Electric Vehicle FAQs

What are Electric Vehicles?

a electric vehicle is a car, truck, or SUV that does not use a gasoline combustion engine. Instead it has an electric motor that must be charged from an outside source. Electric vehicles are also known as EVs.

What are 3 benefits of electric cars?

1. Tax credits- Purchasing an electric vehicle can earn you a tax credit depending on the type of vehicle you buy and where you live. To see if the vehicle you are interested in qualifies for a tax credit visit the IRS Qualified plug-in official site.
2. No gasoline required- With a electric vehicle you never have to stop at another gas station again. And with the rising cost of gasoline this can save you a lot of money. Though it does cost money to charge a electric car, it is much less than the gasoline counterpart. Use the tool below to calculate how much it cost to fuel (charge) a electric car.
   
3. Better driving experience- As a result of having a electric motor, when the accelerator is pushed you receive instant torque. This creates a sporty, enjoyable driving experience. Likewise the electric motor is much quieter than a combustion engine giving the driver a more relaxing ride.

Are electric vehicles affordable?

Yes, the price difference between an all electric vehicle is not much more than a brand new vehicle with a combustion engine. For instance the ID.4 has a starting MSRP of just $41,230.

How long will a electric vehicle battery last?

The life expectancy of a electric battery pack is 15-20 years. Volkswagen is confident the hybrid battery will last you for years to come. As a result when you purchase a new ID.4 you will receive a 8 year or 100,000 mile warranty on the electric battery.

What models of electric vehicles does Volkswagen make?

Volkswagen currently sells the ID.4 and is available to build and reserve in the United States. LEARN MORE. Coming soon to electric line-up is the ID.Buzz, an all electric van. The ID. Buzz is not yet available in the United States market. However Volkswagen is hopefully it will become available in the next couple years.

What is the difference between a Plug-in and a Hybrid?

In a plug-in hybrid the battery is charged by an outside power source. In addition the electric battery is the main power source for the car. In most cases the driving range is between 40-80 miles. When the electric battery runs low of power, the internal combustion engine becomes the source of power. In a hybrid vehicle there is no need to charge the battery. The combustion engine and electric motor work together to give the vehicle optimal fuel efficiency. Likewise the battery is charged through regenerative braking and does not require to be charged or plugged-in.

Can I drive long distance with a electric vehicle?

The answer is yes. Electric vehicle technology is rapidly increasing. Manufacturers understand people like to drive their cars and want to travel long distances. The ID.4 offers a driving range of 245-280 miles on a full charge. However this can fluctuate based on the speed and conditions you are driving. For example if you are driving through curvy mountain passes vs a flat straight road it could decrease your driving range. The same is true when using a internal combustion engine. The more you press on the accelerator pedal, the less driving range your vehicle will have.

What does EV, ICE, HEV, PHEV, and BEV stand for?

EV- Electric vehicle, has a electric motor and does not use gasoline. Must be charged from an outside electric source.

ICE- Internal combustion engine, a traditional gasoline engine that uses heat which the combustion of a fuel (gasoline) occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber.

HEV- Hybrid electric vehicle, a vehicle that uses both a combustion and electric motor. A hybrid does not need to be charged by an outside source. The electric motor is charged through regenerative braking while the vehicle is in operation.

PHEV- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle whos battery pack can be recharged through a outside electric source. It uses both a electric motor and combustion engine to receive optimal fuel efficiency.

BEV- Battery electric vehicle, the more specific term for a EV. EV (electric vehicle) is a broad term to describe a vehicle that has an electric motor while BEV (battery electric vehicle) is used more throughout the automotive industry.

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