Electric Vehicle Charging Locations

Electric Vehicle FAQs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming incredibly popular, which raises many questions for interested drivers. EVs are designed differently and use different terms than traditional powertrains, which can make it confusing for anyone still deciding if they should switch. With new technology that requires less upkeep and provides an incredible performance, we're excited to show you what everything means to instill confidence in your decision.

Each new term might initially sound confusing, but our team is happy to help you parse through them.

Comparing EV and Gas-Powered Terms

Horsepower vs Kilowatts

Horsepower is a concept many Charlotte drivers are familiar with, but EVs rate their power in kilowatts. Most manufacturers list the horsepower equivalent alongside the kilowatt rating. If the equivalent isn't given, all you need to know is that a kilowatt is a third more powerful than one horsepower. If an EV has a 100-kilowatt motor, then it provides roughly 134 horsepower.

Kilowatt-hours

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) are the rating of power over time from your EV's battery. This measurement helps you see how much it costs to charge your vehicle. Considering the cost of charging your vehicle lets you make a more accurate comparison versus going to a gas station.

MPG vs MPGe

MPGe means miles per gallon equivalent. This measure is much like MPG: determining how far you can go before stopping again. One gallon of gas makes 115,000 BTUs, and electric motors need 33.7 kWh of electricity to make that. If you use 33.7 kWh to drive 100 miles, your EV gets 100 MPGe.

Are EVs really better for the environment when considering mining raw materials, manufacturing, driving, and scrapping?

The International Council on Clean Transportation has had scientists and researchers prove that EVs produce lower greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles provide better long-term environmental impact than other vehicles.

Can EVs catch fire? Does that make them unsafe?

An EV can catch fire, but the National Fire Protection Association says that combustion-engine vehicles are more likely to. EVs should not be considered unsafe to buy. EV fires tend to catch headlines because putting the fire out takes much more water. EV technology continues advancing and reduces the likelihood of an EV fire.

Do I need to worry about range?

Range anxiety is the term coined for drivers worried if their EV can go far enough, but it is quickly becoming outdated. New EVs can have ranges over 250 or 300 miles, giving them the range you need for daily driving and weekend adventures. You can use many public charging stations if your EV gets low during your drive.

Which charger do I buy for home charging?

The highest capacity charger might be tempting to choose, but it isn't always necessary. Level 2 chargers can get your battery topped off overnight or in a few hours since most drivers don't let their battery fall under half. You might be fine with a charging cable that comes with your EV; it's all based on your preferences and lifestyle.

How fast does a charger charge?

Many factors can impact charging rates. Most EVs have 120-volt (Level 1) and 240-volt (Level 2) cables. Level 1 chargers usually get between two and five miles charged per hour. Level two chargers are roughly three times faster, giving 180 miles of charging in twelve hours. Public rapid-charge stations have DC Fast Charging capabilities to charge your vehicle in less than an hour.

Charging Your Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, which means we are getting a lot of questions about owning one. Charging is one of the first topics to come up. Our team wants to show you all the information about charging to help you see how it is easier than ever to own an electric Jaguar. We can help you explore every charging option to ensure you feel confident when you get into the driver's seat.

A good way to look at charging is to think of EV charging like phone charging. Everyone has different preferences and habits, and we want to help you see all the ways to charge to help you decide which would suit your lifestyle.

Different Ways to Charge

Charge at Home

You can choose at-home charging options for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in electric vehicles. A standard 120-volt outlet can charge overnight. You'll get two or three hours of range every hour, making it the right choice for daily commutes and errands.

Anyone looking for faster charging can have Level 2 charging installed by a professional. Level 2 chargers offer twelve to sixty miles of range per hour and can be placed in your garage or on the exterior of your house. Range per hour changes based on battery size, onboard charging capacity, and other factors. You need a 240-volt connection for Level 2 charging that keeps your vehicle charged without waiting all night.

Public Charging

Public charging stations can reduce range anxiety in many drivers. These stations let you charge from work, at the grocery store, or on longer road trips when available. You can use many websites and apps to filter charging stations by plug type and power output to create the perfect route for your next drive.

Some public stations offer DC fast chargers to make charging extremely quick. These stations can bring you from as low as ten percent to eight percent in less than thirty-five minutes. Taking only a fraction of the time as other charging stations means you can spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your driving experience.

The Differences Between Charging and Filling Up on Gas

Charging an electric vehicle is passive, letting you focus on other tasks while your vehicle gets ready. Electric vehicles are constantly improving technology to optimize charging times and reduce how long it takes to prepare for a drive. No matter where you charge your EV, you can find an option that matches your Charlotte lifestyle.

Electric vehicles provide benefits to the environment that ordinary vehicles do not. With lower emissions and less reliance on fossil fuels, eco-conscious drivers can see all the benefits of buying an EV. Charging generally costs less than filling up a gas tank and usually has less price fluctuation. Contact our team to see which electric Jaguar could be the right choice for your Charlotte driveway.

Explore the Many Charging Options Today

Electric vehicles might have been more limiting in the past with a lower range and fewer charging points, but modern innovations make it easier than ever to own one. Most businesses, downtown districts, and hotels offer charging stations to ensure you can always be prepared for the next destination.

We can help you find the many charging locations in our area and how you can find them along your route. Seeing our new electric Jaguar lineup can help you find a model with the excitement and capabilities you need.