 Are you shopping for a new or used vehicle that fits into your Streamwood lifestyle? Would you like to lower your refueling costs with something that is much cheaper than gas prices in Elgin? Consider a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or an electric car, truck, or SUV from the team at Elgin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We've got a Dodge Hornet, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, or a Chrysler Pacifica PHEV minivan on our lot near Bartlett.
If you're interested in some fun facts about electric cars, find out more information with our guide. You'll be an expert in EVs in no time with our facts about electric cars!
The First EV Was Built in 1884
London innovator Thomas Park was in charge of electrifying the city's overhead tramway system. He designed and built the electric vehicle to reduce low-efficient and environmentally friendly cars with his EC because they were fueled by high-capacity rechargeable batteries. It was an innovation well ahead of its time! Who knew that the first EV was invented more than 125 years ago? It's one of the many interesting facts about electric cars we've got in store for you!
EVs Include Cars, Transit Buses, Trucks & More!
Electric vehicles are everywhere, and they aren't just sedans or SUVs. You can spot electric buses, logistics vehicles on city routes, and heavy-duty zero-emissions trucks throughout the Bartlett area. Electric trucks offer excellent economic savings as they're cheaper to fuel and operate than diesel trucks. At some point, semi-trucks may become all-electric instead of running on diesel fuel. EVs are particularly important when it comes to cities with millions of vehicles on the road for cleaner emissions while reducing smog and carbon emissions.
Charge Your Vehicle at Home, Work or Public Stations
Many shoppers worry about buying plug-in hybrids and EVs because there aren't enough charging stations for them to recharge their vehicles. Did you know there are nearly 60,000 public charging stations in the United States? That number continues to climb every month as the country moves to more charging stations.Â
Public charging stations are at the office, grocery stores, malls, shopping centers, or any other major establishment that offers that service. Having an EV doesn't limit you to just charging your vehicle at home.Â
Even better, you can charge at home with a Level 2 charging box. These are relatively inexpensive to install, but you will need to hire a professional electrician to install the Level 2 charger in your garage.
There Are Five Categories of Electric Vehicles
Most people see battery EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrid vehicles. But did you know there are five categories of electric vehicles?
- Battery EVs run entirely on electric motors and batteries. These are the standard EVs you see on our car lot. They are recharged from a power grid, and their range is anywhere from 100 to 300 miles on a full charge. The range will continue to increase as research gets more advanced
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) use rechargeable batteries, electric motors, and internal combustion engines in concert with each other to get improved gas mileage. They typically get 25 to 50 miles per charge and can run on electricity only until the battery runs out and the gasoline engine kicks in. These vehicles are great for daily commutes because you can drive to and from work and then recharge overnight at home, saving your fuel costs for short drives.
- Hybrid EVs use small electric batteries and internal combustion engines. Their batteries are charged by engines or through regenerative braking, and there is no plugging-in required. You'll get great gas mileage with a hybrid!
- Extended-range EVs use rechargeable batteries and internal combustion engines. Their batteries are charged by engines or power grids.
- Neighborhood EVs use batteries that are recharged from a 120-volt grid. They can reach a maximum speed of 30 mph, making them great for commuters. These are EVs that neighborhoods can use and are not limited to just a single owner.
Learn More Facts About Electric Cars at Elgin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!
Want to know more fun facts about electric cars and their benefits? We invite you to get behind the wheel of one of the EVs or hybrids on our lot. Contact us or call 847-429-3815 to schedule a test drive with us. We're happy to help in any way we can!