Electric cars are the future of motoring. Efforts to push the adoption of EVs are strong and necessary. These vehicles use clean and renewable energy sources.
Apart from the environmental impact, EVs are less stressful to maintain. They come with several perks and benefits over standard gasoline-powered vehicles.
Like all electric devices, you must keep the vehicles running regularly. Having idle batteries is detrimental to the lifespan of the vehicle.
Many people are skeptical regarding electric vehicles and their shortcomings. Vehicle idling is a particularly touchy subject for many car enthusiasts, and a common question you will hear among them is,
How Long Can Electric Cars Idle?
Electric cars do not idle at all. These vehicles have motors that convert electric energy to mechanical energy. The conversion stops when the car is not in perpetual motion.
The motor stops running, and therefore, the can doesn’t idle. Regular car engines continue to consume fuel as long as the ignition is turned.
Types Of Electric Cars
Not all-electric cars are the same. In fact, not all-electric cars are fully electric. There are four main categories of these vehicles. The classifications vary.
You can classify electric cars into four main categories.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV)
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
- Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Battery Electric Vehicles
These are vehicles that are 100% reliant on electric energy. They do not use any other energy source. They do not release emissions, which makes them great for the environment.
Battery Electric Vehicles lack Internal Combustion Engines. They rely on powerful motors. Motor controllers on the vehicles regulate power draws and torque optimization.
Modern BEVs do not use electrochemical cells. Instead, these cars use electric batteries. The vehicles are set to test Solid-state batteries once the technology is fully developed.
They will give the cars a better range, as these batteries last longer. Most BEVs use DC with internal current inverters.
Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles
They are the most common electric vehicles. These cars use both electricity and gasoline.
They have Internal Combustion Engines that use fuel. Though they do have carbon emissions, they are better than non-EVs.
These vehicles have multiple driving modes, hence the name hybrid. You can decide to use the electric mode or the ICE mode.
They provide flexibility. The cars are generally more reliable, as you have multiple power options.
The engine can charge the battery in some hybrids while using ICE mode. In case you run out of fuel, you can then switch modes. You can charge the battery from an outlet too.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid Electric Vehicles are quite similar to PHEVs. The main difference is that you do not have the plug-in option.
Like Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles, these cars have Internal Combustion Engines. These engines use gasoline. They have electric batteries too.
The electric batteries rely solely on the engine for the charge.
They are more reliable and flexible than BEVs. You get two driving modes, which are more convenient than electric-only. They produce fewer emissions than non-EVs. Their maintenance is similar to the Plug-in options.
Fuel Cell Electrical Vehicles
These are EVs that rely on fuel cell technology. The vehicles do not emit carbon waste and are great for the environment.
The vehicles are powered by hydrogen and release water as a waste product of fuel combustion. These vehicles have hydrogen tanks instead of petrol or diesel.
Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Just like ordinary gasoline vehicles, electronic vehicles need maintenance too. These vehicles are not difficult to maintain.
They are less complicated and have fewer moving parts than gasoline vehicles. They, therefore, experience less wear and tear.
Some maintenance procedures are common for both EVs and gasoline vehicles. There are, however, procedures and practices unique to electronic vehicles. These include:
1. Battery Maintenance
Standard batter maintenance for electric vehicles varies depending on the manufacturer and the model.
It would help to inspect the battery regularly to ensure that it is not leaking. Leaking battery fluid causes damage to the anodes and cathodes.
Always monitor your charge cycles. All batteries have a fixed charge cycle that you shouldn’t exceed.
Charge cycles refer to the maximum number of times cells can be discharged before dying completely.
Many manufacturers publish the charge cycles and offer replacements. Modern EV batteries are generally expected to last for the vehicle’s lifetime.
Ensure that you use the correct charging voltage for your batteries. It will prevent them from overheating.
2. Cooling Systems
The Battery Thermal Management Systems are important. The system keeps the battery at an acceptable temperature range. It optimizes the battery performance, enabling you to maximize the battery life.
The Battery Thermal Management System needs maintenance every once in a while. The system is inspected once every 150,000 miles. It is part of why people love EVs. They are really easy to maintain.
For Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, you should have the system inspected at least once every five years.
A faulty cooling system means that your battery discharges faster. It could also put you at risk as the battery might explode under intense heat.
3. Software and Electronics
You should always ensure that you are running the latest version of your vehicle’s software. Installing updates is important, particularly for performance and all-around optimization.
Software updates fix bugs and improve your car’s overall performance. These updates help prolong your battery life by optimizing draws.
They also help register and program new parts such as batteries. You also get improved and accurate maps like Google Maps or Route4Me and GPS.
The updates are free and necessary, so do not overlook them.
4. Tire Switching
You should rotate your tires at least twice a year. Rotating tires is important because it prevents misalignment.
Tire switching distributes the wear and tear effect evenly. It reduces the frequency of alignment maintenance. It also makes the car more stable and better to maneuver.
Why Should You Switch To An EV?
Electric Vehicles have a whole host of advantages over ordinary vehicles. Here are some compelling reasons why you should switch:
Lower carbon emissions
Electric vehicles are essential as they reduce carbon emissions.
Carbon pollution is the leading contributor to the greenhouse effect. It causes global warming.
Going electric will reduce your carbon footprint. If everyone makes the switch, we could cut carbon emissions by 61%. These cars are generally cleaner than gasoline vehicles.
Better health
Switching to electric vehicles is better for your and everyone else’s health. When cars burn fuel, they release carbon gas and other waste as byproducts.
Inhaling combustion waste products is bad for your health. The air quality is better in places with fewer vehicles. Switching to electricity will improve air purity.
Maintenance
Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to maintain than non-EVs. Internal Combustion Engines can be difficult to maintain. They have many moving parts and are subject to greater wear and tear.
Some EV components can go for years without needing to be replaced. Batteries practically last the car’s lifetime.
Cost-effectiveness
An electric vehicle is cheaper if we consider long-run costs. The cost of fueling an ICE vehicle racks up over time.
These vehicles become less fuel-efficient as they get older. They also have different maintenance requirements.
Electric vehicles are cheaper because they don’t rely on fuel. Their maintenance costs are comparatively low.
Less noise
Electric vehicles are quieter and less of a nuisance than non-EVs.
Shortcomings Of Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles are great, but they have some disadvantages. They include:
Buying Price
EVs are generally more expensive than non-EVs. You will spend more money, especially if you buy a new vehicle. The price alone puts off many prospective buyers.
Charging Stations
Though many cities have charging stations, they are still not very common. Some regions do not offer charging stations for electric cars.
It can be a real inconvenience, especially if you are traveling. Luckily, most EVs have GPS to the location of these stations.
Charging Duration
Most EVs have really slow charging times. It is a huge disadvantage, considering that non-EVs refuel in seconds. Solid-state batteries will solve the problem with Solid-state batteries.
Low noise
While low noise is an advantage, it can raise safety concerns. People rely on visual and audio perception to know if a car is approaching. Some EV manufacturers add speakers to play engine sounds. It makes the cars safer.
Replacement costs
Some parts like batteries are quite expensive to replace. You also can’t use third-party parts, as the computer needs to reprogram them.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles do not idle. Motors in these vehicles convert electric energy to mechanical energy. When the automobile is not in constant motion, the conversion ceases.
The motor shuts down, and as a result, the can does not idle. Regular automobile engines burn gasoline as long as the ignition switch is turned on.
Aside from the environmental impact, EVs are easier to maintain. They have various advantages over traditional gasoline-powered automobiles.
