Electric driving is clean driving, but always make sure there is a charging station nearby. Moreover, the prices of electric cars are much higher than those of normal cars. In the long run, however, it pays for itself. In 2014 there were 5,329 fully electric cars around in the Netherlands. Learn all about electric cars and their pros and cons here.
Types of electric cars
There are 4 types of electric cars. These are:
- A hybrid
- A plug-in hybrid
- The range extender
- 100 percent electric cars
Hybrids
A hybrid has a combustion engine and an auxiliary electric motor. The battery cannot be charged with a plug: they are recharged with residual energy that is released during driving and braking.
Plug-in hybrid
The plug-in hybrid also has a combustion engine and an auxiliary electric motor. But the battery in this car can be charged via a quick charger or a regular socket.
Range extender
The range extender have an electric motor and a small combustion engine. This range extender only charges the battery and does not directly power the car.
100 percent electric car
The 100 percent electric car only has an electric motor and a battery. So this is the only real electric car.
Who is the electric car suitable for?
The electric car is suitable for everyone, but especially for people who mainly drive distances up to a maximum of 200 kilometers per journey. That doesn’t seem like much, but most journeys are shorter than 10 kilometers and 90 percent of the journeys people make are no longer than 50 kilometers. Those who regularly have to drive much longer must or very well plan their journeys and have a car with a turbo charger or better purchase a plug-in hybrid or a range extender.
Driving cleaner through electric driving
TNO has calculated that electric cars will produce about 35 percent less CO2 in 2020 than regular cars. Even if a car runs on normal electricity and therefore not on green electricity, there is still 22 percent less CO2 emissions and a petrol or diesel car. In addition, electric cars also produce almost 80 percent less particulate matter than diesels and 95 percent less nitrogen.
Making an electric car
The argument is often that making electric cars costs much more energy than a regular car. That’s right. It takes more energy to manufacture an electric car than a fuel car. The battery in particular consumes a lot of energy. But if you spread that over the lifespan and assume that a car drives 150,000 miles, that difference is almost no longer there. Moreover, because electric cars are more efficient with energy, they use up production and use much less energy than a fuel car. Moreover, it is expected that an electric car can make increasing use of clean energy from windmills, for example.
How do you charge an electric car?
You charge an electric car by simply plugging the plug into the socket. Usually it takes about 8 hours before a battery is recharged. But there are also fast chargers that charge the battery in 30 minutes.
Charge your car on a public charger
Charging an electric car on a public charger is only possible with a card. Some municipalities have these points in their center. In 2014 there were 7,500 public charging points in various places. This number grew from that moment on. Anyone looking for a charging point can find it at www.opladerpalen.nl.
Is an electric car cheaper than a regular car?
An electric car drives 40 to 50 percent cheaper than a petrol car or diesel. Maintenance also costs less. However, a new electric car is more expensive to purchase. Even if you include all tax benefits. Especially the battery makes such a car so expensive. It is also impossible to say exactly what an electric car will yield in terms of trade-in after a few yes. Those who want to know where they stand can also lease an electric car.
An electric car is quiet
An additional advantage of an electric car is that it is very quiet.
Plan your ride well
Those who drive an electric car must plan their trips well. Because you go from pole to pole and it first means looking at where such a charging station is located. And it means waiting or building in a stopover.
Six electric cars in a row
Several brands already have an electric car. Below a number with some technical data.
E-Golf
The E-Golf has a range of 190 kilometers. Charging normally takes 8 hours. Fast charging can be done in half an hour. This car costs around 36,000 euros
BMWi3
The BMWi3 has a range of 190 kilometers. Charging takes between 3 and 6 hours. This car also costs around 36,000 euros.
Ford Focus
The electric Ford Focus has a range of 100 miles. Charging takes between 6 and 7 hours. It cannot be charged quickly. This car costs around 40,000 euros.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was one of the first electric cars to be produced in large numbers. It was also the car of the year 2011. In 2016, a new variant will most likely be released that can drive 300 kilometers on a full battery. The 2014 Nissan Leaf only drives 175 kilometers on a full battery. The Nissan Leaf costs around 24,000 euros.
Tesla: the showpiece among electric cars
The Tesla is the showpiece of electric cars in 2014. It drives 485 kilometers on a full battery and is full of gadgets. Moreover, the car drives at least 210 kilometers per hour with ease. This car also has a supercharger so that it recharges very quickly. With a normal charging station, it also takes half a day to charge this car.
Zoe from Renault
The Zoe is a small electric car, also referred to as a city car. The Zoe can drive 210 kilometers on a full battery. Charging takes between 6 and 9 hours. But it can also use the fast charger and it only takes half an hour. The Zoe is the cheapest electric car with a price of 21,000 euros.