Frequently asked questions about the electric car: everything you need to know

Electric cars are rapidly transforming the automotive market due to a growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. However, many people have concerns about the cost, range, charging times, and reliability of these vehicles. This article answers frequently asked questions to help you evaluate whether an electric car is the right choice for you.

How much does it cost to recharge an electric car?

One of the main advantages of electric cars is fuel cost savings, but is it really that affordable? Charging at home with a subsidized tariff can cost between €0.20 and €0.25 per kWh, although there are differences between regions and countries. This translates into a cost of only €2 to €4 to travel 100 km, a clear saving over internal combustion vehicles.

Public charging stations, on the other hand, offer a practical solution but, for obvious tax reasons, have somewhat higher costs that still offer, with AC recharging, a savings of 25 percent over traditional fuels.

The spread of charging stations is improving year after year across Europe, thanks in part to the work of companies like Powy, there are still areas where finding a charging station can be complicated. In summary, the affordability of charging depends a lot on how and where you decide to refuel your vehicle; if you are forced to use only public columns, the savings may be less obvious, but real, especially by taking advantage of promotions and possible subscriptions.

💡 Useful tools:
To get a clear idea, check out the European charging cost comparator: Electric Vehicle Recharging Prices.

What is the range of electric cars?

Another common concern among potential electric car buyers is range anxiety: will I be able to cover my daily commute without problems? The basic electric car models currently available on the market generally offer a range of 300 to 400 km on a single charge.

This is more than sufficient for most daily trips. However, high-end models can achieve up to 600-700 km of range, but often at a price that exceeds €50,000.It is also important to consider the variables that can affect the vehicle's range.

For example, driving style has a significant impact: frequent acceleration and high speeds consume more energy. In addition, factors such as climate and the use of accessories such as heating or air conditioning can reduce range by 20-30%. If you drive many miles a day or make frequent long trips, planning stops to recharge becomes a necessary trade-off.

💡 Tip: Plan long trips by using dedicated apps to locate charging stations along the way, such as the Powy Charge app.

How long does it take to recharge an electric car?

We are used to refueling in minutes with traditional cars, but with electric cars the situation is different. Charging takes time and this may not fit your lifestyle. Using a domestic (AC) charging station, a full charge can take up to 12 hours. This solution is perfect for those who have the ability to recharge overnight.

Fast charging stations (DCs) are an attractive alternative because they can recharge 80 percent of the battery in only 20 to 30 minutes. However, these stations are not always available and may require specific subscriptions to access them. In conclusion, if you have a stable and predictable routine in your daily life, charging times will not be a significant problem, taking advantage of the many places we frequent daily to charge our car, such as shopping malls, gyms, hotels, restaurants or public parking lots.

Are electric cars reliable?

The simplicity of the electric motor is one of the strengths of electric cars: fewer moving parts generally mean fewer mechanical failures. Battery warranties are often very long, reaching up to 10 years or 160,000 km. Moreover, real-world tests have shown that even after eight years, batteries retain about 70-80% of their original capacity.However, there are also downsides to consider.

Battery replacement can be extremely expensive: prices can exceed €10,000, although these costs are expected to decrease over time. In addition, problems related to the reliability of the car's software may arise-though this is rare. In short, problems are less frequent but may be more complex to solve.

💡 Thanks to energy recovery technology, such as regenerative brakes, overall vehicle wear and tear is very limited. Find out more here.

How much does it cost to maintain an electric car?

When it comes to maintenance of electric cars, it is true that they require less work than internal combustion vehicles. There are no oil changes to be made and no filters or spark plugs to be changed regularly. In addition, regenerative brakes help reduce wear and tear on conventional brakes. However, there are also hidden costs to consider.

Some insurance for electric cars tends to be higher because the initial value of the vehicle is higher than for conventional models. In addition, any specialized work for engine or software failures may not be available everywhere and may result in unexpected additional costs.

💡 Long-term savings: Studies show that electric car owners save up to 30-50% on maintenance costs compared to a conventional car. For details on total cost of ownership: Electric Vehicles Total Cost of Ownership Tool.

Environmental and social benefits

The issue of theenvironmental impact of electric cars can be better understood by considering the balance between benefits and challenges. While on the road, electric cars produce no direct emissions of greenhouse gases or air pollutants, contributing significantly to the reduction of urban pollution. According to a study published in Nature Sustainability, the adoption of electric vehicles can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 50 percent compared to conventional vehicles, especially where the cars are recharged with energy derived from renewable sources.

Although battery production results in significant environmental impacts, life-cycle analyses indicate that the use of electric cars quickly offsets these initial emissions due to higher energy efficiency and no emissions during use. This makes electric cars a more sustainable choice in the long term than internal combustion vehicles, while requiring further improvements in battery management and manufacturing processes.

Make the right choice with Powy

In conclusion, the adoption of electric cars is an increasingly beneficial choice, both economically and environmentally. With the expansion of the charging network, Powy plays a crucial role in this process, offering hundreds of charging stations in Italy and Spain and a dedicated app, Powy Charge, which simplifies trip planning and charging management.

With advanced features such as station location and consumption monitoring, Powy makes the charging experience more accessible and intuitive. With its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Powy not only facilitates the transition to electric vehicles, but also helps reduce CO₂ emissions, promoting a greener future for all.

About Powy

Powy is a company that owns, develops and operates Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, with a growing presence in Spain as well.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy