Facts About Electric Cars

Take a drive on any Fort Collins or Denver road, and you will almost certainly see many different types of electric vehicles. In recent years, EVs have skyrocketed in popularity, with increasing numbers of drivers embracing the benefits of electric vehicles and more and more automakers meeting this new demand. Despite this, there is still not a lot of generally known information about EVs, largely because the technology is newer and new to most drivers of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. In this guide, our team at MINI of Loveland seeks to correct that! Here are some fun facts about electric cars.

The First EV is Older Than You Think

In 1884, a man named Thomas Park oversaw the electrification of London’s overhead tramway system. Park claims to have created and constructed an EV, powered by two high-capacity, rechargeable batteries, that he hoped would replace less efficient gasoline vehicles.

Electric Vehicles Come in Many Forms

As you shop for a new EV, it can be easy to assume that this technology is limited to standard car and SUV bodies. But EVs come in a wide variety of forms, from cars and SUVs to trucks and buses. In fact, many delivery companies and other businesses that use fleet vehicles are turning to EV options for the financial savings, tax incentives, and environmental benefits.

Charge Your EV Virtually Anywhere

If you considered an EV for your next ride, you may be wondering if there are enough charging stations in your area to keep your vehicle running. The good news is that EV chargers are becoming increasingly common, and you can find them at grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and parking garages, among many other places in the Boulder area. And you can keep your EV charged at home with a standard charger or, for faster charging times, a professionally-installed one.

There are Different Types of EVs

Electric vehicles are not all the same. There are five main types of EVs, and we break down each of them in these facts about electric cars:

• Battery-Operated Electric Vehicles: Powered by electric motors and batteries, these EVs have a general range of 100 to 200 miles per charge.
• Plug-In Hybrids: PHEVs run on a combination of rechargeable batteries, electric motors, and internal combustion engines. They get around 30 to 40 miles per charge.
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles:Electric batteries and internal combustion engines work together to power a hybrid. The batteries are recharged via regenerative braking rather than from an external power source.
• Extended-Range Electric Vehicles:These EVs rely on rechargeable batteries and internal combustion engines. Depending on the drivetrain, the batteries are either recharged by the engine or from an external source.
• Neighborhood Electric Vehicles: Running on batteries recharged from a 120-volt power source, these vehicles reach a top speed of 30 miles per hour.

Find Your Next EV at MINI of Loveland

As you can see from these facts about electric cars, EVs are a fascinating technology with a long history. Start shopping for your next electric vehicle by checking out our selection at MINI of Loveland and stopping in for a test drive around Loveland. Not sure if an electric MINI is for you? Contact us for more information or continue your research.