FAQ
EV Basics
Full EVs, also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), operate on batteries that store the vehicle’s electricity. Unlike ICE vehicles, some EVs will have more than one electric motor and multiple batteries. Since the vehicle runs on electricity the vehicle uses large traction battery packs and requires electric vehicle supply equipment to charge. The EV will have a charge port that is usually located to the rear of the vehicle where the gas tank would be depending on the make and model.
Beyond making a positive impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint, the benefits are pretty clear.
- No Fuel – All EVs run on electric energy, there is no need to refuel your vehicle and pay for gasoline.
- Low Maintenance Cost – Since electric motors are efficient and do not require so many moving parts, they do not require frequent servicing. Plus EVs do not require the same oils and fluids which also saves on maintenance costs.
- Environmentally friendly – With an EV, there are no tailpipe emissions that are harmful to the atmosphere.
Most EV drivers will charge their vehicles at home overnight just like your cell phone or tablet. As more and more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, charging stations are becoming available at grocery stores, parking garages, and public places.
There are 3 different levels of chargers that are available to EV drivers.
- Level 1 – The L1 charger is the most standard and the simplest to use. L1 chargers plug directly into a standard 120 volt AC outlet and do not require a licensed electrician to make any changes to your circuit breaker. The L1 charger supplies an average power output of 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW and takes anywhere from 8 to 14 hours to fully charge depending on how much it is depleted. In order to maintain proper battery health we always recommend you use an L1 charger for your EV.
- Level 2 – L2 chargers need to be plugged into a 240 volt AC outlet and require a dedicated 40 amp circuit. If your home, garage, or business does not have an available 240 volt AC outlet, then you would need to hire a licensed electrician to take care of the necessary electrical work and installation. Certain cities and states may require an L2 charger to be hardwired to the power supply, especially if the EV charging station is installed outdoors. The L2 charger supplies an average power output of 6.2 kW to 7.6 kW with an average of 4 to 6 hours to charge a completely depleted battery.
- Level 3 – DC Fast Chargers and Superchargers are anywhere from 400 volts to 900 volts and are mostly public charging stations. Most homes are not equipped for 480 volt Fast Chargers since most residences are not supplied with direct-current power. These are mostly for commercial use due to the need for DC power and the cost of installation. The DC fast charging stations will charge a depleted battery within an hour of charging.
Public charging stations are typically private companies and may require you to download an app for payment.
Most EVs have an estimated range based on a full charge. An EV’s charge depends on the driving conditions, heater/A/C usage, and vehicle make/model. According to the EPA, the average range of EVs is about 234 miles on a single charge. The Tesla Model 3 has an average range of 358 miles on a full charge. Compared to the compact Nissan Leaf with an average range of 149 miles on a full charge.
In order to get more efficiency out of your battery, there are some suggestions to help extend vehicle range.
- Reduce depth of discharge – Frequent “top off” charges are better for your battery range than draining to empty and fully re-charging again.
- Avoid prolonged heat exposure – Avoid charging or storing your EV in hot environments for extended periods of time. Park in a covered garage when possible.
- Use fast charging sparingly – Only use DC fast chargers occasionally or when necessary for road trips. “Slow charging” overnight is best for the battery and your wallet.
The short answer is yes, but this also depends on how much you drive and how much electricity costs in your area. Overall, your savings on gas will more than offset the cost of electricity and depending on your city and state. Some utility companies and local city governments offer EV incentives and discounted rates.
Fleet Services
Unlike traditional leases, we are specifically for commercial use, have lower upfront costs, and are best suited for high mileage driving.
Our leases include a minimum monthly mileage of 2,000 miles (1,800 for Teslas). If you go over the minimum mileage you pay an overage fee until you reach our Unlimited Miles tier (~2,750 miles). Once that threshold is reached, you unlock a flat rate. We won’t charge you a cent more if you go over that threshold.
Instead of a credit check, we do a business health review. This includes
- Background check
- DMV report
- Proof of income
- Confirmation of income reliability
- Confirmation of identity (articles of organization/incorporation)
If you would like to partner with us, please fill out this form HERE and one of our EV specialists will work with you each step of the way through the application process.
We recommend that you do your due diligence on the make and model of vehicles in your fleet to understand the basics of your fleet and the needs specific to your EVs. In general there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Air Filters – Although an EV does not require air filters for any of the engine components, every make and model requires cabin air filters. These filters are to prevent debris from entering the cabin through the AC/Heater vents. They typically only need to be replaced once a year.
- Tires – Not only does the increased weight from the EV battery mean longer braking distances, but also the high instant torque of the electric powertrain means more tire wear too. EV tires can wear out fast! Fortunately, tire retailers are upgrading the rubber in their tires to withstand heavier weight and higher torque. We advise tires should be rotated every 6,2500 miles to be safe. When the tire tread is less than 1/16 of an inch thick, make sure to replace them immediately.
- Windshield wipers and wiper fluid – Most auto body shops can assist with this, even traditional repair shops. Windshield wipers and wiper fluid will be specific to your vehicle make and model so make sure to check your owner manual to confirm details.
- Brakes – Most electric vehicles utilize regenerative braking which is a way of running the motor in reverse and absorbing some of the energy back into the battery for preserving your range. Nonetheless, you will need to check your brake pads for normal wear but most EVs will average 100,000 miles before replacing the pads.
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates – Many electric cars have the benefit of a robust computer system capable of receiving OTA software updates. Check your owners manual or connected car app for details. It is best to have the EV connected to Wifi when making an OTA update.
All we require is a $1500-$2000 refundable security deposit and a $250 procurement fee per vehicle delivery. We currently accept ACH and EFT payments.
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