Beginner’s Guide to Electric Vehicles
Welcome to the world of electric mobility! If you are considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), there are some important things you should know. This article will help you understand the basics and prepare you for your new experience. First of all, driving an electric car is simply fun. It’s quiet, can be fast when needed, and overall leads to a more relaxed driving experience, as studies have shown.
How do I charge an electric car?
Charging Options:
At Home: The most convenient method is charging at home, usually via a wall box. This can be installed by an electrician and offers fast overnight charging.
Public Charging Stations: These can be found in cities, shopping centers, and along highways. Apps like TRONITY help you find the nearest charging station. Payment is increasingly possible via credit card, or you can get a charging card from providers like DKV or EnBW, which allow you to charge at numerous providers across Europe. These solutions are usually complemented by an app.
Fast Charging Stations: Ideal for longer trips, as they can charge your car in a short amount of time. Payment works similarly to public charging stations.
What cables do you need?
- Type 2 Cable: The standard for charging in Europe, fits most charging stations. Always carry this cable in your trunk. Manufacturers usually provide this cable with new vehicles.
- CHAdeMO and CCS: For fast charging stations. These are fixed to the stations since they are thick and heavy, so you don’t need to carry these cables in your car.
How do I charge at home?
Schuko Plug: Simple charging via a regular household socket (Schuko). This is the easiest but slowest method. A full charge can take 24-48 hours. This method is more suitable for emergencies or occasional charging. Older buildings may not have wiring and outlets capable of continuous charging, which can cause overheating.
Wall Box: A wall box is the recommended solution for regular home charging. It offers higher charging power (usually 11-22 kW) and can fully charge your vehicle in 6-8 hours. A wall box requires installation by a professional who ensures your home setup meets necessary safety standards.
Costs for a Wall Box
- Purchase Costs: Prices for a wall box start at around 300 euros and can go up to 2,500 euros depending on the model and features. Check if a simple wall box is sufficient or if you need one with smart control for integration into a home automation system, for example, to coordinate with a photovoltaic system.
- Installation: Installation costs vary depending on the effort and local conditions, typically between 500 and 1,500 euros.
How does the installation of a wall box work?
- Select the Wall Box: Choose a wall box that meets your needs. Look for features like charging power, integrated circuit breaker, and possibly app connectivity.
- Hire an Electrician: Have the wall box installed by a certified electrician. They will check the home installation and ensure all requirements are met.
- Use Subsidies: Check for possible government subsidies for the installation of a wall box. Many countries offer grants that can cover part of the costs.
How long does it take to charge?
Charging time depends on the power source and battery capacity:
- At Home (Wall Box): 6-12 hours for a full charge.
- Public AC Charging Station: 2-5 hours for a partial charge.
- Fast Charging Station (DC): 30-60 minutes for an 80% charge.
How far can I go on a charge?
The range of an electric car depends on several factors:
Battery Capacity: Larger batteries offer more range. Capacities range from 25 kW to over 100 kW, with larger batteries significantly affecting the vehicle’s price.
Vehicle Efficiency: Depending on motor efficiency, aerodynamics, and weight, EVs consume 12-25 kWh per 100 km.
Driving Conditions: City driving consumes less energy than highway driving.
Weather: Cold weather, rain, and headwinds can reduce range.
On average, modern electric cars offer a range of 200-600 km per charge. With fast chargers available on highways, long-distance trips are no problem. Route planning, including charging plans, is very easy with TRONITY.
How long does a battery last?
Battery life is measured in charge cycles. One charge cycle equals a full charge from 0% to 100%. Modern lithium-ion batteries in electric cars typically last between 1,000 and 2,000 charge cycles, corresponding to about 200,000 to 400,000 km, depending on usage and driving conditions.
Battery Degeneration
Over time and with use, the battery loses capacity. This so-called degeneration is typically about 1-2% per year. This means the battery will still have about 90-95% of its original capacity after five years.
What should I consider when buying an electric car?
- Battery Capacity and Range: Ensure the range meets your daily driving needs.
- Charging Options: Check the availability of charging stations in your area and along your typical routes. Can you possibly charge at work?
- Costs: Electric cars are often more expensive to buy but offer lower operating costs and tax benefits.
- Subsidies: Research government subsidies and grants for purchasing electric cars.
Costs of an Electric Car Compared to a Combustion Engine
Purchase Costs
Electric cars are generally more expensive to purchase than combustion engine cars due to the cost of the batteries. However, prices are steadily falling.
Operating Costs:
Electricity vs. Fuel: Electricity costs are generally lower than gasoline or diesel. Charging at home costs about 10-35 cents per kWh, which is cheaper than fuel costs. With a consumtion of 20 kWh on 100 Km the costs for the energy would be around 4 EUR for 100 Km with a price of 20 cents per kWh.
Maintenance: Electric cars have fewer moving parts than combustion engines, leading to lower maintenance costs. There are no oil changes, less brake wear due to regenerative braking, and no exhaust system issues.
Taxes and Insurance: Many countries offer tax incentives for electric cars, and insurance can be cheaper.
While EVs may have higher upfront costs, their overall operating costs are significantly lower due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Studies show that EVs are cheaper to own over their lifetime than combustion engine cars.
Support from TRONITY
How does TRONITY help you stay on top of things and make the transition to electric mobility as easy as possible?
TRONITY offers a comprehensive app specifically designed to make life easier for EV owners:
- Cost Control: Track your charging and operating costs in real-time.
- Battery Health: Monitor your battery’s health to maximize its lifespan.
- Charging History: Get detailed insights into your charging habits and tips for optimization.
- Logbook: Automatic recording of your trips for better overview and easier accounting.
With TRONITY, you always have all the important information at hand and can confidently and efficiently take your first steps into electric mobility.
Selection of Electric Vehicles by Primary Use
Here is a list of electric vehicles and specific models with information:
on their primary use | WLTP consumption (kWh/100 km) | battery size (kWh) | and purchase price (EUR)
• BMW i3 | City | 16.5 | 42 | No longer available as a new car
• Renault Zoe | City | 17.2 | 52 | from 30,000
• Smart EQ ForTwo | City | 17.6 | 18 | No longer available as a new car
• Volkswagen e-Up! | City | 14.0 | 32 | No longer available as a new car
• Peugeot e-208/Corsa e | City | 15.3 | 50 | from 31,000
• BMW iX1 | City/Long Distance | 18.7 | 66 | from 55,000
• Fiat 500e | City | 14.9 | 42 | from 24,000
• Volkswagen ID.3 | City/Long Distance | 15.4 | 58 | from 35,000
• Tesla Model S | Long Distance | 18.0 | 100 | from 90,000
• Audi e-tron Q8 | Long Distance | 22.5 | 95 | from 70,000
• Hyundai Kona Electric | Long Distance | 14.7 | 64 | from 38,000
• Kia e-Niro | Long Distance | 15.9 | 64 | from 37,000
• Mercedes-Benz EQE | Long Distance | 16.2 | 90 | from 70,000
• Polestar 2 | Long Distance | 19.4 | 78 | from 54,000
• Nissan Leaf e+ | Long Distance | 18.5 | 62 | from 36,000
• Jaguar I-Pace | Long Distance | 21.2 | 90 | from 77,000
• Ford Mustang Mach-E | Long Distance | 16.5 | 98 | from 47,000
• Volkswagen ID.7 | Long Distance | 16.6 | 77 | from 50,000
• Skoda Enyaq | Long Distance | 16.5 | 77 | from 40,000
