Electric Cars: Everything You Need to Know

Electric vehicles have various key advantages, such as promoting a cleaner environment, a reduction in noise pollution, and facilitating a better driving experience.

FREMONT, CA: In 2022, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 5.8 percent of all new vehicle sales in the United States, up from 3.2 percent in 2021. There are still more than 14 million new cars and trucks sold each year. As manufacturers continue to introduce new models into the market, that figure will increase.

Electric vehicles can be classified into the following types:

EV: Electric vehicles are generally referred to as EVs. Motors in fully electric cars are powered by batteries that are charged with electricity. A fuel cell electric vehicle, or FCEV, runs on compressed hydrogen. Because of the limited infrastructure available outside of California, hydrogen fuel cell cars are mostly available in California.

HEV: Hybrid electric vehicles are also known as HEVs. Hybrid cars use regenerative braking to store energy created while slowing down so they can charge their batteries. HEVs are known for their fuel economy because they rely on battery power rather than internal combustion engines.

MHEV: A mild-hybrid electric vehicle reduces the load on its internal combustion engine, resulting in better gas mileage. The fuel consumption of an MHEV can be reduced by using a modest electric motor, a small battery pack, and regenerative braking. Hybrid means electric-assist, not electric power. Up to 20 percent more fuel-efficient than a vehicle without this type of powertrain, mild hybrids can save money on the fuel bill.

BEV: For propulsion, a BEV uses only its electric motors. BEVs produce no tailpipe emissions since they lack an internal combustion engine and do not use gasoline. BEVs are fully electric vehicles. Generally, BEVs aren't used nearly as often as electric vehicles.

Range of electric vehicles: The range of electric cars can contribute to buyers' apprehension when considering giving up their traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric car battery manufacturers continue to improve capacity and recharge times, despite today's EVs being able to handle most daily driving.

The most advanced EVs can travel about 400 miles between charges, and many can travel more than 200 miles on a full battery charge. In rush hour traffic, both long-range and short-range EVs can perform well.

When used for longer distances on highways, EVs consume significantly more battery power at steady speeds.

Air conditioners and heaters reduce the range of electric cars in hot weather and cold temperatures.

Here are some tips for buying a used EV car:

The battery life can be used as a bargaining chip: The battery of an electric car degrades over time, just like the battery of a mobile phone or laptop. For the commute, a shorter range may be fine, but if the battery isn't new, it's a bargaining point.

Checking how long the battery warranty is still valid: Batteries are covered by more warranties by all mainstream automakers. It is likely that many used electric cars will still be covered by warranties. It is necessary to make sure to read the fine print to find out if it is transferable. After the initial purchases, most batteries come with a warranty that lasts for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. It is important to note, however, that not all warranties are transferable.