Plug-in Electric Vehicle 101

For many of us, plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are a new and unexplored world. However, you may be surprised to know that electric vehicles have existed in some iteration since 1900, and that plug-in electric vehicles, which are the main focus of this article, have been around since 2010.

It can be tough to navigate this new world. The lingo. The acronyms. It’s like a different language! Here are a few of the basics to help you get familiar with plug-in electric vehicles.

A plug-in electric vehicle contains an electric motor powered by an on-board battery. The battery is primarily charged by plugging the vehicle into an electrical source. Most vehicles also incorporate regenerative charging – this means that the battery will recharge when braking or at other times when the vehicle is operated. More on charging in a later article.

There are a few different types of plug-in electric vehicles available today:

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – A PHEV has both an electric motor and a conventional gasoline engine. The gas engine is used as a backup when the battery is depleted. PHEVs have an electric range of between 12 and 29 miles depending on vehicle make and model.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle PLUS (PHEV+) – A PHEV+ is essentially the same as a PHEV with the exception of battery capacity. The PLUS indicates that the vehicle’s battery capacity is greater than 10 kWh, which typically means it will run farther on battery than a standard PHEV. Most PHEV+s have an electric range of between 29 and 53 miles depending on vehicle make and model.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – A BEV is 100% electric. BEVs have a range of between 70 and 335 miles depending on vehicle make and model.

Plug-in electric vehicles are increasing in popularity due to their environmental benefits as well as significant savings on fuel costs for EV owners.

Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) recently launched a summer plug-in electric vehicle pilot rebate program which offers residential customers 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. Customers must take delivery of the vehicle by October 31, 2018 to qualify. For more information, click here.

If you’d like to learn more about PEVs, join RMLD for a Plug-in Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive Event on Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 10am-2pm in the Swain Green parking lot, which is located at the corner of Middlesex Avenue and School Street in Wilmington across from the Town Common.

This is the second in a series of articles RMLD will publish this summer regarding plug-in electric vehicles. Be on the lookout for our next article: How and Where to Charge Your Plug-in Electric Vehicle. Click here to view the series and sign-up to receive new articles via email.