The fully electric car revolutionized the automotive industry at a time when gasoline was at record highs. Even now, with gas at its lowest cost in decades, the electric car industry is booming with near-record sales. This highlights the practical, environmentally conscious, and thrifty nature of the American public. With advances in the technology making vehicle range and performance comparable to even sportier gasoline equivalents, electric vehicles are now more accessible than ever. Here, our service experts discuss the pros and cons of the electric vehicle, as well as the installation services for electric vehicle charging stations that Bickimer Electric specializes in.
Low Fuel Costs
It goes without saying that the single most substantial advantage of an electric car is the savings in fuel. Dollar for dollar, refueling costs for electric cars are less than half of those for a traditional gas-powered vehicle. A 2018 study by the University of Michigan found that operating fuel costs for an electric vehicle averaged $485 per year versus $1117 for a gas-powered vehicle.
Low Maintenance Costs
The majority of maintenance costs associated with a vehicle relate to oil and filter changes. While the electric vehicle will still need its tires and brakes maintained, with significantly fewer moving parts, it requires much less maintenance. Electric vehicles don’t make use of pumps, valves, filters, or spark plugs, some of the most frequently serviced parts on a gas vehicle.
Environmentally Conscious
It’s estimated that an average gas engine will produce 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. This contributes to climate change, indoor and outdoor air pollution, and damage to native wildlife. Electric vehicles have zero carbon dioxide emissions and are thus much more environmentally friendly.
Why Install A Charger?
Most electric cars do come with some version of a 120v adaptor that can plug into a regular GFCI outlet on a dedicated circuit, so why spend the time and money on installing a dedicated charger station? Time is the simple answer. There are three basic types of charging equipment for electric vehicles:
Level 1
Using alternating current from a regular 120v socket, this is the lowest level of charging and provides roughly 40 miles of range in an eight-hour charging cycle. With most of the current generation of electric vehicles ranging between 200-320 miles, it would take more than 40 hours to fully charge 200 miles of range.
Level 2
Level 2 alternating current equipment makes use of a dedicated 240v outlet installed on its own 40amp circuit. Typically this can provide around 10-20 miles of range charge per hour and thus can charge most midrange vehicles overnight.
DC Fast Charging
The most commonly installed charging unit in the home requires a dedicated three-phase circuit and is a charging station versus a single outlet. This direct current system comes in three forms, depending upon the make and model of vehicle you use and can typically charge 180-240 miles of range per hour.
Decisions, Decisions!
Which system to choose will depend mainly upon how frequently you will use the vehicle, how far it will regularly be driven, and how quick a turnaround you will need to get it back on the road. Many homeowners who maintain local travel routes would be able to manage with a Level 2 system, charging once per day and rarely exceeding the full range. Many more homeowners like the convenience and peace of mind of knowing that in a pinch, they can quickly refuel the vehicle without being stuck in place for eight hours at a time.
Whichever system you choose, the expert installers at Bickimer Electric can offer full support, ongoing maintenance, and are fully qualified to answer all of your installation questions. Call our friendly office staff today at (913) 399-1790, or book online using the handy buttons above and ask for your electric vehicle charging consultation with one of our electrical experts.
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