Frequently Asked Questions about EVs
My friends here in Bakersfield and elsewhere have asked me many questions about driving electric. There are many web sites that explain what EVs are, how to use them, how to evaluate them, and how to get the most out of them. Nevertheless, I’ve chosen to include some of the questions I’ve been asked. There are many more. I’ve also written extensively about our use of EVs and our adventures driving electric. I’ve pulled those articles out and put them under one title: EV Articles by Paul Gipe. Also see EV Trip Reports for more information about trip planning and execution.
Why We Drive Electric: They’re More Efficient
Why We Drive Electric: No Tail-Pipe Emissions
Why We Drive Electric: Much Fewer Overall Emissions
Why We Drive Electric: They’re More Fun
Why We Drive Electric: They’re Quieter
Go Electric Now: There’s Never Been a Better Time to Drive an Electric Car
Are EVs More Expensive–Average New Car Prices November 2020
EVSEs or Home EV Charging Stations–What I Recommend
What does it Cost per Mile to Drive an Electric Vehicle?
California’s Clean Fuel Rebate for EVs–What a Deal
Plug in America’s Electric Vehicle State & Federal Incentive Guide
Leasing an EV–What You Need to Know
Our Lease of a Chevy Bolt and What it Cost Us
Net Cost of a Lease for a 2018-2019 Chevy Bolt EV in the San Joaquin Valley
Do I need Heated Seats in an EV?
What are the different levels of charging?
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations or EVSEs
Jesla High-Power Mobile Charge Cable (EVSE) for EVs
Home Charge Station–What We Use
How Do I Find Charge Stations?
What are the DCFC Standards in North America?
PlugShare–Where to Charge When You’re on the Road
Are Tesla Charging Stations Only for Tesla?
What’s that Number on PlugShare Mean?
Is “A Better Route Planner” Better? A Review for the Bolt
Electric Vehicle Forums–Fonts of Knowledge
EV Trip Planners and Trip Summaries with Chevy Bolt
The Cost of EVgo and ChargePoint Fast Chargers are Different, which is Better?
How Much Electricity Can I Get from a Fast Charger?
Ok, So What Does It Cost to Charge at a Fast Charger?
At Home, Does it Cost the Same to Charge at 120 V and 240 V?
When Plugged In On-the-Road, Can Someone Unplug Me without Permission?
What do Volt, Amp, and Watt Mean Relative to EVs?
Do You have to have a Smart Phone to Drive an EV?
“DC” and “AC” Charging, What’s This about?
What are miles/kWh or How do Miles/kWh translate to Miles per Gallon?
Mud, Rocks, EV Capacity, and Flexibility
Tracking Chevy Bolt EV Battery Capacity
Replacing Rear Wiper Blade on the Chevy Bolt EV
Tips for San Diego to Bakersfield Trip for a First Time Bolt Driver
Mountains to the Sea: EV Road Trip Made Possible by a 60 kWh Battery
Driving the Chevy Bolt EV–Our Impressions
Peeking Inside the Bolt’s Brain Reveals Valuable Secrets
How to Read the Chevy Bolt’s Dash Display
Cost of Charging an EV on a Road Trip: One Example
Remote Unlock Using the Chevy App–Know How to Use It
Thule Bike Rack for Chevy Bolt EV
Chevy Bolt Self-Sealing Tires Work But More Difficult to Repair
First Year EV Electricity Consumption in an All EV Household
Setting a Charging Schedule for the Chevy Bolt EV
Links to Articles on Charging EVs
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: What is it and What EV Drivers Need to Know
What is the Chevy Bolt Trend Indicator?
Dribbling Solar into an EV or How Much Solar Needed to Charge an EV
Do electric vehicles produce more tyre and brake pollution than their petrol and diesel equivalents?
How do You Charge an EV at an RV Park? And Why Would You?
Are EVs More Expensive–Average New Car Prices November 2020
By
Paul Gipe
We drive electric and have for several years now. We encourage our friends to do so as well. However, some have balked, arguing that electric vehicles are too expensive. The question is, are they more expensive?
Buying or Leasing a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV–What I learned
By
Paul Gipe
Oy vey! I just concluded a three month search for what I consider a reasonably priced Chevy Bolt EV. What an experience.
Leasing an EV–What You Need to Know
By
Paul Gipe
Leasing a car is like renting one–you’re paying for the use of a vehicle that’s owned by someone else.
Links to Articles on Charging EVs
By
Paul Gipe
These are articles I or others have written about charging EVs. Of course, there’s a lot more on line. Each EV model has its own user forum on line with a section on charging: charging etiquette, how to charge, the pros and cons of when and how much to charge, and so on.
Everything You Need To Know About Your Chevy Bolt But Were Afraid To Ask
By
Paul Gipe
Welcome to my information dump / roundup on all things Chevy Bolt related. I have been toying between making this …
EVSEs or Home EV Charge Stations–What I Recommend
By
Paul Gipe
One of the big advantages of driving electric is charging your car–“filling up”–at home instead of going to a gas …
EV Charging 101: How Long Does It Take? What Do You Need To Know?
By
Steven Loveday
An excellent 21-minute video explaining the how and why of charging an electric vehicle.
Why We Drive Electric: They’re Quieter
By
Paul Gipe
One of the first things you notice about driving an electric vehicle is the absence of engine noise. The cabin is quiet until you’re going fast enough to hear road noise or the whoosh of the wind around the windows.
