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How Do Electric Cars Work?

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Aug 10, 2020

People are finally catching on: electric vehicles are among the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of transportation today.

More than one-third of all prospective car buyers in the U.S. would consider buying an electric vehicle in the next two years1. And for good reason: there has never been a better time to own an electric car.

Three Types of Electric Vehicles:

  1. The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

  2. A hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an electric propulsion system.

  3. The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

  4. A hybrid electric vehicle that uses rechargeable batteries for energy.

  5. The Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

  6. An all-electric vehicle without an internal combustion engine.

Why Battery Electric Vehicles Are the Crowned Winner

  • Less Pollution

  • On average, driving an electric vehicle produces emissions at less than half the rate of its gas-guzzling counterpart2.

  • Greater Savings

  • On average, it costs about half as much to drive an all-electric vehicle than one that’s powered by gas3.

    New electric vehicle owners are also eligible to receive incentives like federal tax income credits and grants.

    Programs like Nissan Energy Perks by EVgo provide further incentive by giving charging credits for use on its network.

  • Energy Efficiency

  • All-electric vehicles convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power the vehicle. Gas-powered vehicles only convert about 15% of the energy stored in gasoline4. This means a healthier planet and cleaner emissions too.

    EV owners can also tap into renewable energy by accessing EVgo’s network of charging stations, powered entirely by 100% renewable energy.

The First Of Its Kind

When Nissan released the Nissan LEAF in 2010, it became the first major manufacturer to produce a modern, all-electric, zero tailpipe emission family hatchback for the mass market. It’s been more than ten years since the car’s release, and the technology propelling it forward remains a modern marvel. New Nissan LEAFs are better than ever.

How the Nissan Leaf Works

  • Charging Station

    • Provides energy to power the vehicle

  • Charge Port

    • Connects charging station to vehicle

  • Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery

    • Gives DC power to the motor

  • Inverter

    • Converts the direct current (DC) of an electrical charge into an alternating current (AC)

  • AC Motor

    • Converts AC power into mechanical energy that powers the wheels

  • Drivetrain

    • Distributes power from the motor to the wheels

  • On-board Charger

    • Controls AC charging for user safety and battery health

  • E-Pedal

    • Activates regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy into electricity that powers the battery

The magic happens because of the large lithium-ion battery mounted along the base of the car. When depleted, the battery accesses grid electricity to recharge.

Thre Ways To Charge The Nissan LEAF

Level 1 Charging

  • Uses a standard electrical outlet to charge the LEAF

  • Voltage: 120 V

  • Electrical Current: AC

  • Charge Rate: 3-5 miles of range per hour

  • Location: Residential

Level 2 Charging

  • Uses a dedicated electrical circuit to charge the LEAF

  • Voltage: 240V

  • Electrical Current: AC

  • Charge Rate: 10-20 miles of range per hour

  • Location: Residential & Public

Fast Charging

  • The fastest way to charge the LEAF

  • Voltage: 480V+

  • Electrical Current: DC

  • Charge Rate: 80% charge in about 30 minutes

  • Location: Public

Charge the Nissan LEAF Using Fast Charging

Locate a DC fast charger in your area.

Plug into the charging station using the appropriate connector.

Recharge your electric vehicle.

How To Locate A Fast Charger

EVgo is the largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles in the country.

EVgo owns and operates more than 800 fast charging locations and more than 1,000, Level 2 chargers in 66 metropolitan markets. EVgo chargers complement your lifestyle and can be found at popular supermarkets, shopping malls, retail stores, and more!

See all locations: evgo.com/charging-locations/

Nissan Energy Perks by EVgo®

Nissan is partnering with EVgo on a charging program. This program gives retail customers purchasing or leasing a new Nissan LEAF in participating markets a charging credit to use within the EVgo and EVgo roaming partners charging networks.

Learn more by visiting nissanenergyperks.com