When it comes to electric vehicles, many people are unsure how they charge and the science behind the charging process. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular with drivers who want to make an eco-friendly change to their lives.
With this, more people want to get insurance for electric vehicles and discover more information about the cars they are driving.
Read on to find out more!
How do EV batteries work?
The energy storage system in an EV is a battery. The type of battery can vary, depending on if the vehicle is completely electric or if it’s a hybrid model.
The current battery technology is designed to last around 8 years, which is about 100,000 miles. However, some batteries can last longer in moderate climates.
There are four types of EV batteries;
- Lithium-ion – the most common type of car battery, also used in electronics like computers and phones.
- Nickel-metal – is widely used in hybrid vehicles and has a longer life span.
- Lead-acid – is only currently used in EVs to supplement other battery loads.
- Ultracapacitors – primarily useful as secondary storage devices in EVs. They can provide electric vehicles with extra power during acceleration and regenerative braking.
All EVs have an electric motor in replacement of an internal combustion engine, which can be found in gasoline-powered cars. They use a traction battery pack, which is the part of the car that must be plugged in and recharged.
How are EV’s batteries better for the environment?
We’re all aware that EV’s are more eco-friendly, but what is the science behind the batteries, and how are they making a difference to the planet?
Well, charging your EV allows you to cut your greenhouse gas emissions by fueling your vehicle with a renewable source, like solar power.
Many public charging systems use solar panels as a way of reducing the use of non-renewable energy throughout the process.
Step-by-step process to charge your vehicle.
- Open the charge port by pushing the cover or using the touchscreen.
- Remove the charger from the station and insert it into the car’s port. When the car is charging, a green light will appear.
- The touchscreen will tell you the charging percentage and give an estimation of the time remaining.
When the EV has been charged, remove the charger from the car and return to the station.
Where can I charge my EV battery?
There are some key places you will be able to locate an EV charging station, some of those being:
- In public places – for example, supermarkets, gas stations, and malls.
- At home – you can have charging stations set up on your property, making the charging process more convenient.
- Portable chargers – can provide you with a boost of power when you are not close to any public charging stations.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about the science behind an electric vehicle’s battery, which types of batteries there are, and how the charging process actually works. Now, you can enjoy driving your EV with ease!