Nissan is known for being a pioneer in electric vehicles. In 2010, the brand launched the Nissan LEAF, the world’s first modern all-electric mass-market vehicle. Now, one decade later, Nissan continues to lead the car industry in an eco-friendly direction with their EV36Zero flagship. With this plan, the brand aims to create the first-ever EV manufacturing ecosystem and push towards a cleaner, more sustainable society for all.
As these cars become more attainable and affordable, the market will shift to primarily hybrids and electric vehicles. Here’s what you need to know on how electric vehicles work, their costs, benefits, and more.
How do electric vehicles work?
All-electric cars, also known as battery electric vehicles (BEV), use an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. Additionally, they are powered using a large traction battery pack rather than a gasoline tank. Because of this, EVs emit zero tailpipe emissions and contain fewer moving parts than a traditional gasoline vehicle.
Electric cars must be charged using either a wall outlet or charging station. All EVs come standard with a charging cable, so this can be done even from the comfort of your home. If you’re traveling a far distance, there are over 42,000 public charging stations across the U.S. In addition, the current administration plans to expand this to over 500,000 charging stations nationwide by 2030. Most EVs can drive 150 to 250 miles in one single charge.
Unlike EVs, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) use both gasoline and electricity as fuel sources. Since they are a combination of the two, they have a battery, electric motor, gasoline tank, and internal combustion engine. Because of this, they can be charged or fueled at a traditional gas station.
PHEVs operate exclusively on electricity until the battery is empty. Then, the vehicle switches to gasoline to provide additional power. PHEVs typically have an all-electric range of 30 miles. Hybrids, on the other hand, do not have an all-electric driving range. This is because all the energy comes from gasoline. Instead, these low-emission vehicles use an electric motor to assist the gas-powered engine. Unlike EVs and PHEVs, hybrids cannot be charged.
How do I charge my EV?
Charging can be done at home or a public charging station, which will vary in cost. Additionally, there are 3 types of charging which are categorized by how fast they work. The first is Level 1, which is the slowest method. This adds about 4 to 6 miles of driving range per hour of charging time. Level 1 is sufficient for drivers who charge overnight and commute about 50 miles per day. All EVs come standard with the cable needed for Level 1 charging.
Level 2 charging is much faster but requires installing a charging station. These require a dedicated 240 V electrical circuit, which can be found in many garages. Depending on the battery type, Level 2 charging adds about 15 to 35 miles of driving range per hour. Along with this, most states offer rebates to make home Level 2 charging more affordable and accessible. The cost of installation will vary depending on the system and home’s configuration but can range from $500 to $2000 with labor and materials included. This price does not include state-offered rebates.
The last charging option is DC fast charging. This type requires a 480 V connection, meaning it’s unsuitable for home use. Additionally, not every EV is capable of DC fast charging. However, it is available on the Nissan LEAF Plus and Nissan Ariya. DC charging stations can be found in shopping centers or along major travel routes, and they add up to 10 miles of driving range per minute.
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
While electricity costs vary, residential electricity costs about 8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in Nevada. At this price, charging the Nissan LEAF with a 40-kWh battery with a 150-mile range would cost about $3 to fully charge. On the other hand, fueling a 25-mpg vehicle at $4.00 a gallon would cost $24 to drive the same mileage. That’s 8x the cost of an EV!
When you’re away from home, you can charge at public stations. Some places even offer free charging. You can use websites like PlugShare to find locations near you. Other stations have per-hour fees, which usually equals the amount of electricity used. This can vary from $2-3 an hour.
What are the perks of owning an EV?
There are many benefits to going electric – the zero tailpipe emissions are just the start. When you purchase a traditional vehicle, the cost of owning it is not just what you pay upfront. It’s also the gas, maintenance, and occasional repair work. With electric vehicles, you pay less for charging, and the fewer moving parts mean little to no regular maintenance needed. Say goodbye to oil changes forever. Along with this, brake wear is also significantly reduced due to regenerative braking. And when you do need work, it’s typically less expensive than traditional gas vehicles.
If that’s not enough, there are also federal and state tax incentives on electric vehicles. Nissan also recently lowered the costs of the LEAF, making it the most affordable EV on the market. On top of this, electric cars are quieter than diesel vehicles. This means less noise pollution and a more comfortable cabin experience.
Lastly, one of the biggest reasons to go electric is that electricity is a renewable resource. EVs have a significantly smaller carbon footprint over their lifetime and help create a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
What kind of EVs does Nissan offer?
Nissan offers two all-electric vehicles; the Nissan LEAF and all-new 2022 Nissan Ariya, which will go on sale in early 2022. The LEAF comes with two battery sizes: one that allows for 150 miles of driving range, and the other 226. The five-passenger hatchback offers generous technology features, a sleek interior, and budget-friendly pricing. For those needing something bigger, the Ariya is a spacious all-electric SUV. The Ariya is estimated to have about 300 miles of driving range per charge.
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