As more people become interested in electric vehicles (EV), many around Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, and East Stroudsburg, PA, still have questions about these innovative cars. To help demystify EVs, the team at Ray Price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) can help answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Read through some electric vehicle FAQs here. If you're near Stroudsburg or Scranton, you can also visit us to test drive an electrified car.

What's the Difference Between an Electric Vehicle, Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle, and Hybrid Vehicle?

In short, electric vehicles are powered entirely by electricity, while plug-in hybrid vehicles combine an electric motor and battery with a gasoline engine. Hybrid vehicles also use both an electric motor and gasoline engine, but the battery is charged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered entirely by a battery and run on electricity alone. These vehicles don't come with an engine, which means they don't require yearly oil changes. EVs use regenerative braking to help recharge the battery while driving. When the driver applies the brakes, the electric motor converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity, which is stored in the battery. Since these vehicles run completely on electricity, they require charging in order to run.  

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) combine an electric motor and battery with a gas engine. PHEVs can run on electricity alone for a certain distance before the gasoline engine takes over, making them more versatile than fully electric vehicles. PHEVs use regenerative braking to recharge the battery, just like EVs. As the name suggests, they also need to be plugged in to take full advantage of the electric motor.

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles (HEVs) also combine an electric motor and gasoline engine, but the battery is charged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking. HEVs cannot run on electricity alone; however, they greatly improve fuel efficiency and don't need to plug in to charge.

How Do I Charge an Electric Vehicle?

There are three different ways to charge an electric vehicle. The simplest option is a standard wall outlet. If you want to charge more quickly, then you can install a Level 2 charging station in your home. Level 2 charging stations require a 240-volt outlet and can charge an EV in a few hours. Most public charging stations utilize DC fast charging. DC fast-charging stations are the quickest way to charge an EV and can charge up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

Where Do I Charge an Electric Vehicle?

You can find EV charging stations in public places like parking garages, shopping centers, and gas stations. Pennsylvania has over 1,200 public charging stations for electric vehicles, located in public places, such as parking garages and shopping centers. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers grants to install public charging stations, helping to encourage widespread EV adoption.

Charging stations across PA include Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast-charging stations, making it easy for EV owners to charge their vehicles while away from home. The state's public-charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding, making it easier than ever for EV owners to travel throughout the state and beyond.

Ask Us Your EV Questions

Are you ready to get firsthand experience with an EV, PHEV, or HEV near Tobyhanna, Scranton, or Stroudsburg, PA? It's the best way to get all your electrical vehicle questions answered. Drivers near Mount Pocono and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, can contact Ray Price CDJR to test drive an EV today!