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By Cars.com Editors
November 26, 2024
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By Cars.com Editors
December 9, 2024
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By Cars.com Editors
November 26, 2024
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By Fred Meier
October 3, 2024
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By Fred Meier
August 14, 2023
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By Cars.com Editors
October 22, 2024
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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 (EVs) to be more inclusive, are fully electric and rely on batteries for their power. There are plug-in hybrids that act like EVs but also can operate like gas-electric hybrids when the charge is depleted. Electric cars, or electric vehicles (EVs) to be more inclusive, are fully electric and rely on batteries for their power. There are plug-in hybrids that act like EVs but also can operate like gas-electric hybrids when the charge is depleted.

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 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

Can I use public chargers to charge my electric car?

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 (or can become so without warning). Additionally, fast chargers that can recharge a mostly depleted battery in 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 (or can become so without warning). Additionally, fast chargers that can recharge a mostly depleted battery in

How do cold temperatures affect electric cars?

Cold is the Achilles’ heel of EVs 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 Cold is the Achilles’ heel of EVs 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

Which EVs are eligible for the federal tax credit?

Some new EV and PHEV buyers can receive a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, and used EV buyers can for the first time claim a tax credit of up to $4,000. Better still, you no longer have to wait until you file taxes to claim that credit; instead, Some new EV and PHEV buyers can receive a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, and used EV buyers can for the first time claim a tax credit of up to $4,000. Better still, you no longer have to wait until you file taxes to claim that credit; instead,

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

The answer: It depends. 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 the ambient The answer: It depends. 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 the ambient

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