There are many different varieties of electric vehicles (EVs). Some are all-electric, known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and some are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Even conventional hybrids are considered electrified vehicles. Looking specifically at BEVs, there are three types of all-electric cars: local, regional, and adventure.
Each of these different types of all-electric cars have their pros and cons. Additionally, some individuals may only need a local or regional BEV while others require the comprehensive long range BEV.
This article will describe the differences between the three types of all-electric cars and provide insight on which ones may be right for you.
Local All-Electric Car
A local all-electric car has a range of around 100 miles and costs around $20,000 after the federal EV tax credit. Charging at a DC Fast Charging station takes around 30 minutes. Popular models include the Nissan Leaf or Fiat 500e.
When the modern EV began in 2011, these types of all-electric cars were the only ones available save for the Tesla Roadster. Over time, battery pack costs decreased paving the way for longer range EVs for around the same cost.
Nevertheless, the local BEV is great for those who only need the car for in-town trips or typical commutes. Since the average American commute is around 40 miles per day, this fairly cheap electric car can easily accomplish local trips with some range to spare.
Due to the limited range, any trips beyond 100 miles just isn’t very practical since both range and charging take an inconvenient amount of time. If you are specifically looking for a secondary-only vehicle, then a local BEV is the most cost effective solution for you.
Regional All-Electric Car
The regional all-electric car has a range of around 250 miles and costs around $30,000 to $40,000 after the federal EV tax credit. Charging at a DC Fast Charging station takes around 30-45 minutes. Popular models include the Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf Plus, Hyundai Kona EV, and Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus).
The medium-range EVs began in 2016 with the release of the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3. Both of these BEVs can travel over 200 miles and have faster charging than the previous generation.
This type of all-electric car can not only cover in-town and commutes, but also (as the name suggests) regional trips. Again, with a range of around 250 miles and decent fast charging speeds, these types of BEVs can travel hundreds of miles without trouble.
Plus, with a net cost of around $30,000, the regional BEV is a great choice for those looking for an electric vehicle that can handle 95% of their vehicular trips.
Adventure All-Electric Car
The adventure all-electric car has a range of around 350 to 400+ miles and costs around $50,000 to $80,000 after the federal EV tax credit. Charging at a DC Fast Charging station takes around 20-30 minutes. Currently, only Tesla vehicles fit this type of all-electric car: Tesla Model 3 (Long Range), Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model S, and Tesla Model X. However, beginning in 2021 new BEVs will join the mix such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, VW ID.4, Rivian R1T, Rivian R1S, and more.
The adventure all-electric car can do it all. From short grocery store trips to cross country road trips, the adventure BEV has the range to do it. Plus, with extremely quick DC Fast Charging speeds, these BEVs can recharge in the amount of time to take a restroom break or a bite to eat after traveling a few hundred miles. This makes the adventure all-electric car the ultimate road trip warrior and comparable to a normal gas car, also known as an Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICEV).
For those looking for an electric car with no compromises, look to this type of BEV. The adventure all-electric car, while a bit costly to some, is the vehicle completely able to replace any ICEV you currently have.
Closing Thoughts
All-electric cars are still fairly new technology. In just a decade, the typical BEV went from 100 miles of range to over 300 miles! That is some serious improvements to the battery pack. Furthermore, DC Fast Charging has also increased with speeds around 50 kW in 2012 to now over 250 kW in 2020. Again, the EV technology is rapidly improving as more and more people make the switch to electric.
Of course, while all of these technological improvements are great, some individuals may not need all the extra range and fast charging. For those who only need an affordable commuter/secondary vehicle, the local or regional BEV is your best bet. Since the vast majority of vehicular trips are less than 200 miles, there are only a handful of times when you need more than 200 or 300 miles of range. Even when you do, the regional BEV with around 250 miles can handle those trips with a few planned charging stops. Nevertheless, the ultimate adventure BEV tackles road trips with ease for those with a bigger wallet.
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Hi there! I’m the founder and project manager at Charged Future: the EV charging consultancy. Charged Future helps businesses achieve their EV charging goals. Specifically, I serve as the project manager for your EV charging project, which can save you both time and money! Additionally, I can search and apply to all eligible rebate applications, which can typically cover a large portion of the project cost.
