Electric cars are automobiles that use an electric motor as its primary source of propulsion. Also known as EVs, most of these vehicles use electrical energy that is stored in rechargeable batteries. There are a few different types of electric cars on the market today, including:
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Also considered to be a “true” electric vehicle, battery electric vehicles store all of their electricity in high-capacity battery packs. This battery power is used to run and control all onboard electronics, as well as the main-drive electric motor or motors. These vehicles are powered by electricity from an external source such as an electrical outlet or speciality electric car charging stations.
Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV)
Hybrid-electric vehicles, also known as HEVs, usually have a two-part drive system that includes a conventional fuel engine and electric driving capabilities. These cars have all of the components of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles. In most of these cars, the main energy source is fuel, while electrical energy is generated secondarily through the alternator or regenerative braking.
Plug-In Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (pHEV)
Plug-In Hybrid-Electric Vehicles or pHEVs, are similar to HEVS, except that the majority of energy used to propel the vehicle is electricity, not fuel. Most of the time, these cars have larger electrical drives and battery storage capabilities. Since these vehicles can be recharged from an electrical outlet, it is possible to drive them entirely on electrical energy.
Charging An Electric Car
If you’re thinking about getting an electric car, you’ll be happy to know that you can charge these vehicles anywhere there is an outlet or charging stations. Many people who own an electric car will charge their vehicle while they are at home or at work. There are public charging stations available at specific gas stations, parking lots, grocery stores, and more.
The Benefits Of Driving An Electric Car
Driving an electric car or vehicle can be extremely beneficial for the environment and your wallet. Let’s take a look at a few of the major perks of driving an electric car below.
Improved Air Quality
One of the most obvious benefits of investing in an electric vehicle is the fact that these cars do not pump out harmful emissions into the air we breathe. Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are fueled by electricity that comes straight from the power grid. This means that these vehicles can produce zero to little tailpipe emissions.
According to an article from Forbes, if you buy an electric car over a gasoline-powered vehicle, you will likely save a lot of money during the time you own it. Electric cars tend to have far fewer mechanical issues than traditional vehicles. Some items that do not need to be replaced in electric vehicles include oil, air filters, timing belts, spark plugs, and head gaskets. The Department of Energy states that charging an electric car costs roughly half as much as fueling a gasoline-powered vehicle. The U.S. average per gallon of gasoline is $2.50, while it would only cost $1.10 per eGallon to charge an electric car.
Reduce The Effects of Climate Change
Did you know that transportation accounts for around a quarter of the United States carbon emissions? This is a huge contributor to climate change. Luckily, when you invest in an electric vehicle, you won’t have to worry about emitting harmful gases into the environment. Even the plug-in hybrid models produce significantly lower emissions than a traditional petrol or diesel car.
If you live in the state of Colorado, you can qualify for up to $13,500 between federal and state tax credits. The end of the year is the best time to take advantage of electric vehicle EV tax credits, and the current incentives can reduce the cost of buying an electric vehicle to more than 40 percent! Learn more about the tax benefits of driving electric from Drive Electric Northern Colorado.
Skip The Gas Station
Tired of constantly having to stop at the gas station to fuel up your car? Electric cars don’t require the use of gas to buy or oil to change. To refuel, you simply just plug in at home, at work, or at a parking lot that offers electric car charging stations.
There’s nothing worse than looking at your dashboard, only to find that the check engine light has illuminated. Since electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, there are less reasons to visit your local mechanic. This will save you a good amount of time and money over the coming years. No more routine oil changes or failed transmissions. While your brakes will require some maintenance, they will last much longer than those on a gas-powered vehicle.
They Are Quiet
If you live in Denver, there’s a good chance you’re used to the hustle and bustle of city life. Cars and trucks can make a tremendous amount of noise, keeping you from hearing the beautiful sounds that nature has to offer. With an electric car, you’ll be surprised to hear just how quiet these vehicles are. In fact, it can be slightly offsetting the first time you press the accelerator from an electric car as you silently zip down the road.
Electric car owners can enjoy preferential treatment when it comes to parking spaces located near entrances and free public charging stations. If you’re interested in learning more about the perks that your district or city offers for electric vehicle owners, you can check with your local authorities.
Same Torque At All Speeds
Did you know that electric cars offer the same amount of torque at all speeds? This means that you don’t have to go through different gear changes for different speeds. Electric vehicles have full power at all speeds, offering drivers and passengers a smooth ride. These cars can also go from zero to 60 extremely fast!
Electric Car Charging Stations at ParkDIA
If you own an electric car and you plan on flying out of the Denver International Airport (DIA) in the near future, be sure to park your car with ParkDIA. We offer 7,500 parking spacest, and we have 12 convenient electric car charging stations where you can leave your electric vehicle. Download our mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones to make your ParkDIA experience even faster and easier. With our app, you can book your parking space ahead of time, text for pickup, and find out where the airport shuttles are located. If you have any questions about our DIA parking, check out our FAQ page online.