The Move to Electric Cars: Batteries vs. Plug-Ins

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around longer than many people realize. (Records trace the first EVs back to the 1800s!) Technological advancements, increased environmental awareness, swelling fuel prices, and availability have contributed to the recent increase in EV popularity. In addition, EVs have never been more safe, sleek, or exciting to drive than they are today.   
September 28, 2017 | Auto
By: Lisa D.
Lisa D. has almost 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including over 15 years at Acuity. Before starting at Acuity, she obtained her P&C license and sold personal insurance. She keeps a pulse on industry trends while continuing to specialize in developing and updating personal auto insurance products. On top of that, Lisa has her Association in General Insurance (AINS) and Associate in Personal Insurance (API) designations. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys cooking, photography, and spending time with her family. The last two go hand in hand, as she takes pictures of her kids every day.

Author of Auto Focus

Are you intrigued by electric cars? Have you considered driving or buying an electric car? 

 

Like any consumer product, there are early adopters and others who are more comfortable with the wait-and-see approach before making the decision to buy.   

 

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around longer than many people realize. (Records trace the first EVs back to the 1800s!) Technological advancements, increased environmental awareness, swelling fuel prices, and availability have contributed to the recent increase in EV popularity. In addition, EVs have never been more safe, sleek, or exciting to drive than they are today.   

 

There are different types of electric vehicles—battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and hybrids (HEV). Deciding which one is right for you can be difficult. Here are some main differences between the types of EVs to aid you in your decision making:

  

  • Battery electric vehicles (BEV) get energy for driving entirely from the battery. As a result, BEVs have no liquid fuels, oil changes, transmissions, or timing belts.  Most of the maintenance costs associated with an internal combustion engine are eliminated. BEVs must be plugged in to be recharged.    

  • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) have plug-in capability and can use energy from either the battery or liquid fuel.    

  • Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) do not have the capacity to plug in, but they do have an electric drive system and battery. HEV's driving energy comes from liquid fuel.    

 

There are notable benefits of purchasing and driving an electric vehicle. EVs help keep the air clean, increase U.S. energy independence from fossil fuels, and create jobs. Plus, there can be cost savings in terms of tax credits and lower maintenance costs.    

 

If you are curious about electric vehicles, do some research, visit a dealership, and talk with your auto insurance agent about which type might be best suited for you. 

By: Lisa D.
Lisa D. has almost 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including over 15 years at Acuity. Before starting at Acuity, she obtained her P&C license and sold personal insurance. She keeps a pulse on industry trends while continuing to specialize in developing and updating personal auto insurance products. On top of that, Lisa has her Association in General Insurance (AINS) and Associate in Personal Insurance (API) designations. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys cooking, photography, and spending time with her family. The last two go hand in hand, as she takes pictures of her kids every day.

Author of Auto Focus