Electric Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL EV QUESTIONS

What maintenance is required for an EV?

Hardly any compared to an ICE vehicle!

Maintenance unique to EV's is limited to watering and cleaning flooded lead acid batteries (if so equipped), and replacing the brushes on brush type motors. This replacement usually takes place every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

In addition to these services, EVs will also require brake servicing as in a conventional autombile.

How much does it cost to drive an EV?

Operating costs are where EV's really shine. Costs posted on the EV list by owners who have explored this question have ranged from {answer}.04 per mile to {answer}.10 per mile. Obviously a light aerodynamic vehicle will use less energy per mile (and cost less) than a heavy pickup truck. That is where most of the variation comes in. These are "wire-to-road" numbers. That is, they include everything from the time the power comes out of the plug in the garage to the time it actually moves the vehicle.

The break even point with a gas powered vehicle is usually calculated to be between .50 and .00 per gallon. Most of the country is currently well past this price point.

What can I do to maximize my range?

As far as vehicle design goes, lighter and more aerodynamic is better. The items that contribute the most drag to cars are the wheel wells, the underbelly, the rear view mirrors, and the front and rear shape. Fairings or covers can help. Good detail design and use of lightweight materials can help to reduce weight, although the difference that can be obtained is usually small. It is usually easier to simply choose a light car with high gross vehicle weight ratings.

As far as driving habits, the procedure is to drive as though there were an egg between your foot and the accelerator pedal. Make small corrections only, driving gently. Maximize your coasting where you can, instead of braking and then accelerating again. Finally, travelling more slowly will buy you range due to the batteries typically having more capacity when used at the lower currents that lower speeds require (see the entries on 'Peukert effects' for a detailed explanation). Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of your velocity, so slowing down just a little can have a large effect.

I'm buying a used EV, what do I need to know to use it?

First, ascertain the basic condition of the car, concentrating on the structural condition (you don't want any rust), the steering gear, the brakes, transmission, clutch (if equipped), etc. Then move on to the EV components.

Verify the operation of the main contactor, service disconnect, and charger interlock relay. If any of these items need repair, fix it before driving. These are safety critical items.

The batteries are what usually require the most attention when you buy a used EV. In fact, most used EV's are sold with the caveat that they "need new batteries." For flooded batteries, check to see if any of the cells have exposed plates. If so, add distilled water till it just covers the plates. Charge the batteries and then check the water level again. Water level tends to increase after charging. Add distilled water to 1/8" to 1/4" below the bottoms of the filler necks. If the batteries have sat for more than a week at a time, then an equalizing charge will probably be a good idea after this final topping off of water. (flooded lead-acid batteries ONLY. See tips for care of other battery types elsewhere in this FAQ). If the batteries have been stored, they will be low on capacity. To remedy this, drive the vehicle a short distance (about 1 mile) and recharge. Then repeat the process, but going 2 miles. Gradually extend your distance until you reach your expected range. Batteries perform best when regularly exercised.

Check the tire pressure to ensure that the rolling resistance is minimized. Check the alignment to ensure that it is at zero toe-in angle for further reduction in rolling resistance. Check the batteries for cleanliness, and look for acid leaks and the damage they can cause. Neutralize any spilled acid with baking soda. Remove any corrosion. Check that the battery cables are properly tightened and coated with vaseline or one of the corrosion preventive compounds that are available.

After you have the car operating fairly well, you can check for improperly tightened connections by driving in a high amp draw condition (hills, a higher gear than you would normally use, or heavy footed driving, within the limits of your batteries, of course) for a short distance, then checking for hot connections. If any are quite a bit hotter than the others, then they need to be adjusted.

These steps will ensure your EV is in good driving condition. As to driving one, it is basically the same as driving a regular car, except that you don't have to hold the clutch in at stop lights, and you can start from a stop without using the clutch.

Experiment with your EV instrumentation to determine the best route and driving style to suit your needs. Plan your route in an ICE car before you get your EV. This is a good idea, as you can locate potential "emergency charging points", and try alternate routes, as well as learning where the big hills are. When you drive the route in your EV, find a combination of speed and driving style that minimizes your amp draw, and thus your energy usage.

For tips on driving to maximize your range, see that section elsewhere in this FAQ.
Battery care is a large topic in itself. It also has it's own section in this FAQ.

Can I tow an EV a long distance?

There's no reason you can't tow an EV. Pull the electrical service disconnect as a precaution, and make sure the motor is mechanically disconnected from the drivetrain (i.e. transmission in neutral). Secure all loose items, and in general, take the same precautions you would for any other car under tow.