I own a Honda Clarity, which is only half electric, but I still get most of the EV experience. I don't know how much you already know, so I'll start at the beginning.
Electric vehicles have gotten good in the last few years. Even the cheap ones are fast, quiet, and powerful.
Plugging in at home is much cheaper and more convenient than going to a gas station. I never realized how much of a chore it was to stop at a gas station until I didn't have to anymore.
There are four speeds ("levels") of charging, and each has its strengths.
- Level 1 charging: Level 1 charging provides 3-4 miles for each hour you plug in. This uses a normal 120V outlet. Level 1 charging is best for charging overnight.
- Level 2 charging: Level 2 charging provides 20-30 miles for each hour you plug in. This uses a 240V outlet (like a clothes dryer or electric stove). You can buy your own Level 2 charger, but many hotels, restaurants, and parking garages have them too. Level 2 charging is best for topping off the battery while you shop or eat.
- Level 3 charging: Level 3 charging provides 200-300 miles for each hour you plug in. This is very high voltage, so you can't have one at home. Level 3 charging is best for refilling your battery from 10% charge to 80% charge on long road trips. My favorite place to find Level 3 and Level 2 charging stations is https://www.plugshare.com/
- Level 4 charging: Level 4 charging provides 450-1000 miles for each hour you plug in. The only company with Level 4 chargers right now is Tesla.
For more detailed information on charging, check out these sites:
https://evobsession.com/electric-car-charging-101-types-of-charging-apps-more/
https://plugincars.com/guides.html
How much range you can get out of an EV depends on how you drive it. When it is cold outside, electric cars don't run as far. Unlike gasoline engines, they don't generate much heat, so they have trouble keeping themselves warm. Also, electric cars won't run as far at highway speeds.
For daily use, range doesn't matter much, but on road trips, you'll need to plan ahead and find Level 3 chargers along your route that are close enough together that you can make the trip without running out. The distance between chargers should usually be about 60% of your EPA-rated range. If you think you'll need a lot of time to charge during the trip, try charging during meals.
I recommend using
https://abetterrouteplanner.com/ to help plan your road trips. It automatically accounts for speed and altitude, and if you click "Show Settings," then click "Show More Settings," you can enter the temperature, too.
