Category: electric car

May 16

A Surprising History: Electric Vehicles Are Not as Modern as You Think

The Dawn of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs), often perceived as a product of modern technological advancements, have actually been part of the automotive landscape far longer than many realize. The concept dates back to the early 19th century, with the first primitive electric carriage introduced by Robert Anderson in 1832. However, it wasn’t until the latter part of that century that electric vehicles became more practical and started to gain traction, thanks to innovators like William Morrison of Iowa.

The Rise and Decline of Early EVs

By 1889, Morrison had developed what could be considered the first successful electric vehicle, resembling an electric wagon capable of carrying up to nine passengers. This period marked a growing popularity for EVs, appreciated for their quiet operation, ease of driving, and lack of pollutant emissions—qualities that made them favorable over gas and steam-powered vehicles. Despite their initial success and accounting for a third of all vehicles by 1912, the advent of the affordable gas-powered Model T and the proliferation of gas stations led to a decline in electric vehicle popularity.

Modern Challenges Echo Historical Issues

Fast forward to modern times, the resurgence of interest in electric vehicles has paralleled historical patterns. Issues like limited range and lengthy charging times that plagued early EVs continue to be the main hurdles for modern manufacturers. Despite technological advancements, these persistent challenges mirror those of the past, highlighting a continuous struggle within the auto industry. The rekindling of interest in EVs during the oil crises of the 1970s and later through innovations by companies like Tesla has shown cyclical peaks and troughs in EV adoption, underscoring the ongoing journey toward sustainable automotive solutions.

May 01

Is Frequent DC Fast Charging Detrimental to Your Electric Car Battery?

Understanding DC Fast Charging

How does DC fast charging impact your electric vehicle’s battery? Many EV owners are concerned about this, but rest assured, using DC fast charging stations occasionally won’t harm your battery pack. Let’s break down why this is the case and how DC fast charging operates.

How DC Fast Charging Operates

Public Level 3 DC fast-charging stations can replenish an EV battery to 80% capacity within 15-45 minutes, depending on the vehicle and temperature conditions. While most EV owners typically charge their vehicles at home, DC fast charging is essential for long trips or when the battery is running low. These stations use various connector types, with early Asian models using CHAdeMO and newer vehicles predominantly using the SAE CCS Combo plug.

Compatibility and Communication

Tesla vehicles use their proprietary connector, the North American Charging Standard (NACS), for their Supercharger network, but they can also use other public chargers with an adaptor. Unlike home chargers that convert AC to DC power, Level 3 chargers provide direct DC energy, allowing for faster charging. The station continuously communicates with the vehicle to deliver the appropriate amount of power, preventing damage to the battery.

Charging Dynamics

Once charging begins and the battery is adequately warmed, the flow of kilowatts increases to the maximum input the vehicle can handle. The charger maintains this rate until the battery reaches about 80% capacity, then slows down to a Level 2 charging speed to protect battery life. This process is known as the DC fast charging curve.

Impact of Frequent Fast Charging

Battery chemistry determines an EV’s ability to handle higher charge currents. Faster charging can slightly accelerate battery capacity decline, but studies show the difference is minor. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) found that while exclusive Level 3 charging can hasten deterioration, it’s a rare scenario and the impact is not significant.

Early Findings with Nissan Leaf

INL tested 2012 Nissan Leaf EVs under similar conditions in Phoenix, Arizona, revealing a slight difference in battery degradation between Level 2 and Level 3 charging. After 50,000 miles, Level 2-charged cars lost about 23% capacity, while Level 3-charged ones lost around 27%. The hot climate and repeated deep charging/discharging likely contributed to this minor variance.

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Recent Studies on Tesla Vehicles

Recent research by Recurrent analyzed over 12,500 Teslas, showing minimal difference in battery degradation between frequent fast charging and AC charging. This indicates that modern EVs are even more resilient to the effects of fast charging compared to earlier models.

Conclusion

The consensus is that while DC fast charging may have a slight effect on battery life, it is minimal and generally not a primary charging method. Feel free to use DC fast charging when necessary without significant concerns about battery degradation.

Aug 19

Electric Car Rentals: The Struggle to Go Green in a City That’s Still Catching Up

The Challenge of Renting an Electric Vehicle

As a devoted environmentalist, I decided to rent an electric vehicle (E.V.) for a summer road trip, driven by a commitment to reducing my carbon footprint. Despite the growing popularity of electric cars, I was met with an unexpected challenge: securing a rental in New York City was far more complicated than anticipated. While companies like Hertz and UFODrive offer electric vehicles, the process was far from straightforward and highlighted the gaps in our current rental infrastructure.

The Hurdles of Electric Vehicle Rentals

Despite the surge in electric vehicle sales and an anticipated future with millions of E.V.s on American roads, the rental market still struggles to keep pace. My search revealed a significant shortfall in availability and convenience, especially in densely populated areas like NYC. The rapid rise in E.V. popularity underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure, including more accessible rental options and better charging networks.

A Rocky Start to the Electric Driving Experience

When I finally got behind the wheel of a Tesla Model 3 from UFODrive, the excitement quickly turned to anxiety. From figuring out basic features like wireless phone charging to adjusting to the distinctive driving experience of an electric vehicle, it was a steep learning curve. My initial frustrations, including managing the car’s energy-saving features and dealing with range anxiety, were a stark reminder of how far we still need to go in making electric cars user-friendly for everyone.

As the electric vehicle market evolves, both rental companies and infrastructure will need to adapt rapidly to meet growing demand. For now, drivers who venture into this new territory should brace themselves for a learning curve but can take comfort in knowing that each step forward contributes to a more sustainable future.

Jul 11

Massive Drop in Used Electric Car Prices: Exceptional Deals to Consider

Recent Trends in Used Electric Car Pricing

Earlier this year, drivers enjoyed high trade-in values through platforms like Carvana and Vroom. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with used electric car prices and trade-in values now significantly dropping. Factors contributing to this decline include Tesla’s substantial price reductions, increased vehicle production, and rising interest rates.

Why Used Electric Car Prices Are Falling

The recent drop in used car prices marks the end of the previously inflated market. Buyers now have the opportunity to purchase electric vehicles at more attractive prices. Notable examples of this trend include the Volkswagen ID.4, Polestar 2, Audi e-tron, Tesla Model Y, and Mercedes EQS.

For instance, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, a practical family crossover, now starts at around $29,000, offering up to 260 miles of range. The 2021 Polestar 2, priced in the low $30,000s, features a range of 233 miles and impressive performance capabilities. Meanwhile, the 2019 Audi e-tron, starting at about $35,000, presents a luxury experience with features like massaging seats and air suspension at a significantly lower cost compared to new models.

Additionally, the Tesla Model Y Performance remains a top choice for electric enthusiasts, boasting a 0-60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds and an EPA-rated range of 303 miles. The Mercedes EQS, once a six-figure vehicle, now offers substantial savings with used models priced in the mid-$60,000 range, while still providing a long range of 350 miles.

Finding the Best Deals

With the significant drop in prices, this is an ideal time for buyers to explore the electric car market. Whether you’re seeking luxury or performance, the current market offers exceptional value on used electric vehicles. Conduct thorough research to find the best deals and make an informed decision to maximize your investment in a reliable and eco-friendly car.