Facts About Electric Cars

Welcome to the electric future. After touting electric cars and EVs for over a decade, automakers are rolling out electric-powered cars and vehicles more and more, giving drivers in Round Lake and Grayslake more options for affordable EVs. 

Are you interested in upgrading to a ride that enhances your commute and is also great for the environment? We’re here to discuss facts about electric cars and EVs, and why you should consider them over gas-powered vehicles.

After reading our brief guide, look over our inventory of new EVs, including the Chevy Bolt sedan and Chevy Bolt EUV to find the one that’s best for your lifestyle. 

The First EV Was Built in 1884

London innovator Thomas Park was in charge of the city’s overhead tramways electrification to make transport throughout the city easier. He designed and built the electric vehicle to reduce low-efficient and environmentally friendly cars with his EC because they were fueled by high-capacity rechargeable batteries. Of course, the design of EVs has changed a lot in the past century and a half!

EVs Include Cars, Transit Buses, Trucks, & More!

Electric vehicles aren’t just for sedan and SUV enthusiasts. You can spot electric buses cruising in big cities, FedEx delivery vehicles, and heavy-duty zero-emissions trucks throughout the Waukegan area. Trucks offer excellent economic savings as they’re cheaper to fuel and operate compared to diesel trucks. Another great EV is for light rail transport. If you ever see power lines directly above railroad tracks, electric-powered engines use special braces to contact those wires for zero-emissions passenger trains that cruise between and within metropolitan areas.

Charge Your Electric Vehicle at Home, Work, or the Store

Many shoppers worry about buying plug-in hybrids or EVs because they don’t think there are enough charging stations. Not only are there more charging stations popping up in your area, but you can turn your garage into an at-home charging station. Auto dealers will typically give you options to install an upgrade to your garage that allows for faster charging of your electric vehicle overnight. 

Having an EV doesn’t limit you to just charging your vehicle at home. You can charge your vehicle at work, your grocery store, the mall, or any other major establishment that has a charging station. There are more than 40,000 public charging stations in the United States alone!

There Are Five Categories of Electric Vehicles

Most people know battery EVs, plugin-in, and hybrid vehicles. Did you know there are five categories of electric vehicles on Zion streets?

1. Battery EVs run entirely on electric motors and batteries. They are recharged from a power grid. They typically get between 100 and 300 miles on a full charge.
2. Plug-In Hybrids use rechargeable batteries, electric motors, and internal combustion engines. Their mileage range on the electric mode is 30-40 miles per charge, which is great for city driving when going back and forth to work every day.
3. Hybrid EVs that use small electric batteries and internal combustion engines working in concert with each other. Their batteries are recharged by the internal combustion engine turning a generator and/or through regenerative braking.
4. Extended-Range EVs use rechargeable batteries and internal combustion engines. Their batteries are charged by engines or power grids.
5. Neighborhood EVs use batteries recharged from a 120-volt grid. They can reach a maximum speed of 30 mph, and they’re great for in-town driving.

Test Drive Electric Vehicles With City Chevrolet Of Grayslake!

Want to know what it’s like to drive an EV? Contact us or call (847) 752-6223 to schedule a test drive. We have a selection of electric vehicles in stock right now. If you want a pickup truck, get ready for a Chevy Silverado EV!

Feel free to peruse our current specials and apply for financing to start the car-buying process. We’re ready to help in any way we can!