EV 101

Benefits of Electrification

Economic Growth

Electric vehicles support over 65,392 Southeastern manufacturing jobs, an increase of 60% since July 2022. The region has also seen $60 billion invested in EV manufacturing, representing 98% growth from July 2022. The SE is in a unique position to lead in this space.

Lower Ownership Costs

EV owners can save over $700 a year in fuel and an additional $330 in annual maintenance costs. The retail price of EVs continues to decline and has reached parity in some models. Importantly, as of January 2024, the $7,500 federal rebate for a new EV will happen at the time of purchase lowering the price further.

Clean Air Healthy Florida

The transportation sector is the largest source of carbon pollution in the U.S. EVs in Florida emit 78% less carbon annually compared to gasoline-powered vehicles due to their lack of tailpipes. Transitioning our transportation systems to electric would eliminate tailpipe pollutants (like NOx, fine particulate matter, and carbon dioxide), reduce respiratory illness and save lives.

Retained Fuel Spending

If all of Florida's light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles were electric today, Floridian consumers would spend approximately $14.36 billion on electricity for charging. Over 70% of that spending – equal to $10.14 billion – would remain in the state where the electricity is sold. Therefore, electrifying transportation would retain an additional $1.9 billion when compared to Florida’s current spending on motor fuels.

Resilience

EVs could actually make the grid more resilient by supplying electricity back to the network when it's needed most. EVs can charge on solar and wind generation when it’s abundant, be programmed to avoid peak hours when the grid is strained, and have the potential to put electricity back onto the grid when demand peaks, supporting the grid and preventing blackouts.

Convenience

EV drivers never have to stop at a gas station, never need another oil change. With no oil and fewer moving parts, there is significantly less maintenance with an EV. Additionally, they can be powered at night while you sleep.

Types of EVs

Electric vehicles are any vehicle that has the ability to plug-in and accept electricity as an energy source. Plug-in electric vehicles are a category of vehicles that includes two basic types: Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) shown in blue that can fuel on electricity as well as gasoline and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) shown in green that are purely electric.

How EVs Work

Electric vehicles (EVs) work by storing energy in a large traction battery pack, which powers an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine. The motor drives the wheels through a transmission, while supporting systems such as the onboard charger, power electronics, and cooling system manage energy flow, charging, and temperature to keep the vehicle running efficiently.

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Batteries

The industry standard for electric battery warranties is 8 years or 100,000 miles. Some automakers only cover an EV's battery pack against a complete failure, while automakers like Tesla, Nissan and Volkswagen will honor the warranty if the capacity percentage drops below a specified threshold, typically 60-70 percent, during the warranty period.

Safety

Discussion of Electric Vehicle safety primarily focuses on safety resources and safety features. Understanding both puts a driver in the best possible position for a safe ride.

Safety Resources

Myths vs. Facts

Myth:

EVs are too expensive for Floridians.

Facts:

Consumers can save thousands on fuel and maintenance costs by purchasing EVs!

The federal government has enacted four tax credits that make it more affordable to purchase or lease an EV and to install charging infrastructure.

Myth:

I’m going to get stranded driving an electric car.

Facts:

All EVs can charge using a J1772 charging plug. Most EV drivers plug in overnight and travel is becoming easier with more fast-chargers coming online.