The Facts About Electric Cars
It’s easy to be skeptical of electric cars, but there are many facts to consider before you make a purchase. EVs can go more than 200 miles on a full charge, while PHEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) use both gasoline and electricity until the battery runs out. Even in countries like Iceland, EVs produce more CO2 than gasoline cars. In this article, we’ll look at some of the facts and figures behind electric cars and explain why they’re such a good choice.
EVs travel more than 200 miles on a full charge
The biggest reason that EV adoption is slow is the lack of convenient charging options. While some EVs can travel more than 200 miles on a full charge, many daily commuters will never reach that limit. Top-ups, like putting gas into an ICE vehicle, can be done while parked or while at work. As with gasoline-powered vehicles, charging an EV also works differently than topping up a conventional car.
The best EVs travel more than 200 miles on their first charge. Some EVs push that range even further. In fact, some can even go up to 400 miles. The range of an electric car depends on the battery capacity and driving style. EVs can travel more than 200 miles per full charge in warm climates, but cold weather will greatly reduce the range. In order to determine the range of an EV, check the owner’s manual.
PHEVs use gasoline and electricity together until the battery is nearly empty
A PHEV is a hybrid electric vehicle. A battery-powered car runs on electricity until it is nearly empty. A PHEV uses gasoline and electricity to power the car until the battery is empty. Most PHEVs have a range of 106 miles (150 km) in pure electric mode. If you are in a situation where you need to reach a charge station or a tow truck, you can use gasoline to keep the battery charged.
The advantage of a PHEV is its extended all-electric range. These cars can travel 20 to 50 miles on electricity alone, but must use a gas or diesel engine to continue. This can be annoying for drivers who don’t want to use the charging network all the time, but it can also save you money. PHEVs are less expensive to purchase than fully electric cars and they don’t need a charging network. A PHEV will eliminate range anxiety.
EVs have more torque than gasoline cars
When it comes to acceleration, battery-electric vehicles have the upper hand over internal combustion engines. In fact, when going green, EVs will easily pass petrol and diesel cars. This is because EVs can reach peak torque instantly, while gasoline and diesel cars take a long time to reach that point. EVs also deliver more torque than gasoline cars, which is an important factor in enhancing the fun factor of driving an EV.
In drag races, EVs are dazzlingly fast thanks to their instant torque. Gas-powered vehicles tend to lag behind in this regard, because they must build up engine performance before stepping into a lower gear. However, an EV can switch gears instantly and efficiently, while gas-powered vehicles can’t. As a result, EVs have an advantage in drag racing, as multiple electric cars can reach 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds.
EVs release more CO2 than gasoline cars in Iceland
Since the Icelandic EV market is relatively small in size, policymakers should monitor the country’s rapid progress in promoting electric vehicles. Its electricity is generated through geothermal and hydro power plants, and the country has ample spare capacity to export electricity. Moreover, its energy infrastructure is devoid of electric cables, which are inefficient and bulky. The key to exporting electricity is energy conversion, which can also produce hydrogen and ammonia.
While a typical EV will produce less CO2 than a gasoline car in Iceland, the Linhart numbers need to be adjusted to account for embedded emissions from manufacturing. Consequently, the emissions from both petrol and diesel cars should be substantially lower. The same analysis would not apply to small cars, since they would have lower emissions. However, the Lindsay Wilson report from February 2013 gives some good news: Iceland has a zero-emissions policy, and electric cars are the best alternative to gasoline vehicles in Iceland.
