5 Common questions on switching to an EV—answered
Find out about charging your EV with bp pulse
The future is electric, and there are so many reasons for switching from a gas- or diesel-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle (EV).
If you’re considering making the leap, you are probably taking into account several factors and have many questions. Here are some of the answers you’re looking for to dive deeper into how an EV can work for you.
1. How easy is finding charging when I’m out and about?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are more than 83,000 charging stations from coast to coast, meaning it’s completely feasible to use public charging to fill up amid a long road trip, or just recharge for your daily commute. At bp pulse, we’re building a network of ultrafast chargers in accessible locations from across the US. Download our app or visit our live map to find chargers near you or plan ahead for your next road trip.
2. I’ve heard about range anxiety—what is it and how can I avoid it?
Range anxiety is a frequently used term to describe a fear or preoccupation of running out of charge and being stranded. If you’ve ever taken a chance on driving with low gas or even with a tank on “E” empty, you’ve experienced a similar feeling. Much like managing a gas tank responsibly, range anxiety can be avoided with proper planning. Leveraging the right combination of home charging, workplace charging, and charging on the go allows you to maintain enough battery for daily treks or long journeys alike. With research from the U.S. Department of Energy, we know that electric vehicles in 2024 had a median range of 283 miles and a maximum battery range of over 500 miles. With these EV advancements, you can have peace of mind your EV will go the distance.
3. How long does it take to charge an EV?
Much like knowing the tank capacity of a gas car and the fuel octane, to understand how long it will take to charge an EV you need to know the battery capacity of the EV, and the amount of electricity the charger you’re going to use will provide. You can use these factors to determine how much electricity the car can take and how quickly–as well as factors like the make and model of the vehicle, its condition, and the weather. Depending on if you’re leveraging a Level 1, Level 2, or DC Fast Charger, your session can take as little as 20 minutes to an hour to reach 80% charge.
4. How much will it cost to use a public charger?
The cost to charge on the go at a public charging point can vary from location to location. There are multiple factors that affect your specific cost, including charging speed, battery capacity, and charging efficiency. Check out our article on how much it costs to charge your EV for more.
In some states, EV charging providers have also introduced Time of Use (ToU) pricing, meaning the price you pay to charge up your EV varies by time of day. By charging during off-peak hours, you could save money on your charging costs versus peak rates. Find out more about how ToU pricing works at bp pulse here.
5. Should I prioritize longer range or faster charging in choosing an EV?
When considering which EV is right for you, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. You may have your own preferences—whether faster charging or more range is more compatible with your lifestyle—and will need to consider what activities you will be using the vehicle for, just as you would when purchasing an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Set a budget for your EV and take a look at the models available to get a sense of possible range and charging speeds to narrow down your options, and what vehicle might best serve your transportation needs.
Exploring the world of electric vehicles might feel completely unknown and you may have lingering questions. The electrification movement has picked up speed over the last few years because businesses and individuals are finding out how transformational switching to EVs can be. There might be a bit of a learning curve in understanding EVs, how to choose the right one, and refueling it in a way that fits your life, but the payoff has unlimited potential.
