Getting Started
Taking the road in an electric vehicle
At PPL Electric Utilities, we want to share some basics about what’s involved in owning an battery-powered and hybrid vehicle. On this page you’ll find general information on electric and hybrid vehicles themselves, including what types of cars are available, what’s the difference between a battery powered vehicle versus a hybrid, and where to go more car-specific information.
Taking the road in an electric vehicle
There are three major types of electric cars:
BEV: 100% electric vehicle called a battery electric vehicle (BEV). They run solely on batteries and have to be recharged when the battery runs out. Typical BEV mileage is 100-250miles per full battery charge, and is highly dependent upon the battery capacity in the car. Common BEVs include: Tesla Model S and the Nissan Leaf.
PHEV-10: Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PHEV) operating on an electric battery and traditional gasoline. This vehicle has an estimated electric-only range of 10 miles per full battery charge, then switching to gasoline powered operation.
PHEV-40: Plug-in Electric Vehicle operating on an extended range electric battery and traditional gasoline. This vehicle has an average electric-only range of 40 miles per full battery charge, then switching to gasoline powered operation.
What’s the difference between a battery-powered vehicle and a plug-in hybrid?
Commonly referred to as simply an “EV”, a battery-powered electric vehicle runs solely on batteries charged from the electric grid. The distance a vehicle can travel on a charge varies by make and manufacturer. For example, a Nissan Leaf can travel approximately 100 miles on a full battery charge, while the Tesla Model S can travel approximately 270miles. Costs associated with an EV are equally varied – the Nissan Leaf starts at approx. $30,000; the Tesla Model S starts at approx. $75,000.
Commonly referred to as “Plug-in’s” or “hybrids”, Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) run initially on battery power; then, when the battery becomes depleted, it switches to a traditional internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline. PHEV mileage varies by make and model, but on average, their battery-only driving distance is between 10 miles and 45 miles. Costs also vary but typical PHEV’s run between $25,000 and $40,000.
For more information about a particular vehicle, contact the manufacturer or visit their webpage. Additionally, you can visit pluginamerica.org/vehicles.
Do I need any additional equipment with an EV or Plug-in?
All EV’s and Plug-in hybrid’s come with their own internal charging equipment. Owners simply need access to a 120-volt outlet and the vehicle’s battery can be charged.
Head on over to our “Charging” page for more information about electric and plug-in vehicle charging stations.