Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) from a petrol or diesel car requires understanding a few important factors to ensure you choose the best EV for your needs. At Arval, we’ve identified the five most important factors to consider when selecting an electric car. We're not focusing on brand, style, or space rather, the essentials : range, battery size, efficiency, charging speed, and the ability to handle specific tasks like towing or carrying roof boxes.
1. Range
While you may not have thought much about the range of your petrol or diesel car, it becomes a critical factor with EVs due to longer charging times compared to refueling. For most drivers, an EV range of over 300km is generally sufficient for everyday needs. Just like fuel consumption figures for conventional cars, EV range figures are based on official tests and may be slightly lower in real-world conditions. Think about your typical driving patterns longer range might not always be necessary if you prioritize other factors like efficiency or charging speed.
2. Efficiency
Efficiency in the key element in electric cars, it's usually measured in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100 km), similar to liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) for petrol or diesel vehicles. Occasionally, you may see it reversed as watt-hours per kilometer. For example, the MG 4 Luxury Long Range has an efficiency of 16.5kWh/100 km with a usable battery capacity of 77kWh, providing a range of 520 km. In comparison, the VW ID.3 with the same 77kWh battery but an efficiency of 15.4kWh/100 km delivers a range of 557 km. This shows that efficiency, not just battery size, plays a crucial role in range.
Additional equipment can significantly impact the range of an electric vehicle. For example, larger wheels, a panoramic roof, or a sports bumper may increase the car’s weight and reduce its aerodynamic efficiency. This added weight and resistance cause the vehicle to consume more energy, ultimately decreasing its range.
On the other hand, some optional features can actually improve efficiency. A heat pump, for instance, can help manage temperature more effectively, reducing the strain on the battery. Opting for smaller wheels or using a camera-based mirror system (if your model supports it) can also lower energy consumption, helping to extend the vehicle’s range.
In summary, while certain upgrades can enhance aesthetics or comfort, it’s essential to consider how they might affect overall performance and range in an electric vehicle. Conversely, choosing efficiency-enhancing options can contribute to better energy usage and longer driving range.
3. Battery size
Battery size directly affects the range of an EV larger batteries generally mean longer ranges. Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and some cars offer multiple battery size options. For instance, the VW ID.3 comes with battery options ranging from 52kWh to 79kWh. It’s important to look at the usable battery capacity, as this figure will give you a better idea of real-world performance.
4. Charging speed (Rapid and Ultra-Rapid)
With petrol or diesel cars, refueling speed isn’t something you think about, but with EVs, charging speed can vary significantly. The speed depends on two factors: the capacity of the charging station and how fast your car can accept a charge. Rapid chargers deliver between 100kW and 150kW, while ultra-rapid chargers go above 150kW. However, your EV’s onboard charger dictates how much of this power it can take. Websites like EV Database can help you compare the charging capabilities of different EVs.
5. Home and public charging cpeeds
Most EV users will charge their vehicles at home or at public chargers. However, charging speeds can vary greatly between cars, sometimes by as much as double. For example, the Peugeot e-3008 accepts up to 11kW, which means a full charge of its 97kWh battery can take around 10 hours. In contrast, the Renault Scenic E-Tech comes with a standard 7kW charger but offers an optional 22kW charger, reducing charge time for its 87kWh battery to just 4.5 hours. This can be especially important for users who rely on public charging and need to minimize wait times. Such details are critical for customers to find the EV that best fits their usage patterns, and should be clearly displayed when selling vehicles.
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