars also generally last longer than their gas-powered counterparts because of less wear and tear.

High-quality performance Because there is no exhaust system, electric cars are known for operating smoothly and quietly. Electric crossover and SUV models are much quieter than traditional gas engines, which leads to less noise pollution and a more relaxing ride. Electric motors also tend to react much quicker than mechanical engines, providing more torque and agility while driving.

Additionally, electric cars usually operate more efficiently and use less energy in stop-and-go city traffic.

More convenient A lot of people mistakenly think that electric cars are more inconvenient since you have to find charging stations, which aren’t as easy to find as gas stations.

But the ability to charge electric models at home is a great advantage, and more charging stations are popping up around the country every week, for both Tesla models and other brands. Some newer electric cars even have voice-enabled systems so all you have to do is ask where a charging station is and the car will lead you there.

Cons of electric cars Although electric cars have more than their share of advantages, it's worth noting that they are not without their drawbacks. The following are a few of the disadvantages of electric cars:

Finding charging stations can be challenging Even though you can charge an electric vehicle at home, finding a charging station if you're driving through rural areas or on a long-distance road trip can be a challenge. As noted above, more areas are embracing EV charging stations and numerous hotel chains have started to include EV chargers in their parking lots. This trend will continue as demand for charging stations increases.

Charging can take a while Adding gas to a fuel tank doesn't take much longer than five minutes, whereas recharging an electric car can take some time to do, especially if the battery is fully depleted.

It can take upwards of two days to get a full charge on a battery pack using normal outlets, depending on car type and battery size. Even the fastest charging stations will take 30 minutes to get near 80 percent capacity.

The driving range is limited The driving range of a gas-powered car is much longer than that of an electric car, which can range anywhere from 100 miles to 400 depending on the type of car.

This can be problematic if you're planning a long-distance trip, but it should be fine for daily commutes if you charge your car nightly.

High initial costs Although the cost of an electric car can be offset by fuel cost savings and tax credits, the upfront price of most electric cars is higher than that of comparable gas-powered vehicles.

Battery packs can be expensive to replace Although little maintenance is generally needed, don't be surprised if you need to replace your electric car's battery pack at least once during its lifetime.

Doing so can be expensive, although it's worth noting that the price has dropped significantly over the past few years at under $6,000.

Is owning an EV right for you? Hopefully, the above pros and cons can help you determine if an EV makes sense for your driving needs. With more car companies like Volvo and GM committing to all-electric, the electric car is going to be the norm in a few year’s time.

This can help ease range anxiety because the more the market embraces electric cars, the more innovative and practical electric cars will become. It also means more charging stations will be available, as well.

If you want a new car for your daily commute, take a look at which electric cars we recommend. You will find familiar luxury models like BMW, Audi, and the Jaguar i-Pace, or more affordable options like the  Nissan Leaf, Kona, and Hyundai.

If you are committed to combating climate change and would like to save money in the process, you could also add solar panels to your home, which would further complement an emissions-free lifestyle.

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How long do electric car batteries last?

EV batteries require less maintenance

The battery, as well as many other components of an electric vehicle, require far less maintenance than their gasoline counterparts. As there are far fewer moving parts in electric motors compared to ICE engines—over two dozen fewer automotive components—there are fewer parts that could eventually fail or need replacing.

Plus, with fewer fluids, such as engine oil, as well as regenerative braking technology reducing brake wear, there is simply less which EV drivers have to worry about.

This fact alone has got dealers and mechanics worried about shrinking margins on EVs. Servicing and maintenance provide almost half of the average dealership’s income and EVs are also expected to outlive gas vehicles, so many of their clients won’t be upgrading them as often. However, whilst some are worried, Lawrence Burns, the ex-vice president of R&D at General Motors Co says that “fundamentally, this is just a better way to design and engineer a car.”

How long do EV batteries last?

Under current estimates, most EV batteries will last somewhere between 10-20 years before they need to be replaced.

However, according to a survey by Cox Automotive, many potential EV buyers have reservations when it comes to battery life and the costs associated with battery replacement.

For many considering purchasing an electric vehicle, just under half consider the average battery life to be less than 65,000 miles (+- 105,000 kms).

How much does an electric car battery cost?

The aforementioned fears are understandable: the battery pack of an EV is by far the most expensive part of the vehicle and can cost $5,000 on average and even as much as $15,000 per battery in some cases.

It’s important to note here that battery prices have fallen dramatically over the past decade. For example, the average price of a kilowatt-hour—the standard measure of a battery’s price—dropped from $1,160 per kWh in 2010 to just $137 in the past year.

That price is expected to fall to below $100 within three years; universally considered the point that EVs will cost as much as gasoline cars to manufacture.

Does EV charging affect the battery life?

In short, yes. Charging a battery does have an effect on your vehicle’s battery life.

One of the innovations that led to the rise of electric vehicles over the past decade is Lithium-ion batteries. Traditionally, most vehicle batteries were made from ​​lead-acid and only had to start a vehicle’s motor with a short surge of power which would then be recharged as the vehicle drove by an on-board alternator. However, they were not ideal for discharging more than a few percent of their power and are often referred to as SLI batteries (starting, lighting, and ignition).

Comparatively, lithium-ion batteries are designed to handle a much higher density of energy. Both your cell phone and your laptop use lithium-ion batteries and much like the advancement in the technology of both over the past two decades, lithium-ion batteries have increased the potential to use electricity in vehicles. And these advances are only tipped to continue. EV battery charging best practices The improvement over the past decades in lithium-ion batteries has been significant. The advances have extended battery life, increased safety, and reduced the weight and price of battery packs. However, like all pieces of technology, if you care for them in the right way, you can extend their longevity and increase your return on investment.

Don’t charge your EV every night

Regardless of whether you’re only topping up the battery by a few percent or charging the vehicle fully, every time your battery charges, you put stress on the battery. As a result, the capacity of the battery is reduced by a fraction. To avoid this compounding over time, you shouldn’t plug your vehicle in every night. If you only charge your vehicle when it’s necessary, and not plugging the vehicle in as soon as you get home, you can extend your battery life.

Stay between 20 and 80 percent charge

Just like you shouldn’t plug your vehicle in every night, you also shouldn’t top it up to 100 percent when you don’t have to. A lithium-ion battery is designed to store large amounts of energy with a charge that ebbs and flows. However, frequently draining the cells too often or filling it up fully can, over time, reduce the battery’s capacity as a whole. The common advice is to stay between 20 and 80 percent charge and never let the battery die completely.

Control the optimal battery state of charge during long storage

Lastly, leaving your EV parked for too long with a full (or empty) battery also contributes to the degradation. To avoid this, if you’re going to spend a significant amount of time away from your vehicle, it’s recommended that you fill it up to somewhere between 25 and 75 percent. There are smart charging stations that can help you with this and make sure that your battery doesn’t go beyond these limits.

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How Expensive Is EV Maintenance? The Answer May Surprise You

When a consumer considers making a long-term purchase — a house, car or major appliance — one of the biggest sticking points can be maintenance and the associated repair costs. For big-ticket items consumers are not as familiar with, like an electric vehicle (EV), it might not be readily apparent how much maintenance will be required.

However, owners of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) pay half as much as traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. That’s the result of a recent study conducted by Consumer Reports (CR).

Let’s take a look at the study’s findings to see how much EV owners save compared to gas-powered cars. We’ll also examine why these savings arise and just how much maintenance EV owners have to account for each year.

What’s the Cost Difference for EVs?

CR gathered data from hundreds of thousands of its members in its 2019 and 2020 spring reliability surveys to get information on real-world maintenance and repair costs for all types of vehicles.

After a comprehensive analysis, CR found that BEVs required an estimated $0.031 on average for per-mile repairs and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the car. PHEVs required an estimated $0.030 on average over the car’s lifetime. Meanwhile, ICE vehicles required a whopping $0.61 on average over the car’s life.

Added up, the lifetime maintenance and repairs costs for both BEVs and PHEVs averages out to $4,600, while ICE vehicles average $9,200. This is a difference of $4,600 in savings for both BEVs and PHEVs.

The study used 200,000 miles to represent the normal service life of an automobile. On that basis, its analysis of total vehicle mileage had cost estimates divided into three categories: 0 to 50,000 miles, 50,000 to 100,000 miles and 100,000 to 200,000 miles. This allowed the study’s authors to get a more robust data set that could be averaged together for its final tally.

However, the study’s authors did note that there is a degree of uncertainty in their results due to the sampling size. All told, the authors admit that their projections might overestimate the long-term maintenance and repair costs associated with current-generation BEVs. As automakers continue to learn more from earlier models and implement new innovations based on those lessons, BEV technology should improve, which may lead to even lower maintenance and report costs.

What Kind of Maintenance Do EVs Require?

Just like any other regularly used piece of machinery, even electric vehicles need periodic maintenance and the occasional repair. However, compared to ICE cars, far less work is needed annually.

EVs do require a twice-a-year service check for the vehicle system and tire rotations. These help maintain optimal battery performance and the EV’s longevity.

EVs in operation for longer than 8 to 10 years and after the manufacturer warranty expires will probably also need a battery replacement at some point. A new battery can range from $5,000 to $10,000. However, many industry analysts anticipate battery prices to drop significantly in the next 10 years due to improving manufacturing production processes and technological innovations.

Where Do the Savings Come From?

EVs let owners save money on gas while reducing their carbon footprint, but they also have other savings built in.

The reduced lifetime maintenance and repair costs exist because EVs have a fraction of the moving parts of ICE vehicles. This means no oil changes, and no need for new spark plugs, catalytic converters or other emissions equipment. Of course, this is all on top of the savings from not having to buy gasoline on a regular basis.

Additionally, EVs use a regenerative braking system. This lets the car recover energy and store it back into the battery when the vehicle slows down. Not only does this boost efficiency, but it also reduces wear and tear on the mechanical braking system, which reduces the need for new ones over time.

As we can see, EVs are simply more cost-effective than gas-powered vehicles by a long shot. The same CR analysis found that “lifetime ownership costs for the most popular EVs on the market under $50,000 are typically $6,000 to $10,000 less than the best gas-powered vehicles in their class.”

Savings over the life of an EV compared to ICE vehicles can make a major difference for the owner, and isn’t something that should be overlooked.

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How can EVs support energy independence?

What is energy independence?

In short, it’s a form of self-sufficiency. It removes the reliance on the grid to provide your power, and when achieved through sustainable forms of energy, it also reduces your carbon footprint and dramatically reduces your monthly outgoings.

With energy prices continuing to rise worldwide – the UK alone saw a 7% year-on-year rise in the cost of energy in 2018, which equated to an average of £74 ($97/€86) added to annual fuel bills – energy independence can also help to alleviate poverty and offer greater financial freedom for all of us.

Is this achievable?

Very much so, and although it may require an initial outlay, it will give very quick returns.

Solar is the most plausible option for energy generation on an individual level, and the price of solar panels has dropped by 60% in the past decade . A 3kW installation – which would cost around £4,000-£6,000 to install – would provide savings of around £534 in the first year alone (that’s 8% of what you spent), and over 20 years could return a profit upwards of £5,600.

What’s more, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome with solar energy is where to store the power that you generate. Well, an EV is essentially a big battery on wheels, so not only can you store your power in your vehicle, you can also draw power from it to help with household activities that demand high amounts of energy, such as heating a bath.

And you don’t have to live in somewhere as sunny as Australia to take advantage of solar power!

Dublin is the sixth least sunny city in Europe, with 1,424 hours of sunshine per year. However, it isn’t all about sunny days, it’s all about the sun’s radiation levels, and even in a place with as little sun as Ireland, its radiation levels are comparable to countries such as France – which boasts Marseilles as Europe’s second sunniest city at 2,858 hours of sunshine per year.

How much could I save?

Of course, we must consider that both the EV and the solar panels require an initial outlay – and one that may seem quite pricey. However, the returns are quick and future-proof you against rises in energy prices.

Furthermore, you’re not just saving on your household bills, you’re also saving on your petrol or diesel bill. Based on the UK national average, energy independence could offer you annual savings of £2,206 ($2,904/€2,568).

Most importantly of all, this removes your dependence on fossil fuels, so you’re not only saving money in the long run, but also saving the planet!

How much does it cost to charge an EV?

While the cost will vary per car and the battery size that it uses, a 90kWh I-PACE costs around £12 ($15/€13) per charge at home, which equates to around 4.8p ($0.05/€0.04) per mile.

At the other end of the EV market, a 60kWh Nissan Leaf costs around £7.80 ($10/€9) for a full charge at home, equating to just 3.4p per mile.

This represents a significant saving compared to even the most efficient petrol- or diesel-powered cars available on the market.

This is even more impressive when you take into account that EVs convert around 59-62% of the electrical energy they receive into kinetic motion that powers the wheels, which compares very favourably to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which convert just 17-21% of their fuel into power.

How can I find out more?

The best place to start is to see if your country offers grants for solar panels and EVs – having these in place makes the initial outlay considerably more affordable, and more and more countries are starting to offer such grants as they push to meet their UN climate targets.

Remember that, while the initial cost and the steps to reduce your carbon footprint can feel a little overwhelming, even making incremental steps can make a big difference to the planet and to your bank balance.

Just imagine what could be achieved if we all reduced our non-sustainable energy use – and our fuel bills – by just 50%! It’s fast becoming easier and cheaper to accomplish, and I hope that this article has conveyed what a no-brainer this move towards greater sustainability truly is.

About the author

Tom Spencer started his career as the editor of a scientific publication in 2009, working with researchers in the fields of technology, renewable energy and medicine to promote their work. Later moving into PR and Communications, he spent four years working in Formula E – the all-electric motorsport championship – and the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY working with a number of teams to build their fanbase and promote EV adoption through social media and the press. Tom is passionate about tackling the climate crisis and believes that electric vehicles can play a vital role in unleashing a clean energy future.

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[evmotorcity]

Power Electric Scooter Buyers Guide | 2022

Ampere Vehicles - Zeal Ex, Magnus Ex

Ather Energy - Ather 450X, Ather 450 Plus

Bajaj Chetak

Benling India - Aura

Hero Electric - Photon

Jitendra New EV Tech - JMT 100HS

Okinawa Scooters - iPraise+, Praise Pro, Ridge+

Ola Electric S1 Pro & S1

TVS iQube

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[evmotorcity]

How to store an electric vehicle

Keep the high-voltage battery charged The battery pack that powers your vehicle should always have a charge of between 10% and 80%, according to Cars.com. Maintaining a charge that’s over or under this range can harm the lithium ion battery, or reduce its capacity.

There are a few methods for ensuring your vehicle stays within this range, and the one you choose may come down to the manufacturer’s advice.

Some, like Tesla, recommend keeping the vehicle plugged in. This will allow the heating or cooling system to run as needed. If you decide to leave it plugged in, consider setting a charge limit so the battery won’t fill to 100%.

Unplug or trickle-charge the 12-volt battery Most electric vehicles have two batteries. While the high-voltage battery discussed above is the one that fuels your car, the 12-volt battery powers accessories throughout the vehicle.

Certain systems are constantly drawing on the 12-volt battery. To avoid wear on it, either disconnect it from the car, or attach it to a trickle charger, which connects to a standard 120-volt plug.

Turn off energy-draining features Certain features will automatically engage and use the battery unless you specifically turn them off. Every car is unique, but a few examples include automatic map updates, pre-warming or cooling and predictive battery reconditioning. Check your owner’s manual to find which features will drain your battery and how to turn them off.

Turn the tires As with any vehicle, the tires on your EV will flatten under the weight of your car over time if they’re not rotated. Avoid this issue by storing it on lifts to take the weight off of the tires. Alternatively, make a point to take your car for a spin every few weeks so they rest on another part of the tire.

Choose the right storage location Choose an enclosed location where you can leave your vehicle. A garage protects it from the elements and has minimal leaks so that water damage isn’t a threat. A relatively consistent temperature is also ideal. Additionally, a power source will help you maintain the batteries if you choose to leave them plugged in or hooked up to a trickle charger.

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