Everything You Need to Know About Battery Electric Vehicles (EV / BEV)

Everything You Need to Know

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are fully electric vehicles with high-capacity rechargeable batteries and no gasoline engine. Also known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), they are charged by plugging into an external electricity source, and by regenerative braking. EVs do not emit any harmful emissions caused by traditional gasoline-powered engines making them Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV).

Range on a newer model EV can be anywhere from 300 kms to 500+ kms.

Typically, an EV is charged as needed, regularly but not constantly. The onboard computer will countdown the battery life, like a gas gauge in a traditional car. When the gauge is below 20-30%, instead of heading to the gas station, you head to an EV charging station.

Most people who own an EV will install a Level 2 EV charging station at their residence for convenience. While not strictly necessary, without one, charging will be inconvenient. Have easy access to a level 2 charger will certainly makes owning an EV more practical.

With a common Level 2 charger, you can charge your EV in about 7 hours. With a household plug (Level 1 charger), this will take upwards of 36 hours, or more. In contrast, a Level 3 charger will take care of your battery in about an hour and a half. On the all-new Kia EV6, which has the latest 800v DC fast charging technology, you can add 338 kms of range in under 18 minutes with a 350-kW charger.

Let’s break it down:

PRO

  • You will save about $2300-$2700 in gas costs per year depending on your model chosen, based on 2019 gas prices. 2022 brought a sharp increase in gas prices, so you’ll likely save a whole lot more now that gas prices are over $2/litre.
  • No gas
  • Superb environmental footprint

CON

  • EVs are currently mostly only available in 5-passenger configurations. Technology is changing daily, and all manufacturers, including Kia, have plans for larger EV coming soon.
  • There is no back up gas engine – your range is limited to what your battery can store
  • Installing a home charging station is recommended, which can cost around $750 including installation.
  • While towing is becoming more available in an EV (hello, Kia EV6), it’s typically not the norm in all EVs yet.

REBATE ELIGIBLE

Most EVs are eligible for up to $8,000 in rebates if you live in British Columbia.

LONGER RANGE

Modern battery electric vehicles come equipped with range anywhere from 300 to 500 kms or more.

GREEN VEHICLES

An EV is definitely a green ride, and will shrink your environmental footprint considerably.

SAVE ON GAS

Give the gas station a wave goodbye, and save anywhere from $2000 to $4000 on gas annually.

Who should buy an EV?

EVs are the ideal choice for someone wishing to significantly lower their environmental footprint. With a range upwards of 500 km, and more fast charging stations coming online every day, they are swiftly becoming a great all-around vehicle that can meet the needs of most drivers.

TIP: Most EVs are eligible for up to $8,000 in rebates and can save the average driver thousands of dollars per year in fuel costs. EVs have an all-electric range anywhere from 150 km up to 500+ km.

Check out the info you need on Hybrids (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrids (PHEV).

Have questions? We're here to help! Give us a call at 250-360-1111 or email us at sales@kiavictoria.ca and get all your questions answered, pressure-free!