Choose Your Electric Vehicle
Electric Vehicle Basics
Before you find the EV that fits your needs its important to understand EV basics. Click here for more info on how electric vehicles work.
Despite how it seems, electric vehicles are nothing new. In fact, some of the earliest cars from the 1890s were powered by electric batteries. But it wasn’t until the last decade that electric cars really started to become popular as key technologies have enabled competitive transportation.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)
HEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The vehicle is fueled with gasoline to operate the internal combustion engine, and the battery is charged through regenerative braking, not by plugging in.
Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
PHEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. PHEVs can operate in all-electric (or charge-depleting) mode. To enable operation in all-electric mode, PHEVs require a larger battery, which can be plugged in to an electric power source to charge. To support a driver’s typical daily travel needs, most PHEVs can travel between 20 and 40 miles on electricity alone, and then will operate solely on gasoline, similar to a conventional hybrid.
All-Electric Vehicles (EV)
EVs, also called battery electric vehicles, have a battery that is charged by plugging the vehicle in to charging equipment. EVs always operate in all-electric mode and have typical driving ranges from 150 to 300 miles.
Choosing the right EV model for you
The EV market is more diverse now than ever. Now there are close to 60 EV models currently available in the US market that you can choose from! The right vehicle will depend on your driving habits and needs.
For those who like to see complete options in one screen, you can download this PDF produced by the American Lung Association and Minnesota Clean Cities, with all the vehicle info in one place.
Many options are available to help you choose your EV such as Alternative Fuels Data Center website.
Screenshot from AFDC Vehicle Search
Fueleconomy.gov is another great resource, particularly to compare multiple models side by side to view MSRP, range and fuel costs.
Ideal Electric Vehicles for Cold Weather Climates
Heat Pumps
Heating the cabin in your EV while driving in colder climates can really consume a lot of your battery’s energy. For this reason, EVs with heat pumps have quite an advantage as are very efficient when compared to resistive heating systems.
Additionally, heated seats and steering wheels can help reduce the need for heating the cabin as often.
Other winter considerations include battery preconditioning, AWD and automatic cabin pre-heating.
New vehicles with standard or optional heat pumps include: Kia EV6, Kia Niro, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf
Here’s a comparison of a Tesla Model 3s with and without a heat pump.
Ideal Electric Vehicle for Families
Considering an Electric Vehicle
There are many questions to ask yourself and things to consider as you determine which electric vehicle is the right fit for you.
