By Sarah Lozanova, Clean Energy WriterBy 2030, it’s projected that there will be more than 26 million electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S, according to the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). However, many potential EV drivers have range anxiety and are concerned about being limited by the range of an electric vehicle. EV range continues to improve across the board as technology advances, but range anxiety and the lack of robust charging infrastructure to date still concerns many drivers. For this reason, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are a popular alternative because they offer some of the same advantages as electric vehicles without the same range issues. Because this is a major automotive industry trend, it is essential for solar and EV infrastructure installers to know what is going on in the EV market to help educate potential customers. By Sarah Lozanova, Energy CopywriterThe sale of battery-powered vehicles has surged across the United States, China, and Europe, while sales of conventional vehicles have stagnated. In 2021, electric car sales represented nearly 9% of global car sales, more than tripling their market share over two years. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will invest $370 billion to cut carbon emissions and promote clean energy use, and this law has a major impact on EV tax credits. That means eligible EV shoppers may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits plus potential state incentives. However, the tax credits are a bit complicated and change over time. So, let’s demystify how electric vehicle tax credits work, so you can take advantage of them and make an informed decision when you purchase an EV. The following is not tax advice; please consult with a tax expert to learn if you can benefit from an electric vehicle tax credit. By Sarah Lozanova, Clean Energy WriterInvented in 1976, lithium-ion batteries are one of the most popular battery types currently in use. They are widely used in electronics, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and power grid storage systems across the globe. Lithium batteries have many appealing qualities, including their high energy density, ability to charge quickly, light weight, and long lifespan. When hybrid electric vehicles and EVs first hit the market, there was a lot of concern about the lifespan of their lithium-ion batteries. Would EV drivers need to replace this expensive component in just a few years? Considering EV batteries can cost $10,000 or more to replace, it is a valid concern. How Long Do EV Batteries Last? Whereas the lead acid car batteries generally found in traditional cars commonly last three to five years, EV batteries have a much longer lifespan. They typically last 10 to 20 years, and most EVs have long battery warranties. Many automakers offer an 8- to 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty for EV batteries. Yet, EV batteries don’t usually just give out one day and stop holding a charge. Rather, they gradually lose their ability to store energy, which slowly reduces the driving range of the vehicle, and most EVs lose about a 1% to 2% range each year due to the battery. That means your car will slowly drive fewer miles on each charge. By Sarah Lozanova, Freelance CopywriterAlthough there is extensive infrastructure for refueling vehicles with internal combustion engines, it’s highly likely that many of these gas stations will close in the next decade while electric vehicles (EVs) become more widespread. The range of many EV models has expanded in recent years, more and more car shoppers are going electric, and federal EV tax credits for some models make EV ownership more affordable. As EVs grow in popularity, charging networks are also scaling up, creating opportunities for clean energy professionals. A Brief Overview Of EVs And Charging Infrastructure Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) do not have internal combustion engines and are powered exclusively by the battery. So when it is fully discharged, the car won’t drive. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in the battery. In addition, they feature regenerative braking, which helps charge the battery. The gas engine commonly turns off when it isn’t needed. As a result, HEVs usually have better fuel economy than cars with only an internal combustion engine. By Sarah Lozanova, Freelance CopywriterAs electric vehicle (EV) ownership increases and becomes more mainstream, some car shoppers still have their doubts about switching away from vehicles with an internal combustion engine. Although the price of EVs has dropped, the EV tax credits continue, and the range has increased, many consumers are hesitant to own one. Car shoppers have a variety of concerns about taking the plunge, with many centered around relying on batteries and EV infrastructure. Three main worries are the lack of public EV charging options, a short driving range, and the need to potentially replace the EV battery. Also, people who live in multifamily buildings or lack a dedicated parking spot may have issues charging at home. In addition, lack of knowledge about EVs continues to be a hurdle to widespread adoption. In particular, consumers need more information about EV batteries and specifically how long they last. Battery technology has rapidly advanced in the last decade, and many car shoppers hold onto outdated or inaccurate information on the topic. Therefore, it is critical for EV professionals to educate consumers and help dispel myths. How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Typically Last? While lead-acid car batteries last about 3 – 5 years, EV battery lifespan is much longer. Typically, today’s EV batteries last 10 – 20 years. Many car manufacturers offer an 8 – 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty on EV batteries, which can help ease consumer concerns about battery longevity. By Sarah Lozanova, Clean Energy CopywriterFires in electric vehicles (EVs) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) have gained significant media attention in recent years. In a high-profile move, GM recalled Bolt batteries in 2020 and 2021, costing the company $1.9 billion. Battery defects were contributing to thermal runaway, but GM was not alone. Hyundai and Ford also recalled batteries for causing fires, costing the companies hundreds of millions of dollars each. Likewise, there is a risk of building fires from residential, commercial, and utility-scale energy storage batteries. For example, due to fire hazard concerns, LG Energy Solutions recalled roughly 10,000 RESU 10H storage batteries in 2021. In addition, in 2019, an ESS caused an explosion at an Arizona Public Service (ASP) site, injuring several firefighters. Although manufacturer defects have contributed to this issue, clean energy technicians need to create a thermal management strategy to prevent the risk of thermal runaway and the associated fire danger. By Sarah Lozanova, Clean Energy WriterIn 2022, more EVs are available than ever before, including the Rivian R1T, the first all-electric pickup, and the Lucid Air, winner of the 2022 Motor Trend Car of the Year award. As EV sales increase, ownership is becoming more mainstream and widespread. Now, EV shoppers have many options, from simple sedans to luxury cars and powerful SUVs. If you're going to have a business installing EV Charging Stations, you should know about EVs. For instance, how far can one go? Many solar installers are also installing EV chargers as a way to upsell customers and provide a value add service. Many potential EV drivers are concerned about recharging their EV batteries on the go because it is harder to charge a car than fill up with gas. Although range anxiety may not be a direct concern of your customers, let’s explore this critical topic so you can help educate the masses. By Sarah Lozanova, Clean Energy Writer If you don’t already own an electric vehicle (EV), you might soon. Most automakers are ramping up the development and production of electrified models, including SUVs and pick-up trucks. EV ownership is predicted to skyrocket in the next few years. Because these vehicles need to charge, it is important to figure out the best approach. When considering an EV purchase, it is wise to consider how you will charge it. The length of time it takes to charge depends on the battery capacity and the speed of the charger. It takes longer to charge a car with a larger or more discharged battery — or from a slower charging device. The way that many EV owners charge their vehicles is similar to how they charged their cell phones before quick chargers became widespread. They give the EV a full charge overnight and top it off as needed throughout the day. Ideally, owners can charge their electric vehicle at home in a garage or driveway. This is typically the most convenient, especially when using slower units. Let’s explore the different types of chargers available. Level 1 Chargers These devices work from a standard 120-volt wall outlet and all EVs come with a standard home connector kit. However, Level 1 chargers require more time to charge the vehicle than higher-volt alternatives. Many EV drivers use this option if they are not in a hurry to charge because it doesn’t require an investment in additional equipment or electrical upgrades. It can also be convenient on the road because it requires no more than a standard electrical outlet. Level 2 Chargers For faster home charging than the standard wall units, some EV owners upgrade to Level 2 chargers. These units run off of 240-volt currents, allowing the vehicle to charge in several hours. From an electrical perspective, the chargers require the same voltage as many electric ranges, dryers, and water heaters. Read More... Image Credit: Ivan Radic |