Understanding EV Fuel: What Powers Electric Vehicles?
If we call this “EV fuel,” then things become very confusing. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a far cry from the conventional cars that run on gasoline or diesel fuel. They run only on electricity. Basically, what an electric vehicle refers to as a type of fuel is just the storage of electricity in a battery. It is not like a typical vehicle where it is “plug it in and forget about it.” Knowing about EV fuel helps you understand how these types work, their advantages, and the path that future models are going to take. Electricity as Fuel An EV converts electrical energy from a lithium-ion battery into motion by an electric motor that runs through gears to turn the wheels. Charging the battery is similar to refueling an ordinary gasoline car, except there will be no emissions while driving, and it will be a cleaner alternative. Charging Types You won’t need to go to the gas station to fill up; EVs utilize three primary types of chargers: Level 1 Charging: This is the slowest and typically accessed through a standard household outlet. Well, it is very convenient for overnight use but may take up to 24 hours to fully charge. Level 2 Charging: It is faster, in that these stations are specifically made to locate them in public areas or install in your house. It takes about 4 to 8 hours for a full charge. DC Fast Charging: The fastest, only available in a few public stations, it will fill to 80% in 20 to 30 minutes. Good for long and long cross-country trips, though a fast charge might occasionally shorten the battery and is pricey, too. The electricity used for EVs comes from a variety of sources: coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. Ideally, EVs charged with renewables (such as wind or solar) have the lowest environmental impact. The more renewable energy grows on the grid, the more sustainable an EV is. Conclusion As we close this chapter on fuel for EVs, the next phase for EV fuel has now also emerged. The future of EV fuel is exciting. Innovation regarding battery technology advances driving range, reduces charging time, and increases efficiency. It might become the norm with wireless charging and solid-state batteries, thus much more practical and environmentally friendly for EVs. Once we are off gas, “filling up” will take on a whole new meaning. Plug-in may seem unusual in 2013, but it is here to stay, changing the way we see automobiles, travel, and the future of our planet.
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