What is an EV?

An EV is an electric vehicle. There are two kinds of EVs currently on the market: All Electric Vehicles (AEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).

AEVs run only on electricity. These models typically have a range of 80-100 miles on a single full charge, but some luxury models can reach a range of 300 miles and soon 500 miles. When the battery is depleted, the vehicle can be charged faster with a special installed Level 2 Charger, but can also be charged using the included Level 1 Charger that fits into a standard 120V outlet. AEVs consume no petroleum-based fuel and produce no tailpipe emissions.

PHEVs run on electricity for shorter ranges (15 to 50 miles), then switch over to an internal combustion engine running on gasoline when the battery is depleted. The flexibility of PHEVs allows drivers to use electricity as often as possible while also being able to fuel up with gasoline if needed. When driving distances are longer than the all-electric range, PHEVs act like traditional hybrid vehicles, consuming less fuel and producing fewer emissions than similar conventional vehicles.

Why Should I Buy an Electric Car?

Be ‘Green’ and Save Money
Electric vehicles cause less pollution than gasoline-powered vehicles and have lower operating costs. In Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C., it costs roughly half the price to charge your electric vehicle than it does to fill up a car with a tank of gas. AEVs also require less maintenance since there are simpler components and don’t require fluid changes like oil. Additionally, the federal government offers a tax credit worth up to $7,500 for most EV purchases.

Driving Perks
Driving an EV comes with its perks. For one, most models provide instant power and can be fun to drive. They also are quiet with the lack of engine noise when running in all electric mode. Best of all though is the HOV lane access. Both Maryland and Virginia allow EV drivers to use the HOV lanes – with some stipulations.

Eligible EVs registered in Maryland that also have a permit from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can use the state’s HOV lanes with just one occupant in the vehicle.

In Virginia, HOV rules have changed more recently and require all vehicles to pay. However, there are a few spots in the DC Metro area where an EV can still drive for free with the correct Clean Special Fuel plates. Feel free to use the HOV lanes on the Dulles Toll Road and on Washington, Patrick and Henry Streets in Alexandria. You can also use the I-95 and I-395 for free in an EV if you have your E-Z Pass set to HOV and are carpooling with three or more people.

Common Misconceptions About Electric Vehicles

1. EVs don’t have a long enough range. The average American drives 40 miles a day which is a fraction of the distance a full-charged EV can go. Also, if you’re going for longer drives such as a road trip, fast charging stations are a common site throughout the country nowadays.
2. EVs aren’t environmentally friendly because they still require electricity. EVs produce no to little emissions unlike gas-powered vehicles. Studies have shown greenhouse gas emissions are cut in half with an EV compared to a combustion engine vehicle. Anywhere that renewable energy is offered also makes your electric vehicle more environmentally friendly.
3. EVs take too long to charge. An electric vehicle does take longer to “fill up” than using gas, but cars typically spend 90% of their time parked. In that time, an EV can fully charge up in a manner of ways. There are many EV charging stations sprinkled throughout cities and even at shopping centers – you can often get premium parking near stores with an EV. As a commuter car, an EV can even be charged up over night at your home while you sleep, or you can opt to install a quick charger that gets the job done in as little as 30 minutes in some cases.
4. EVs are only good in ideal climates. Granted, you may lose some range in the coldest days of winter, but many people successfully drive their EVs daily in colder climates such as Norway, Iceland, Alaska or Canada. Keep your vehicle plugged in and in the garage when you’re at home and you won’t even notice a change.
5. EV batteries lose range over time. Electric Vehicles often come with an 8-year 100,000 mile warranty that covers any potential problems with your vehicle’s batteries. Over ten years, EVs are expected to retain 70 to 80% of their capacity.

Electric Vehicle FAQs

• Are Electric Vehicles and Zero Emission Vehicles the same thing? All 100% electric vehicles are zero emission vehicles. Plug-in Hybrid vehicles operate on a combination of gas and electric, and are considerably lower emissions than the average gas-powered vehicle.
• What is MPGe and how is it calculated? MPGe is the abbreviation for “miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent.” According to the EPA, burning one gallon of gas produces 115,000 BTUs (British thermal units). To generate the same amount of heat by way of electricity, it takes 33.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Kilowatt-hours is the standard energy unit for electricity. In simplified terms, if an electric vehicle can travel 100 miles on 33.7 kWh of electricity, the EPA rates it at 100 MPGe. As you can see, this would be a very efficient vehicle, because a gas car would have to travel 100 miles per gallon to be equivalent.
• How do I charge an EV? As mentioned before, EVs can be charged at home with the charger that comes with the car and can plug into a normal 120v outlet. Or quick chargers can be installed in your home too. Every electric vehicle on the road today is compatible with the U.S. standard Level 2 chargers, known in the industry as SAE J1772. Finding a compatible public charging station is easy – There are numerous apps and websites that allow you to find outlets—PlugShare, Open Charge Map, and ChargeHub, to name just three—and the best of the bunch will even tell you if the station is currently occupied or not. Level 2 provides decent charging speeds, around 20 to 25 miles of range in an hour. For a quicker charge of up to 80 percent of your battery's total capacity in around 30 minutes, you need to look for a DC fast charger.
• What models does Passport Auto offer? Currently, Passport Auto dealerships offer these models of AEV and PHEV vehicles: BMW i3, BMW X3 xDrive30e, BMW X5 xDrive45e, BMW 330e Sedan, BMW 530e Sedan, BMW 745e Sedan, Toyota Prius Prime, Toyota RAV4 Prime, Nissan LEAF, and MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door as well as a plethora of used and certified pre-owned options.