Fun Facts About Electric Cars

You might’ve noticed more and more electrified vehicles on the streets of Bakersfield over the past several years. More drivers are making the switch to electric, but did you know that electric vehicles (EVs) used to be popular in urban settings? That’s right! They have a long history dating back to the late 19th century. Read on and learn more fun facts about electric cars with Coastal Chevrolet!

The First Production EV Was Built in 1884

One of the most surprising fun facts about electric cars is also how old they are. London innovator, Thomas Parker, was in charge of the city’s overhead tramway’s electrification. He designed and built the electric vehicle for more efficient and environmentally friendly travel.

EVs Include Cars, Transit Buses, Trucks & More!

Electric vehicles don’t just come in sedan and SUV body styles. You can spot electric buses, FedEx, and heavy-duty zero-emissions trucks throughout the area. Trucks offer excellent economic savings as they’re cheaper to fuel and operate than diesel trucks. 

Charge Your Vehicle at Home, Work, or the Store

Many shoppers worry about buying plug-in hybrids because they don’t think there are enough charging stations. Not only are there more charging stations popping up in your area, but you can turn your garage into an at-home charging station. You can charge your vehicle at work, the grocery store, the mall, or any other major establishment near Thousand Oaks. Having an EV doesn’t limit you to just charging your vehicle at home.

Popularity

Electric cars have a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. In the early 1900s, electric cars were popular among urban dwellers for their quiet operation and ease of use. By the 1900s, electric cars made up 28 percent of the marketplace, which is a surprising fact about electric cars. However, the rise of cheap gasoline and the advent of mass-produced internal combustion engine vehicles led to the decline of electric cars until their resurgence in the 21st century.

There are Five Categories of Electric Vehicles

Most people know battery EVs, plug-ins, and hybrid vehicles, but there are five categories of electric vehicles!

• Battery EVs run entirely on electric motors and batteries. They are recharged from a power grid, and their mileage range is 100—200 per charge.
• Plug-in hybrids use rechargeable batteries, electric motors, and internal combustion engines. Their mileage range on the electric mode is 30—40 miles per charge.
• Hybrid EVs use small electric batteries and internal combustion engines. Their batteries are charged by engines or through regenerative braking—unlike fully electric models that need charging at a station. 
• Extended-range EVs that use rechargeable batteries and internal combustion engines. Engines or power grids charge their batteries.
• Neighborhood EVs use batteries that are recharged from a 120-volt grid. They can reach a maximum speed of 30 mph.

Discover Electrified Power Further with Coastal Chevrolet 

Are you interested in learning more about EVs? Discover their benefits or visit our Santa Barbara lot and test-drive a Chevy electric car. Our dealership is here to inform you all about EVs, so you can confidently go electric near the Ventura area!