EV Basics
Discover essential information about electric vehicles, including benefits, types,
and charging options to help you make informed decisions for a greener lifestyle.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
Internal combustion engine vehicles are powered solely by fossil fuels (gas or diesel). The most common vehicle seen on the road.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
PHEVs can run on electricity, but additionally have a smaller internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. In some models the internal combustion engine can recharge the battery or in other cases directly power the wheels. This allows for longer driving ranges.
PHEVs have an average range of 20-50 miles in “EV mode” given typical driving conditions, greatly reducing fuel costs and emissions. PHEVs use 14-47% less fuel than other conventional ICE vehicles. If electricity is unavailable, PHEV can solely run on gasoline.
What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that uses an electric motor and battery to run, instead of a gasoline engine. EVs can be recharged from an external source.
Types of EVs
There are three common types of electric vehicles on the market today. The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and the most common, battery electric vehicle (BEV) also referred to as an “all-electric vehicle”. As seen in the illustration below, the three common electric vehicles (EVs) internal components are compared to the grey average gasoline fueled vehicle known as an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). The infographic expresses a colorful visualization of the varying vehicles and their reliance on electricity.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
HEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine along with one or more electric motors that store energy in batteries. HEVs cannot plug-in to an external source of electricity, instead the vehicle uses regenerative braking and the ice engine to charge the battery. Regenerative braking occurs when the driver brakes and the electric motor captures and stores the energy that is often lost while braking.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
BEVs are solely powered by electricity and require to be plugged into an electricity source. The most common BEV seen on the road is Tesla.
It is important to note that each EV’s range, battery capacity, and features depend on the year, make, and model of the vehicle. Each year we see more EV models hit the market. There are all-electric sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, pick-up trucks, transit buses, and even refuse trucks!
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Impacts
Electric vehicles in Oklahoma significantly reduce carbon emissions by replacing traditional gasoline-powered cars. By utilizing cleaner energy sources, EVs lower greenhouse gas output, contributing to improved air quality. This transition not only helps mitigate climate change but also promotes sustainable transportation, enabling Oklahoma to take a proactive stance in reducing its carbon footprint.
Oklahoma vs National Average Transportation Carbon Emissions
- 2,727lbs CO2 NAE – 2,227lbs CO2 OKAE = 500 lbs CO2 difference
- (500/2,727) x100 = 18% (rounded) (OK produces 18% less of CO2 lbs/yr than National Average Emissions)
Current Oklahoma EV Registrations + Emissions Saved Calculations
- 22,845 (OK EV Registered) x 12,597 (ICE emissions DOE) = 287,778,465 CO2 lbs /yr
- 22,845 (EV Registered) x 2,227 (OK EV Emissions) = 50,875,815 CO2 lbs
- 287,778,465 lbs CO2 – 50,875,815 lbs CO2 = 236,902,650 lbs of CO2 saved with OK EVs
Findings
- Oklahoma produces 18% less of CO2/yr for charging compared to National Average
- Oklahoma avoids 236,902,650 lbs of CO2/ year (2022) with our current registered EVs in the state
Oklahoma GHG Emission Inventory References
The following was sourced from Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ):
- Oklahoma total GHG emissions of CO2 in 2020 = 89,214,943 lbs CO2
- On-road emissions = 31.92% = 28,479,010
Oklahoma Vehicle Emissions References
The following was sourced from the Alternative Fuels Data Center:
- National Average for EV emissions: 2,727 lbs of CO2 equivalent
- EV GHG emissions in Oklahoma: 2,227 lbs of CO2 equivalent
- Meaning EVs in OK emit 500lbs of CO2 less than the national average
- Gas car emissions in Oklahoma: 12,597 lbs of CO2 equivalent
Which EV Persona Are You?
EV Terminology
Level 1 Charging
Charging your EV using a common household outlet up to 120v. Level
1 is the slowest method of charging and can take up to 24 hours or more to full charge your EV.
Combined Charging System (CCS)
Another method to quickly charge electric vehicles through a special electric connection. CCSs often use the SAE J1772, which is the North American electrical standard for Electric Vehicles.
Tesla Supercharger
A super-fast charging system that can provide up to 120 kW directly to the car’s battery. Currently these systems are only available to Teslas.
Level 2 Charging
Charges your EV at 240v using an installed outlet. Level 2 chargers are the most recommended chargers to EV owners. Depending on your EV model and charger, Level 2 can charge your vehicle 5x as quickly as Level 1 which translates up to 26 miles per hour of charging.
kWh (Kilowatt hour)
A unit of electric power.
GHG (GreenHouse Gas)
A gas such as Carbon Dioxide that contributes to global warming through the absorption of infrared radiation.
LIB (Lithium-ion battery)
Also known as a Li-ion, it is a common rechargeable battery.
Regenerative Braking
A method of braking used by EVs in which energy from the braking of the vehicle is stored and used, increasing the vehicle’s efficiency.
Off Peak Charging
Charging your EV at certain off-peak hours, lower prices.
Level 3 Charging
Also known as DC charging, the fastest method of charging for all EVs. It can fully charge an EV battery in about half an hour. Level three chargers are currently rare as they’re very expensive and require more power. Overuse can damage the battery.
SAE J1772
The standard North American electrical connection for Electric Vehicles. Generally works with Level 1 and Level 2 systems.
Battery Management System
An electronic system within the Vehicle that manages and protects the battery.
V2G (Vehicle-to-grid)
A system that allows Electric Vehicles to communicate with the power grid to manage the flow of electricity in either direction.