The future of automotive is electric: An FAQ about electric vehicles

As Volkswagen continues their pursuit of becoming a leader in sustainable mobility, they aim to educate and spread the word about their wide range of electric vehicles.

Although there is a global shift to electric automotive vehicles, many still have questions. Is there enough infrastructure to maintain an EV on a road trip? Is the carbon footprint of an electric car actually smaller than that of a gas car? The short answer to all these questions is yes, and we are here to answer all of them and more.

What are the different types of electric vehicles?

The three kinds of electric vehicles are Battery Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Plug-In Hybrid.

Battery electric vehicles are fully electric with no gas engine and are powered by electricity stored in the battery. An example of this is Volkswagen's ID.4. Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles are fully electric, with a gas engine, powered by split electrons from hydrogen molecules to produce electricity. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are not fully electric, have a gas engine and are powered by a combination of a gasoline engine and a rechargeable battery.

What's the difference between the three?

The differences between the three types of electric vehicles are in what powers them, their impact, and how they feel to drive. Whereas gas vehicles burn gasoline, EVs are powered by electricity stored in the battery, and they don't emit hydrocarbons.

What is the cost difference between gas and electric?

Right now, electric vehicles are more expensive than gas cars to purchase. However, government grants and rebates are available that can help customers purchase select electric vehicles. Electric vehicles also have fewer moving parts that can break down meaning less maintenance costs and no gasoline to buy. Overall, the total cost of owning an electric vehicle is less than owning one powered by gas.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Charging times depend on the vehicle, the type of charging station you use and the size of battery you have. With a Volkswagen ID.4, you can charge from 10% to 80% on the road in an estimated 30 minutes, meaning a 10 minute charge can add almost 100km of range on a DC fast-charger. At home, with the available Electrify Canada HomeStation, it can take as little as 7.5 hours to reach full charge.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

On average, home charging costs significantly less than an equivalent gas fill, and charging is free at some public stations. Assuming an average of $0.13/kWh, a 400 km EV could charge from empty to full, with only about $10 worth of electricity.

What's the lifespan of an electric car battery?

The lifespan of an electric car battery varies depending on the type of battery your car uses. Generally, electric vehicle batteries have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years within the car.

Check out Volkswagen's all-electric ID.4 as well as their entire electric lineup by clicking the CTA below.

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