When buying an electric car, the range is often one of the most important statistics to keep in mind to ensure that you have the right vehicle for your needs. Whether or not you'll be able to complete your daily commute to work and back, or even make it to the next charging station for your car is important to think about before you choose which make and model you are going to drive. Since most electric cars are not able to travel as far as a traditional combustion engine car on a full charge, the range is one aspect of electric cars that has had a lot of interest from the moment that they were first made available on the market.
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How Many Miles Can You Get from a Full Charge?
When the battery is fully charged, an electric car can actually travel much further than most people think. And, as the technology gets better and more and more manufacturers jump on the electric car bandwagon, ranges are only improving, and lasting for longer. The good news is that today, there's more choice available than ever before when it comes to the range of your electric car.
Now, with commercial charging stations popping up everywhere, keeping your electric wheels rolling is easier than ever. Compared to relying solely on home charging stations, which may not always be accessible during long journeys, commercial electric car charging stations provide greater flexibility and reliability. While home charging is convenient for overnight replenishment, commercial stations provide a crucial backup option for travelers needing a quick boost or those without access to private charging facilities.
Businesses investing in these charging stations not only cater to the expanding market but also contribute to the sustainability of transportation by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
And let's not forget the convenience factor! With more charging stations available, electric car owners can travel with peace of mind, knowing they can easily recharge along the way. Plus, supporting businesses that provide charging infrastructure promotes a greener future for everyone.
An increasing number of EVs are capable of travelling over two hundred miles on just one charge, while some can even travel more than three hundred before they need charging again. Find out more about the basics for charging electric cars here.
How Long Does the Battery Last?
It is worth comparing your electric car battery to the battery in any other electronic device that you own that needs charging, such as your smartphone or your laptop. Over time, the battery in your EV will begin to lose capacity over time, just like your phone might not last as long on a full charge now compared to when you first purchase it. All electric cars today use a lithium-ion battery for their main power unit and these batteries will naturally degrade over time as they are constantly charged and used. However, that being said, they are still very reliable and there are lots of different factors that contribute to battery degradation such as the miles that you cover in the car. Most EV batteries will last for at least ten years before you need to think about getting a new one.
How Often Do Electric Cars Need Charging?
On average, cars in the UK cover around 7,500 miles annually, which is around 144 miles per week. If you are an average driver travelling an average distance, with an EV that has a range of at least 150 miles, then just one full battery charge weekly, or smaller charges throughout the week to keep the battery topped up is likely to work well for you. When it comes to how you charge your electric car, experts recommend never letting it drop below 20% or go above 80% to keep the battery at optimum health.
Before you decide if an electric car is right for you, understanding batteries, ranges, and how they work is important.
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