A Vehicle for Change

At Drive Electric MN we want to make getting into an electric vehicle as easy as possible. That starts with understanding the conversation around electric vehicles. If you decide an EV might be for you, take a look at our buying guide, then learn about some of the charging options for workplaces and employers, including fleet operators.

 

Types of Electric Vehicles:

 

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Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

BEVs use a battery to store the electric energy that powers the motor. EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source. Examples of BEVs include the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt, Tesla Model 3, etc…

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

PHEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine that can run on conventional or alternative fuel and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The vehicle can be plugged into an electric power source to charge the battery. Examples of PHEVs include the Mitsubishi Outlander, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, and Chevy Volt.

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Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

HEVs are primarily powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on conventional or alternative fuel and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. These vehicles do not get plugged into an electric power source for charging and are not a focus of Drive Electric MN. A common example of an HEV is the Toyota Prius.

What are the Benefits?

Plug-in electric vehicles can help increase energy security, improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions.

Costs:

Many people suffer sticker shock when researching electric vehicles, it’s important to remember, though, that most people will qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on the size of the vehicle’s battery. EVs also require much less maintenance than a gas powered car, some estimate as little as half, further reducing operating costs. Not to mention that with a fully electric vehicle, you’ll never have to swipe your card at the pump again.

To see how much owning an EV can do for your wallet and the world try a vehicle cost calculator.

Environment:

Owning an EV is just as easy on the environment as it is on the wallet. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions when in all-electric mode.

The life-cycle emissions of an EV depends on where the electricity used to charge it comes from. In Minnesota an EV produces just over half the amount of Greenhouse Gas Emmisions (GHG’s) that a gas powered vehicle produces. If the EV owner charges from the Xcel grid it is less than 40%, and if the owner takes part on a program like Windsource or Revolt, an EV produces less than 5% of the emissions of a gas powered vehicle. Learn more about how electric vehicles provide large GHG reductions in Minnesota.

Energy Independence:

In 2013, the United States imported about 33% of the petroleum it consumed, and transportation was responsible for nearly three-quarters of total U.S. petroleum consumption. With much of the world’s petroleum reserves located in politically volatile countries, the United States is vulnerable to price spikes and supply disruptions. Using hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles instead of conventional vehicles can help reduce U.S. reliance on imported petroleum and increase energy security by using domestically produced electricity.

Plug-In Electric Vehicles have significant greenhouse gas emissions benefits over gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles. According to analysis done by our parent organization, the Great Plains Institute, electric vehicles offer drivers significantly lower operating costs. Because the vehicle draws its power from your electrical grid, which is a blend of renewables, nuclear, natural gas, and coal, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of EV’s are also significantly less than that of a gasoline- or diesel-powered car.