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EV 101 Series: Learn about electric cars

Sit back and let our EV 101 videos walk you through everything you need to know before buying an electric vehicle. We’ll answer common questions about what it means to own an electric car and what to focus on while shopping.
Shopping for an EV? Here’s What You Need to Know

5:42

Shopping for an EV? Here’s What You Need to Know

Many EV shoppers aren’t sure where to start when considering an EV. Our experts share the various considerations when shopping for an EV, such as charging at home, thinking through range needs and how EVs drive compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.

How Much Range Do I Need?

3:58

How Much Range Do I Need?

For many EV shoppers, range anxiety is real. Becoming an informed EV shopper can relieve some or all of those concerns. We’ll dive deep into how much range you really need and factors that can impact an EV’s estimated range.

How to Preserve Your EV’s Battery Capacity and Range

3:34

How to Preserve Your EV’s Battery Capacity and Range

EV shoppers have concerns about electric car batteries, but those concerns likely are focused on the wrong thing. We’ll explain how to best preserve your EV’s battery capacity and range.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

4:48

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

The answer can vary from minutes to days, so we’ll arm you with the info you need to better understand the factors that affect how long it takes an EV to charge, including battery size and condition, as well as charging capability of the EV and charging equipment.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home?

3:45

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home?

Our experts will walk you through the many factors that determine how much it will cost to charge an EV at home.
Public EV Charging Stations: How Much They Cost and How to Find Them

4:19

Public EV Charging Stations: How Much They Cost and How to Find Them

We’ll guide you through the variety of ways to locate public charging stations, what to expect when you’re at a station, and how much time and money it could take to charge an EV on the go.

Electric cars FAQ: What they are and how they work

What are electric cars?

Electric cars — or electric vehicles to be more inclusive — are fully electric and rely on batteries for their power. They are different from plug-in hybrids, which have some electric-only range and can operate like gas-electric hybrids when the charge is depleted. Automakers often speak of “electrifying” their lineups, but that can include anything from hybrids to full EVs. On Cars.com, “EV” means completely electric.

Are electric cars more efficient than gas-powered cars?

Technically, electric motors are more efficient than gasoline or diesel engines and can provide cheaper operation per mile — but it depends on the cost of electricity and gasoline (or diesel) where you live, and EVs tend to cost more up front. EVs are popular with eco-friendly car buyers because they can be powered with renewable energy, and even when charged with power from nonrenewable sources, they release less carbon per mile compared with similar vehicles.

Can I use public chargers to charge my electric car?

Yes, but public charging should be viewed as an occasional convenience or a way to go farther from home. That’s because it’s often more expensive to charge at these stations, and it’s not uncommon to encounter broken or poorly maintained chargers. However, they are becoming more widespread, and most automakers are adopting the North American Charging Standard plug to open up more options for fast-charging EVs, most notably through the Tesla Supercharger network.

How do cold temperatures affect electric cars?

Cold is the Achilles’ heel of EV batteries regardless of make or model. Range can plummet as the battery pack cools, and heating the interior further reduces range. According to a study by AAA, EVs can lose more than 40% of their range at 20 degrees compared with 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating the cabin while the car is still plugged in can lessen the pain, but the effects of cold must be factored in when determining how much range you need before purchasing.

Which EVs are eligible for the federal tax credit?

Some buyers of new EVs and PHEVs could qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 or up to $4,000 for used buyers, but credit availability ends Sept. 30, 2025. The credit can be transferred to your dealership when you purchase your car, so you can take it as a discount off the car’s purchase price or receive it as a lump sum. Vehicles must be assembled in North America and meet certain other sourcing and manufacturing requirements to qualify.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Charging an EV could take anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 hours or more due to numerous variables, such as the EV’s charging capabilities, its battery capacity, the charging equipment’s capabilities and ambient temperature. For example, fully charging an EV on a Level 2 home charger can take as little as four hours up to as many as 15. DC fast chargers found in public lots are your quickest option; most new EVs can charge from 20% to 80% in under an hour.

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