How Much Power Does an Electric Car Use?

The amount of power an electric vehicle requires depends on several variables, including: the type of EV you choose how much you drive the battery system you incorporate into your solar PV system Since electric cars don't rely on gasoline, the EPA has a different rating system from the traditional miles per gallon. Instead, the EPA rates EVs on the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) it takes for the car to drive 100 miles. For example, the 2020 BMW i3 requires 30 kWh to drive 100 miles, while the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range only requires 26 kWh to go an equal distance. The EPA converts this rating into "miles-per-gallon equivalent" (MPGe) to help consumers determine the most energy-efficient option on the market. When comparing the most energy-efficient EVs on the market, this government website offers complete information on the MPGe and kWh per 100 miles ratings.

What Equipment Do You Need To Charge An Electric Vehicle?

Remember that the solar panels needed to power your car are added to your home's energy requirements. So, for homeowners looking to achieve carbon zero status , you will need to slightly increase your solar PV array size to accommodate an EV's electricity requirements. Battery Storage Besides a solar panel, you will need a way to store the energy produced by your panels. This storage is necessary because most families rely on charging their EV overnight when the sun is not shining. There are many home battery storage options on the market today. For example, the Tesla Powerwall 2 is one of the best batteries on the market for EVs as it stores up to 13.5 kWh of energy. This capacity should be enough to help you meet your daily mileage requirements. Charging Station In addition, you will need a charging station (usually located in your garage or driveway) where you can plug in your car. We recommend level 2 chargers , as they offer much faster charging times. There are many options available. Like the ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger , some offer up to 37 miles for every hour of charging, thus radically reducing your overall charge time. This option is WiFi compatible, connecting to your smartphone to let you know how much time is left before your car reaches a full charge.

How To Set Up a Solar-Powered Car Charging Station for your Home