When it comes to purchasing a new vehicle these days, there are all kinds of options. Beyond the choice of satellite or Apple CarPlay for your radio programming, you can now choose a new type of vehicle. Consider the bevy of hybrid, plug-in, and electric vehicles as a more sustainable automobile selection of makes and models. You also want to take into consideration how long it takes to charge your all-electric vehicle versus a hybrid car. Since this is a new territory, you can be a pioneer in the way the wheels work in the future. Support those brands and designs that best suit your needs as a consumer and help them lead the way with your purchasing power.
About Alternative Automobiles
According to the US Department of Energy, there are five different types of automobiles currently on the roadways. This includes:
- Hybrid electric
- All-electric
- Plug-in hybrid
- Hydrogen fuel cell
- Gasoline
Each of these vehicles utilizes energy through a battery and electric motor in a different manner. Take a closer look.
Defining the Hybrid Car
The hybrid electric car is “powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which uses energy stored in batteries.” The way this type of automobile works is via regenerative braking that charges the battery. The battery stores the energy that is processed with internal combustion.
Vehicles that have a smaller footprint are good candidates for this type of alternative fuel source. A hybrid automobile allows you to reduce idling and battery (auxiliary) use, which cuts down on the amount of gas you end up using for each trip. You are still using gasoline for powering the vehicle, along with the traction battery pack used to store energy. However, the benefit of a hybrid vehicle, such as the Ford Escape, is that you are getting the option of using electric energy while in motion. You always have gas for that backup energy supply, which is beneficial for traveling long distances or to electric charging station deserts.
What is a Plug-In Auto
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEVs) goes a step further by allowing you to plug in your vehicle at a charging station. Unlike the hybrid electric auto, a plug-in hybrid charges up and stores electricity in three ways:
- From plugging into a charging station
- Through internal combustion
- Via regenerative braking
When you use a PHEV, the vehicle still runs using gas or diesel if need be. However, the fuel-efficient design allows the car to use battery power completely for shorter distances. You can also choose from a parallel hybrid design or one of the series plug-in hybrids. GM has the Chevy Volt, according to the US Dept. of Energy, that is considered a modified version of a series plug-in hybrid.
About the Battery Electric Vehicle
The battery electric vehicle (BEV) is designed to use battery power in rechargeable packs as the primary mode of energy. If you have a pure BEV, also known as an all-electric vehicle (EV) you are not producing exhaust or emissions. In addition, a battery electric vehicle will provide the fastest charge, states EVgo, one of the largest charging station companies in the US.
If you have a BEV, it will charge at a level 3 or DC fast charge, which is not possible with a hybrid vehicle or PHEV. It takes approximately 30 minutes to charge a car to travel for 90 miles with a level 3 or DC charge. However, if you have a hybrid or level 1 or level 2 EV, you will spend eight hours charging your vehicle at your home using a standard 120v outlet.
Benefits of Battery Versus Gasoline
This brings up the benefits of choosing battery versus gasoline power for your vehicle. The ultimate reason why consumers choose battery powered vehicles instead of gasoline is to cut back on gas use. The cost of fuel continues to escalate especially seasonally, which is a cost that would be avoided with the use of battery power.
The other benefit is the reduction or elimination of exhaust. Fuel exhaust leads to air pollution, as well as the health dangers of breathing in these fumes as a driver and/or passenger. By choosing an electric vehicle, you are cutting out on some or all of those emissions. This has the added benefit of helping the environment by reducing air pollution.
Misconceptions of Alternative Autos
Whether we are going to work or taking that epic road trip, we truly want to enjoy the ride. We think of alternative vehicles as something both futuristic and hopeful for our ability to travel to and from destinations. This is where the upswing in alternative vehicles has taken its course. The use of electric power has become more affordable for auto manufacturers.
You can now buy a car that has the look and feel—and performance and range—of a gasoline powered car, so no more standing out in the streets waiting for a Lyft or Uber. However, keep in mind you are contributing to electricity production that may be associated with air pollution according to the US Department of Energy. This is why you want to continue to minimize your use of any vehicle—electric or otherwise—if you are trying to achieve a more sustainable way of life.
As a result, we should not stop with the electric and hybrid battery powered cars but move forward to more alternative forms of energy. Be on the lookout for the next type of alternative autos to make their way into the marketplace and marketing sector next. Meanwhile, as you choose a car for today, focus more on the long term investment opportunity of that vehicle. While a hybrid might not make sense due to a lack of time or facility for charging near you, you might end up a lot better off with the EVs that allow you to use DC fast charging for those half-hour charging times. Consider your own use of a vehicle before making a purchase.
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