PEV Performance: What to Expect When you Drive Electric

So far, the “Electrify Your Ride” article series has covered a variety of topics including the benefits of driving a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV), types of PEVs available, how and where to charge, and available incentives to reduce the purchase price of a PEV. But what about plug-in electric vehicle options and performance? Do they come with all the techy bells and whistles? How do they match up as far as acceleration and suspension? Are they comfortable? For many of us, these are important considerations when shopping for a new vehicle.

First off, it’s important to note that there are several different PEV makes and models on the market today – 40, to be precise (not including plug-in electric motorcycles) – and this number grows when considering the different trim options each model offers. PEVs are available as coupes, sedans, SUVs, and minivans – there are even a few four-wheel-drive models available. Options and performance differ greatly by make and model, just as with traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Generally speaking, PEVs are available with many of the same options and perform as well or better than their gas-powered counterparts. One huge performance advantage of an electric motor is torque. Torque is what gets a vehicle moving – the more torque, the greater the engine’s ability to perform work. In the case of gas-powered vehicles, engines need to be rotating at a certain speed (revolutions per minute or rpm) to reach maximum torque. With an electric motor, maximum torque is available when the vehicle is at a complete standstill. This means that PEVs are more responsive at lower speeds than traditional gas-powered cars.

PEVs are also comparable when it comes to driving in winter weather with one big advantage: many PEVs come with a pre-heat feature which can be activated from the key fob or a smart phone app. This warms the interior of the car and the motor without actually turning the car on. This feature also helps to reduce battery range loss that can occur during extreme cold weather.

When considering the purchase of a PEV, it’s best to determine what’s important to you and then see what makes/models may be a fit. Plug in America and Green Energy Consumers Alliance offer helpful vehicle comparisons and customer testimonials on their websites. Many other websites offer free reviews and ratings of available PEVs, so do your research but be aware of the source of the information. Consumer Reports also offers ratings, but only to paying members.

RMLD residential customers who are ready to electrify their ride can take advantage of our summer plug-in electric vehicle pilot rebate program, which offers a $1,500 rebate for the lease or purchase of a new or used Battery Electric Vehicle, and a $1,000 rebate for the lease or purchase of a new Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle PLUS. Delivery must be taken by October 31, 2018. RMLD also offers residential customers a rebate of 100% of equipment costs up to $500 for the home installation of a networked (or “smart”) AC level 2 charging station. For more information on these rebates, click here. 

Want to learn more about PEVs and take a test drive? Stop in to a Plug-in Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive Event on Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 10am-2pm at RMLD’s offices located at 230 Ash Street, Reading.

This is the fifth in a series of articles RMLD will publish this summer regarding plug-in electric vehicles. Be on the lookout for our next article: Plug-in Electric Vehicle Range. Click here to view the complete series of articles.