Batteries Included: Driving an Electric Vehicle for the First Time

If you've never driven an electric vehicle before, read up on the details before taking one out for a spin.

What Is An Electric Vehicle (EV)?

Three things give an EV its power: an electric motor, the motor's controller, and the batteries. The accelerator pedal connects to a pair of potentiometers (also called variable resistors). Pushing down on the accelerator tells the potentiometers how much power they should deliver. At a full stop, with your foot off the accelerator, no power is delivered to the motor. Putting more pressure on the accelerator pedal delivers more power to the motor, increasing the speed of the vehicle. If that sounds familiar, it's because an EV drives precisely like a traditional car — but with energy boosts provided by rechargeable batteries.

The All-Important Batteries

Any conversation about EVs always circles back to batteries. Batteries are the heart of an EV, and how well a particular model performs is determined, in large part, by the size and quality of that heart. Batteries are judged by three criteria: how powerful they are, how much charge they hold, and how far they can take you. If you're new to EV driving, consider a few common questions.

Where Do You Charge an EV?

Like a fuel powered car needing to stop and fill up with gas, an EV vehicle will eventually need to recharge it’s battery. Your GPS should show nearby charging stations. If you would rather check online before departure, the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center maps the nearest EV charging stations. Simply provide a zip code, and the site points you to nearby stations in operation. A number of smartphone apps are also designed to locate charging stations. There are also free charging stations available. Some libraries, grocery stores, department stores, and other public buildings offer free EV chargers in their parking lots. If you're staying in a hotel, call ahead to ask about their EV charging capabilities. Many hotels even take care of the task for you.

How Do You Charge an EV?

If you know how to plug in a toaster, you can charge an EV. After you've done it a few times, it's as simple as putting gasoline in a traditional car.

1. Make sure the EV is turned off.
2. Open the charging port lid and cap (may require a release button inside the car).
3. Push the button to lift the connector out of the holster.
4. Plug the connection into your port. You should hear a click and then see a blue light indicating charging has started.
5. Check the dashboard indicator to make sure the battery is charging.
6. Once the battery is charged, disconnect the connector from the port, and place it back in the holster on the charging station pedestal.

How Long Does Charging Take?

Depending on the type of EV you're driving and the charge level you want — full or partial — a routine charge takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. On the positive side, this gives you time to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat before sliding back behind the wheel.

Renting an EV

If you decide to rent an electric vehicle for your travels, you need to remember a couple of important details before heading out.

1. EVs are exceptionally quiet. Be on the lookout for pedestrians who may not hear you approach.
2. EVs deliver instant power, meaning you need to closely monitor your speed while driving.

Have you tried driving an electric vehicle? Did you love it, or do you prefer a more traditional mode of transportation? Tell us about your experience on Facebook.