Basics of Electricity
Electric cars are gaining popularity. Whether you were on board since hybrids were first introduced to the market or if you don’t plan on ever owning your own, hybrids and EVs are on the rise and aren’t slowing their ascent. For the lovers, nonbelievers, and skeptics, we at Landers Toyota NWA want to introduce you to the basics of electricity. Well, electricity when it comes to the new cars rolling out. We probably won’t discuss Benjamin Franklin. EVs and hybrids, while arguably more complicated than a key on a kite, shouldn’t be so mysterious that customers shy away from buying one.
Let’s discuss the basics.
If you’re looking to buy a new Toyota hybrid, you can reserve one! Our team will gladly work with you throughout the entire process to make sure you get the car to fit your lifestyle. Click here to start.
Before we discuss details, here’s a list of Toyota’s current electric lineup:
- 2023 Toyota bZ4X
- 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Prius Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Venza Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
- 2022 Toyota Sienna Hybrid
Want to know which Toyota Hybrid is perfect for your family? Check out our blog and pick which one fits your needs.
Want the short version? Have a look at Toyota’s summary on electric vehicles.
The power that can be found within electric vehicles is not anything to scoff at.
Terms to Know
Volts: Volts is a measurement term. Volts measure voltage and the higher the voltage of a vehicle, the more power the vehicle will have.
Amps: Amps, another measurement term, is the short version of amperes. Amps measure the electric current. If you pair high voltage with a high current, the charging station will charge your vehicle faster.
Watts: Wattage, watts for short, is how much energy is moved in a certain amount of time. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the vehicle is, but also the more power it’ll need to work properly.
Kilowatt-Hours: Kilowatt-Hours (kWh) is the measurement term for the electric vehicle’s battery capacity. For example, one kWh = 1,000 watts in one hour. When in comparison to a primarily gas vehicle, the kWh is like the gas tank and miles per gallon.
AC/DC: (Not the band.) How electricity makes the vehicle move, and how the electricity charges up the vehicle in general. AC, alternating current, is the best way for electricity to travel distances, but DC, direct current is how batteries use electricity.
The random passerby on the street may not be able to tell you exactly how the gas makes their car move, but they’re more likely to know “I put gas in my car, and it goes.” Gas vehicles have been around for a while, and gas is a tangible liquid. (We don’t advise you to hold gasoline in your hands). Electricity? Not so much.
For the at-home chargers, a Level 2 charging station will need to be installed. If you’re on the road and need a charge, you can find a Level 2 or a Level 3 charging station around. Level 3 charging stations are for quick charging. Both levels can be found at public charging stations around the U.S.
Looking for a Charging Station in Northwest Arkansas? Here’s a list of the ones around!
Whether you’re excited about it or not, electric rides are becoming more common. A perk of their rising popularity is, that the more electric vehicles on the road, the more access to EVs and charging stations there will be.
Have any questions or comments about electric vehicles or electricity? Let us know in the comments!
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