What is an EV?
An EV, or Electric Vehicle, is an overall term used for any vehicle that uses an electric motor for any part of its operation. This includes plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), extended-range electric vehicles (EREV), plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV).
What is a PEV?
A PEV, or Plug-in Electric Vehicle, is a vehicle powered by an electric motor which is powered by a battery charged by electricity. This is similar to charging a cell phone or digital camera by plugging them in to recharge the battery.
What is an EREV?
A EREV, or Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, is a vehicle powered by an electric motor, and typically has an all-electric range of about 40 miles. After the battery power has been completely used, a gasoline generator powers the vehicle for 300-plus miles of ‘extended-range’ driving.
Can PEVs use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes?
In 2011 the North Carolina state legislature passed legislation to allow PEVs to use HOV lanes and to be exempted from state emissions inspection requirements. These decisions are made state-by-state, so check the rules in other states before you go.
Vehicle Charging
What is a Charger?
A charger converts AC supply power (the Alternating Current power that comes from electrical outlets) to DC power (the Direct Current that comes from a battery) and uses it to charge the vehicle’s batteries.
What is Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)?
This term refers to any off-board equipment used to supply charging energy to the vehicle. EVSE can take the form of a cord, a box mounted to a wall, pedestal or pole, and even the different outlets and plugs that make up the circuit.
Various safety protocols keep the charging unit from energizing the plug until it is plugged into the vehicle. Some of these chargers have the ability to communicate with the vehicle to gather charging and safety information.
What are Charging Costs?
Consumers who charge at home will spend about 3 cents per mile depending on utility rates in their area. Fast charge rates will be determined as the infrastructure is rolled out in commercial and public areas.
What is Level 1 Charging?
Level 1 charging relies on a 110/120 volt power from a standard outlet and may take up to 20 hours to fully charge a PEV.
What is Level 2 Charging?
Level 2 charging systems recharge EVs in 4-6 hours utilizing 220 volt power (essentially, twice the level as in a standard household electrical outlet, usually needed for certain appliances such as a refrigerator). Level 2 charging systems are typically used for overnight charging at home or at businesses that operate fleets of PEVs.
All PEVs currently are equipped for Levels 1 and 2 charging but may need to be adapted for DC Fast Charging.
What is DC Fast Charging?
DC Fast Charging allows vehicles to be recharged in minutes rather than hours. An offboard charger connects directly to a vehicle’s high-voltage battery bus for high power transfer and can charge a battery up to 80 percent in minutes instead of hours. Care should be made to do quick charging according to vehicle manufacturers specifications, to prevent damage to the battery.
What is J1772?
A Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard that covers AC Level 1 and 2 charging and is the standard in the United States. The latest revision was published January 15, 2010. Work is continuing on a DC charging standard.
Where is the best place to find nearby public charging stations?
Though there are a number of websites offering information about where charging stations are located, we suggest that you refer to the National Renewable Energy Lab’s (NREL) listing for the most comprehensive list.
