Electric Car
Quick Charging of Electric Cars
Posted by Tom Lee on
Acommon criticism of electric cars is that EVs take too long to charge. That attitude is based on the common experience of drivers of gas-powered cars who, in the course of a 10-minute pit stop at a gas station, pump in a few hundred miles’ worth of fuel. Meanwhile, electric car charging times are usually measured in hours rather than minutes.
The Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Charging Networks
Posted by Tom Lee on
When it comes to refueling a car, drivers of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles have it easy. They roll up to any one of about 100,000-plus gas stations in the U.S., pump in liquid fuel in a matter of minutes, and pay either in cash or with a credit card. Unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated with public charging for electric vehicles—although remember that almost all EV charging takes place at home, which usually requires about 30 seconds to plug in each night.
Combining Solar Panels with an Electric Car
Posted by Tom Lee on
For most electric car drivers, it’s only a matter of time before this idea pops up: Why don’t I install solar panels so I can run my car on sunshine? Our research suggests that approximately one in three EV owners have solar panels that can generate electricity at home.
Understanding Unique EV Specs of a Plug-in Vehicle
Posted by Tom Lee on
Shopping for a new car can be a daunting task. Sure, we have a gut reaction to a vehicle’s brand, size, design, level of comfort or even its color. But we shouldn’t overlook the specifications of the car, which can be helpful in our quest to know if a particular model is right for us or not. That’s hard enough with a gas-powered car—and even more challenging to drivers considering a first electric car. Yet, with a little help, it doesn’t have to be scary or mysterious
Electric Vehicles and the Smart Grid
Posted by Tom Lee on
Electric vehicles represent an invaluable resource to the American electricity system, especially as it transitions into the ultimate vision of a so-called “Smart Grid.” Far from being a risk or a burden on our electrical system, EVs are a massive storage resource waiting in the wings—ready to provide valuable new services and reduce costs for grid operators, utilities, and ratepayers alike.