Mother charging her electric car while holding her baby boy in her hands and her husband standing next to her- Getty Images stock photo
As a leading next-generation energy company, Duquesne Light Co. knows Pittsburgh’s electric vehicle future is now. EVs don’t produce any tailpipe emissions, and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVS) have lower tailpipe emissions than conventional vehicles, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When a PHEV only runs on electricity, it produces no emissions.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a critical part of fighting climate change. If you’re considering swapping your gas-powered automobile for an eco-friendly model, here’s everything you need to know about EVs and hybrid vehicles.
What is an EV?
An all-electric vehicle (EV) runs solely on electricity. It is sometimes called a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). An EV has a battery instead of a gas tank and an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. You recharge an EV with a home charger or at a public charging station. While charging an EV uses energy, charging up in Pennsylvania releases one-third of the emissions of a gas-powered car.
What is a Hybrid Vehicle?
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) operates with gasoline and electricity. A PHEV has a battery, an electric motor, a gasoline tank, and an internal combustion engine. It runs on electricity until the battery requires charging. At this point, the vehicle starts using gasoline and the traditional motor.
You can recharge a PHEV at home or at a public charging station. It stores enough electricity to limit the amount of gasoline it uses in typical driving conditions, according to the DOE.
There are two kinds of plug-in hybrids:
- Series plug-in hybrids or Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) – Only the electric motor turns the wheels in these cars, and the gasoline engine only generates electricity. They run on electricity only until the battery runs down. Then the gasoline engine generates electricity to power the electric motor. The vehicle might use very little gas during short trips.
- Parallel or Blended Plug-in Hybrids – In these vehicles, both the engine and electric motor are connected to the wheels. So, they both propel the vehicle under most driving conditions. These automobiles operate solely on electricity at low speeds.
Pros and Cons of EVs
One of the most significant advantages of driving an all-electric EV is that it produces zero harmful tailpipe emissions. So, this is one way you can help fight climate change. Here are some more EV pros, according to Consumer Reports:
- Quiet operation due to no engine noise
- Fast acceleration
- You can recharge your vehicle at home.
- The vehicle might be eligible for certain federal tax credits. Browse a list of rebates, tax credits, and incentives on DLC’s website.
- The driving range for most new model EVs is over 200 miles between charges.
- You’ll save about $1,300 in fuel costs compared to similar, traditional cars.
- You don’t need oil changes and other gas-powered vehicle maintenance, meaning you’ll save on maintenance costs.
One of the most significant disadvantages of an EV is the MSRP is $5,000 to $15,000 more than a traditional gas-powered car. The high sticker price might put an EV out of some car buyers’ reach. Here are some more EV cons:
- Finding a public charging station may be inconvenient if you don’t have one at home or work or if you’re on a long trip.
- You need to plan how to charge your vehicle for longer road trips.
- It can take a long time to charge your vehicle — sometimes hours.
- The car’s net environmental benefits decrease if the charging power source comes from burning fossil fuels.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Vehicles
Driving a hybrid vehicle also has advantages and disadvantages. One benefit is that PHEVs usually cost less than all-electric EVs. Here are some more PHEV pros, according to Car and Driver:
- PHEVs make a positive green impact without changing your driving habits. When your battery runs down, gasoline powers your vehicle, and it’s easy to find a gas station if you need one.
- You won’t have range anxiety because the car uses electricity and gas for a longer driving range than a BEV.
- Many PHEVs can handle an average daily commute without using gasoline.
- There are lower greenhouse gas emissions when the car operates with electricity.
- Driving with electricity part of the time cuts gasoline costs.
- Many hybrids are eligible for tax credits and incentives.
A higher purchase price than a traditional gas-powered vehicle is one of the disadvantages of driving a hybrid. Here are a few more hybrid vehicle cons, according to the DOE:
- When you drive with gasoline, a hybrid still releases greenhouse gas emissions.
- Recharging with a 120-volt household outlet takes several hours. Using a 240-volt home or public charger takes one to four hours.
- You will still incur fuel and maintenance costs for a PHEV, as the vehicle still operates with gasoline part of the time.
What to Consider Before You Buy an EV or Hybrid
Swapping out your gas-powered vehicle for an EV or hybrid vehicle is one thing you can do to help protect the planet. Here are some essential things to consider before you buy one:
- There are more than 100,000 charging ports in the U.S., and the number is increasing. Make sure you have easy charging access at home, near school or work, or for longer trips.
- Some charging stations are free, and others charge a fee.
- EV batteries eventually wear out. But many are expected to last throughout a vehicle’s lifetime. Manufacturers typically offer 8-year/100,000-mile warranties on batteries.
- EVs and hybrids cost more upfront. So, make sure the price fits your budget.
- Research and take advantage of all rebates, tax credits, and incentives.
- An EV runs quietly. So, take extra care around pedestrians.
Buying an EV or hybrid vehicle is a big decision. DLC’s EV Team is ready to support EV owners, discuss qualifying incentives, and help answer any questions.