How are electric cars charged and how far do they go?
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Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads. While initially they seemed like a rare and exotic choice, EVs are quickly becoming a part of everyday reality. Many countries around the world are signing agreements and making decisions to limit the production of diesel and petrol vehicles, paving the way for environmentally friendly and sustainable electric vehicles.
Now is the perfect time to start learning about EVs. In this article, we will discuss two key aspects of EVs: how they are charged and the distances they can travel.
How to charge an electric vehicle at home?
Simply plug the cable into a household socket – this is a common belief about EV charging. However, it’s not always that simple. If you have a garage or private driveway where you can park your car near your home, you can connect it directly to your power grid.
The problem lies in the fact that this is a slow charging method. Fully charging an empty battery will take several hours, depending on the type of battery and vehicle. It typically takes at least 8-14 hours, and for larger, newer, and more powerful EVs, it can take over 24 hours to fully charge the battery.
A more convenient option is to install a fast-charging station at home. With a station, a full EV battery can be charged in up to 12 hours (e.g., overnight), though this depends on the vehicle’s specifications.
Installing a charging station is recommended not just for speed but also for safety. Regular household wiring and sockets are not designed for the intense and powerful charging requirements of EV batteries, which can lead to wiring damage.
The solution is a dedicated EV charging station. To learn more about why you need one, check out our article Why a home charging station is essential for your EV.
What if you don’t have a garage or driveway?
If you can find a parking spot near your home, you can run a cable from an accessible socket or station to your EV battery. However, you need to ensure the cables are covered to prevent tripping hazards for pedestrians.
Of course, if you live in an apartment building and typically park your car 100 meters away, this solution may not be viable.
Public EV charging stations
Many municipalities and private businesses are investing in expanding the public charging station network. All you need is a charging cable, and you can use these stations. Most modern EVs are equipped with navigation systems to direct you to the nearest charging point. If not, there are plenty of websites and apps that can guide you to the nearest station.
Using public charging stations is quite straightforward, but various operators may require membership, a mobile app, or payment.
Fortunately, many stations are still free to use for a limited time.
Most public stations require EV charging cables, so always ensure you have the right cables for your car.
Manufacturers like Tesla offer access to super-fast charging stations (Tesla Superchargers), where you can charge 80% of your battery in just 30 minutes – about the time it takes to grab a coffee. While Tesla Superchargers are not yet available in Lithuania, Tesla vehicles can be charged without issue using a Tesla adapter at standard stations.
How far can an EV go on a full charge?
As expected, the range depends on the car model. The general rule is: the newer and more powerful the EV, the farther it can travel. Driving habits also play a role. Aggressive driving reduces range, while cautious driving can extend it.
Approximate EV range on a full charge:
• Honda e – 201 km
• BMW i3 120Ah – 293 km
• Hyundai IONIQ – 310 km
• Vauxhall Corsa e – 336 km
• Nissan Leaf e+ – 384 km
• Renault Zoe – 394 km
• Tesla Model 3 SR+ – 409 km
• Kia e-Niro – 453 km
• Jaguar I-Pace – 470 km
• Tesla Model 3 LR – 560 kmHow long do EV batteries last?
Battery lifespan depends on how well you maintain your EV. Most EV batteries use lithium, like those in smartphones. Over time, they weaken and hold less charge, reducing the range. Improper charging or using incompatible voltage can accelerate this process. Many manufacturers offer warranties, usually covering 8-10 years.
EVs are our future, and they will increasingly populate our streets. Start learning about them today!
Read more about the future of EVs in our article Electric Vehicle Technology: What’s the Future of Our Cars?
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