Guide: Everything you need to know as a new electric car owner
Entering the world of electric vehicles can be both exciting and a bit confusing. To maximize the benefits of having a plug-in vehicle, you need to know everything from the different types of plug-in vehicles to the car's features.
To help you get started as a new EV owner, this blog post explains the different types of EVs and charging methods, as well as sharing some practical advice and tips to make your everyday life with an EV as smooth as possible.
Different types of plug-in vehicles
We start here because this is where many new EV owners get stuck. Electric car, plug-in hybrid, plug-in hybrid... There are several types of plug-in vehicles to suit different types of needs.
An electric vehicle, sometimes called a 'battery electric vehicle', is a vehicle powered by a motor that draws electricity from a battery that can be charged from an external source. In addition to pure electric cars (think Tesla), there are also some other types of electric vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Let us explain the difference between these.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
Electric cars are powered exclusively by electricity and have no internal combustion engines. They are usually charged from electrical outlets or charging stations and use only electricity to power them. Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 are two of the most popular electric cars on the Swedish market.
✔️ Electric cars are best suited for car owners who prioritize an all-electric driving experience without the use of internal combustion engines. They are suitable for those with access to charging infrastructure and who want to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Electric hybrid (HEV)
Hybrid electric vehicles, also known as electric hybrids, have an on-board battery that is charged by the internal combustion engine and during braking. The battery pack drives an electric motor that primarily acts as an additional power source in combination with the combustion engine. However, the electric motor alone can power the car for short distances at low speeds. Vehicles such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight are examples of electric hybrids.
✔️ Electric hybrids are suitable for those who do not have access to charging infrastructure or who have varying driving patterns and need flexibility. They are beneficial for urban and commuter traffic, as well as for those seeking improved fuel efficiency without being dependent on charging facilities.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrids, also known as plug-in hybrids, combine a gas engine with a battery and electric motors, and work in much the same way as an electric hybrid. The main difference is that these vehicles can be plugged in to charge the battery. PHEVs also have larger batteries than a standard hybrid, which allows them to have a longer electric range.
Vehicles such as the Kia Sportage and Volvo XC60 Recharge are examples of two popular plug-in hybrids.
✔️ Plug-in hybrids are best suited to car owners who seek flexibility with both electric and internal combustion engines. They are suitable for those who have access to charging infrastructure and want the benefits of both electricity and fuel.
Mild hybrid (MHEV)
The mild hybrid can be likened to a 'light' version of a hybrid car that uses a smaller electric motor, commonly known as a starter generator or integrated starter generator (ISG), to provide additional support to the internal combustion engine. This electric motor assists the engine in acceleration, start/stop functions and energy recovery through regenerative braking. A mild hybrid cannot be charged externally but only by the kinetic energy of the car, and can store significantly less electricity than a hybrid.
✔️ Mild hybrids are best suited to car owners who want a more fuel-efficient car without the requirement for charging. They are suitable for those who do not need or have access to charging infrastructure and who seek a little extra power from an electric motor to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
Fuel cell vehicles use a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity to power their electric motor. You pump these cars full of pressurized hydrogen similar to how you would pump gasoline. The chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen then powers the battery and electric motor, with the only emissions being heat and drinking water. Vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo are examples of two popular FCEV cars.
✔️ Fuel cell vehicles are best for car owners who prioritize zero-emission driving and who have access to hydrogen infrastructure. They are suitable for those seeking a greener driving experience without compromising on range and who can benefit from hydrogen refueling opportunities.
❗ Although interest in fuel cell vehicles has been limited compared to other electrified vehicles in Sweden, there continues to be some development and investment in the field.
In this post, we review the electric car market in Sweden, and list more pros and cons of each type.
Charging of rechargeable vehicles
Charging is the single biggest lifestyle adjustment you will experience when switching to an electric car. Making sure you know which charging stations to use, how to use them, and how long you are likely to wait is crucial to choosing an electric car that is right for you.
The range of plug-in hybrids and electric cars is growing steadily and there are now models to suit different needs and lifestyles. Although the purchase price of an electric car may be higher compared to a car with an internal combustion engine, you can save money in the long run thanks to the lower running costs of fuel. On average, an electric car consumes around 1.5-2 kilowatt-hours per mile, which contributes to lower running costs compared to a gasoline or diesel car.
The speed of charging an EV is usually referred to as charging power or charging speed and is measured in kilowatts (kW). The available charging power depends on the capacity of the charger as well as the ability of the EV to accept and benefit from the current.
For the sake of simplicity, we can divide charging into three different types:
Ordinary wall socket
This type of charging usually gives a speed of about 1 mile per hour. With a standard Schuko socket using standard household electricity of 1-phase 10 Ampere, m can charge with about 2.3 kW, giving about 1 mile per hour in range.
Charging box
Wallboxes are the most common way to charge at home and come in different variants, either 1-phase or 3-phase. A 1-phase charger can charge up to about 4 miles per hour (7.4 kW), while a 3-phase charger can charge up to 11 miles per hour (22 kW).
Fast charging
Public fast chargers offer even higher charging power, but the power achieved can vary greatly between different EVs depending on the capacity of the batteries and the car's ability to handle the fast charging technology.
It's worth noting that climate affects range, especially in cold weather. When you warm up a cold car, it can add around a mile of range. If you stop often and let the car cool down between trips, heating can require a significant amount of electricity. By starting the heater while your car is still connected to the charger, the energy is taken from the grid instead of straining the car's batteries.
Charge your car at home
Charging your electric car at home is the most convenient way to keep your car charged. If you have access to your own garage, carport or a parking space close to the house wall, it is usually relatively easy to install a charging point there. All you need is a connection to the electricity grid and a charging box.
The most affordable option is to mount a charging point on the wall, either in the garage or outdoors. Installing a charging post often requires more groundwork and can therefore be more expensive.
Understanding car driving patterns and functions
Personalizing your driving and taking advantage of these features can help improve your EV's efficiency and maximize its performance in everyday driving. It is a way to become more familiar with your EV and take advantage of its unique features to make the driving experience both smoother and more energy efficient.
Tip 1: Regenerative braking to increase range
Many electric cars are equipped with regenerative braking, which allows the car to recover energy when braking or slowing down. This recovered energy is then stored in the battery to increase the car's range. Use regenerative braking by planning your driving so that you can reduce the use of mechanical brakes while increasing efficiency.
Tip 2: Optimize with different driving modes
Electric cars usually offer different driving modes that can be adapted to the driver's needs and driving style. These modes can range from sporty settings to more energy-efficient options. By choosing the right mode for your driving, you can optimize your car's efficiency and range. Experiment with these modes to learn which is best for different types of driving. For example, an energy-saving mode may be more suitable for city driving while a sport mode may give you a more responsive driving experience on country roads.
Be prepared and maximize your car's efficiency
By making preparations, you can increase your EV's efficiency and thus improve the driving experience, which can ultimately maximize your car's range, reduce energy consumption, and make your journey smoother and more cost-effective.
Tip 1: Preheat your electric car while it is connected to charging
Using the preheating function while the car is connected to charging can save battery capacity. Preheating the car while charging reduces the need to use battery energy to warm up the cabin once you start driving, which in turn can increase the available range.
Tip 2: Plan your trip in advance
Anticipating and planning your route can reduce unnecessary detours or stops that can reduce the range of your electric vehicle. Use apps or navigation tools that can recommend charging stations along the way and help optimize your route to avoid the stress of low battery.
Tip 3: Check your tire pressure regularly
Keeping your tires well inflated is important to maximize your range. Under- or over-inflated tires can affect the rolling resistance of the car and thus energy consumption. Make sure your tire pressure is within the manufacturer's recommendations to improve efficiency and range.
Maintain your electric car
To ensure that your electric vehicle performs optimally and maintains its longevity, it is important to give it the right maintenance and care. This maximizes longevity and performance, and is a way to ensure that your EV remains reliable and performs optimally throughout its lifetime.
Tip 1: Follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations
It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for scheduled service and maintenance. Regular service visits help ensure that the car's systems are working properly and can detect any problems in time.
Tip 2: Battery care
To keep the battery in the best possible condition, avoid extreme heat or cold whenever possible. Park your car in the shade or in a sheltered area when it's hot and avoid leaving your car in extreme cold for long periods.
Tip 3: Keep the charging port and cables clean
Make sure that the charging port and charging cables are kept clean and in good condition. This helps ensure a good connection when charging and reduces the risk of charging problems. Clean regularly with a soft cloth and make sure that no dirt or corrosion accumulates.
We know rechargeable cars - and charging points!
Parkit's vision is a society where everyone can drive an electric car, and for that to be possible, flexible solutions for electric car charging are needed. You can read more about our EV charging solutions and charging points HERE .