Going Electric: Some basics on electric and hybrid vehicles

We all know they’re better for the environment, but we’re still hesitant about taking the plunge and converting. Going to a fully electric vehicle (EV) strikes fear in most drivers because they’re afraid of running out of battery power before reaching their destination. However, with the advancements in battery research and technology, driving further on one charge in most EVs, hybrid and hybrid plug-in vehicles is getting better. We have a few facts for you regarding environmentally friendly vehicles, which you might consider when making your next vehicle decision.

So what’s the difference among EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids? The main difference is an EV has no internal combustion engine, therefore, you don’t need any gas or oil, and there’s no CO₂ output. It’s also wholly powered by one or more electric motors. A hybrid car contains both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The engine and the brakes charge the battery, so the hybrid is said to behave similar to a regular car, but with better fuel economy and emissions resembling those of a small engine car. The hybrid switches to the electric motor when the gas engine performs inefficiently such as at a stop light. Hybrid plug-in cars are hybrids, but they contain a plug so you can charge your battery by an external outlet.

The battery on EVs and hybrids make people happy and afraid at the same time. They love it because it takes the strain off the environment, but they’re afraid of it because the battery may not hold enough power to take them further than 100 kms. Nowadays, an EV can have a range of anywhere between 100 and 300 kms on one charge due to battery technology advancements. EV and hybrid batteries are said to last as long as the car itself, and most have warranties for a minimum of eight years or 160,000 kms. Research into actual battery production is always on the move. Companies are striving to find less environmentally damaging materials to make their batteries, as well as finding ways to give depleted batteries a second life such as storing solar energy.

The honest truth is that all cars pollute, whether they’re gas, diesel, EV or hybrid. It just comes down to the fact of which car pollutes less. If you live in an area where your electricity comes from coal, an electric vehicle may not be as environmentally friendly as you think. According to Energy Alberta, approximately 38% of our electric generation capacity in 2015 is through coal, and 44% is through natural gas. So when choosing between an EV, a hybrid or hybrid plug-in, you may want to consider how your electricity is produced.

The climate here in Alberta from October to March is cold, sometimes bitterly cold. Because of this, people often believe that EVs and hybrids will be useless in this province; however, EVs and hybrids are not just warm weather cars. Take, for instance, the EV: since there are no liquids in the motor, it will always start; when you warm up your EV you can leave it plugged in so the battery remains charged; cold weather actually prolongs the life of your EV batteries; and with most EVs, the batteries are actually in the floor giving your car a lower centre of gravity. That being said, extremely cold weather does lower how far you can drive by at least 50%. Extreme cold also raises power consumption by 50%, but that’s the same with gas powered vehicles, too.

There are pros and cons to buying electric vehicles, just as there are with the conventional gas powered vehicles. Research is always key, and there are great websites and books to help you get a better understanding on this burgeoning market. Reducing our carbon footprint is a necessity in today’s world, and EVs, hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars are just one step in that direction.

Did You Know?

• The first pure electric car dates back to the early 1800s, and the rechargeable battery was invented in the late 1800s.
• The first hybrid vehicle was invented in 1899 by Jacob Lohner and Ferdinand Porsche.
• In Canada, 6,933 plug-in vehicles were sold in 2015. The total EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Canada in 2015 is 18,451.
• The City of St Albert purchased three electric buses. The buses are five times more energy efficient than the current diesel ones.
• Norway is the leading nation in EV use. According to IHS, approximately 25% of all new vehicles purchased in the first third of 2016 are pure EVs and plug-in hybrids.