How do electric vehicles work?
What is an electric vehicle? An electric vehicle is a type of vehicle that uses propulsion by means of electric engines. The energy used to drive an electric vehicle is stored in the battery, which is charged at a [charging station](targetSelf:/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b04384EEE-97EC-4F08-81B8-2BE7309797BA%7d%40en) (at home, at the office or at public charging stations). Electric vehicles are part of the group of vehicles called "zero emissions" which, due to their non-polluting means of locomotion, help to reduce the emissions of environmentally harmful gases, together with noise pollution, since their engines are quieter than internal combustion engines.
What types of electric vehicles exist? Even though vehicles powered 100% by electricity are the only ones considered electric, automobiles with mixed technologies (hybrids) are currently available on the market. Learn about all of the [existing types](targetSelf:/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b04384EEE-97EC-4F08-81B8-2BE7309797BA%7d%40en).
Are electric vehicles safe? Electric vehicles duly tested in terms of their safety, just like conventional cars. In the event of a collision, there is the slight possibility for some parts to receive an active load or for a short circuit to cause an electrical fire, but safety and construction precautions have limited this risk to the absolute minimum.
What do I need to charge the electric vehicle? You may need a charger (Wallbox), a charging cable and a charging card. Learn more about [charging](targetSelf:/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b04384EEE-97EC-4F08-81B8-2BE7309797BA%7d%40en).
What is the range of the batteries? The range (number of kilometres) varies according to the size of the battery and the electric vehicle’s efficiency. Depending on the model, the range will be from around 250 to more than 500 km on a fully charged battery. For PHEVs, ranges vary from around 40 to 60 km in electric mode. A fully charged 40kWh battery allows you to drive from 200 to 250 km, while a 64kWh battery has a significantly longer range of 350 to 400 km. Speed accounts for the majority of the battery’s consumption, which is why you should always drive within speed limits, while also considering several other factors affecting battery life:
- High or low temperatures (resulting from the use of heating/air conditioning)
- Driving in strong winds
- Driving for a long time uphill
How many kilometres can I drive with a fully charged battery? A fully charged 50 kW battery will allow you to drive 250 to 300 km. If you are a defensive and ecological driver, you will be able to drive even further. Speed has the greatest effect on the amount of battery power consumed, so it is recommended that you stick to the legal speed limits.
Additionally, car manufacturers are investing heavily in improving the battery capacity of electric vehicles to address one of the main barriers to purchase: range anxiety. When we take a closer look at the new models hitting the market, we see that the ranges of these electric vehicles are increasing considerably. Learn more about [charging](targetSelf:/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b04384EEE-97EC-4F08-81B8-2BE7309797BA%7d%40en).
How long does it take to charge my vehicle’s battery? The charging speed will depend on several factors, including the vehicle type, the battery’s power, the vehicle charging capacity and the [type of charging station](targetSelf:/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b04384EEE-97EC-4F08-81B8-2BE7309797BA%7d%40en) used. When charging a car with a standard power outlet, 5 to 10 hours of charging will be needed. However, when using a fast charging station, most commonly found along the highways, it takes approximately 30 minutes to charge 80% of the battery.
Estimated charging time by type of charging:
- Slow charging (3.7 kW and 7.4kW): 4-8 hours. This type of charging is recommended for residential applications.
- Semi-fast charging (22 kW): 2-4 hours.
- Fast charging (>50 kW): 30 minutes to charge to 80%.
What types of outlets exist to connect my electric vehicle? Various types of outlets exist for electric vehicles, such as alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Learn more about [available charging solutions](targetSelf:/sitecore/service/notfound.aspx?item=web%3a%7b04384EEE-97EC-4F08-81B8-2BE7309797BA%7d%40en).