If you’ve never had an electric vehicle before, getting ready for one may seem like a daunting and extensive process. From setting up an electric vehicle home charger to understanding the different types of electrified models, there is a lot to learn. That’s why Santa Fe BMW has put together the ultimate guide to owning an electric car. Whether you’re interested in a BMW electric vehicle or curious about the preparation to switch from gas to electric, this guide will provide you with the information you need!
Below, we will talk about these topics:
Many drivers favor the environmental benefits of the electric models. Electric cars eliminate the use of gas, leading to significant long-term savings and a significant reduction in your carbon footprint. Eliminating the combustion engine also simplifies your annual maintenance significantly, offering another opportunity to save money.
While many models have extended ranges, all-electric models are perfect for Los Alamos, NM and White Rock, NM drivers who mainly make shorter trips around town.
Here are some of the key advantages to choosing an electric model:
Being powered solely by a battery, electric vehicles produce zero CO2 emissions. Whether you’re using an electric vehicle home charger or one in public, you might wonder, “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” Depending on the vehicle you have near Durango, CO and its battery size, the charging time may vary.
When charging your electric car at home, you have two charge port options: Level 1 and 2. Each has its own charge time, as detailed below:
On the other hand, you have public charging ports. Public ports pack more voltage than domestic ones. While charging at home, the chargers offer you 3.7 kW or 7 kW while public ports offer 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and 150 kW rapid charging. Depending on the power that the port has, you can fully charge your vehicle in 1 hour, 4 hours, 6 hours, or 11 hours.
Many charging options are available to drivers. These options all have their benefits that can make your daily drives much easier. See what EV charging options are available to you below:
Did you just buy a brand-new BMW electric vehicle online? Or are you curious about the preparation process? Whichever stage you may be at, you will need to look into getting your electric vehicle home charger set up and ready before you drive your new car home. Here are the steps:
It’s important to do your research on home chargers for electric cars. Remember, most in-home electric vehicle charging stations fall into Level 1 or Level 2.
If you haven’t organized your garage in a few years, now is the time to do that! Be sure to get your garage ready for an electric vehicle before the delivery. You’ll want to clean out clutter first if your garage has been used as a storage space for a long time, as it will need to be ready for the electric vehicle home charger.
The power panel in your home distributes electricity throughout the entire house. It should be rated for a maximum amount of current flow measured in Amperes. Most new homes come with a 100 Amp power panel, but there should be an amperage rating printed on your main circuit breaker. Then you’ll want to get a handle on how much electrical energy you consistently use in your house by performing a self-assessment of your electricity use before you install an electric vehicle charging system. It’s important that you don’t overload your electric distribution panel.
You’ll want to hire an electrician to discuss any concerns about your power consumption and adding EV charging. You can also have them install a dedicated 240-volt plug or add a hardwired circuit back to the power panel. This can cost several hundred dollars but could be up to $1,000 or $3,000 if the power panel is not sufficient as-is and requires upgrading.
If you haven’t already researched and purchased an EV charger at this point, it would be the time to do so and have it professionally installed by the electrician of your choice.
Do you have more questions about electrified models? Are you interested in learning more about BMW electric vehicles? Just contact our team, and we will be happy to tell you more! You can also stop by our showroom to experience our BMW electric cars in stock.
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