Electric Cars 101

The Basics of Owning an Electric Vehicle 

So you've probably heard us and everyone else talking about electric cars.  However, as if with most new technologies, there are plenty of questions surrounding it.  

In fact a recent study showed that consumers still have many concerns and questions about the particulars of owning an electric car, mostly the charging process.  Today, we're here to answer those questions.  

First off is the electricity behind it all.  It takes at least a 12-amp circuit to charge an electric vehicle in a timely manner. 

Depending on which car you buy and the age of your home, the cost of getting the garage prepared for charging an electric car can range from nothing to a few thousand dollars. Since older homes weren’t constructed with electric cars in mind, and many older homes can’t supply enough power to charge them, you may have to rewire the garage. 

The Nissan Leaf charges in roughly eight hours on a 240-volt circuit, and about 16 hours to charge on a 120-volt circuit. The Chevrolet Volt can be charged in about 5 hours on a 240-volt circuit, and in about 10 hours on a 120-volt circuit.

GM says recharging the Volt won’t add more than about an additional $1.50 per day to your electric bill, based on the national average electricity cost of 11 cents per kilowatt hour. AeroVironment, the company that manufactures Nissan charging stations, recommends installing a special 240-volt station in your garage.

So sure, there are some measures to take but the money you'd save on gas is clearly a consideration. Still plenty to debate, feel free to ask us any questions! 

Plus don't forget the Chevy Volt is currently at West Herr Chevy of OP, your Buffalo chevy dealer!