Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Vehicles
Posted on June 9, 2023
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly gaining prominence in today’s market with more model options than ever, and growing consumer interest. If you're considering a Hyundai EV, such as the brand-new Hyundai Ioniq 6 or the Hyundai Kona EV, you might have several questions about the shift to electric. This article aims to address the most frequently asked questions about electric vehicles.
Do I Need to Install a Charger at Home, and How Much Does it Cost?
While it's not necessary to install a home charger, having one can make charging your Hyundai EV more convenient. The cost of a home charging station varies depending on its type and the cost of installation. A Level 2 home charger, which can charge your EV faster than a standard wall outlet, typically costs between $750 to $1,000, plus installation. However, you will want to inquire about available incentives and rebates in your area as many cities and regions have programs to encourage the installation of a home charging station.
How Much Will Charging Cost in a Given Month?
The cost of charging will vary greatly depending on your use, area, and time of year. That said, you can expect to save roughly 75% of your current fuel expenditures with an electric vehicle.
How Much Range Will I Lose in Winter?
Like any vehicle, an EV's range can be affected by cold weather. The exact amount can vary, but a drop of about 20-30% in severe cold is not uncommon. However, Hyundai's EVs are designed with thermal management systems that help mitigate range loss in cold weather.
Does Driving on the Highway Significantly Impact Range?
Highway driving can affect an EV's range due to the higher speeds and, consequently, higher energy consumption. However, driving habits and use of amenities like air conditioning or heating can also impact the range. Hyundai EVs, with their efficient powertrain and aerodynamic designs, are engineered to minimize these impacts. Still, you shouldn’t lose more than 10-20% of your EVs range during highway driving.
How are EV Rebates Calculated?
EV rebates vary depending on the model, battery size, and the province or federal incentives applicable in your location. The rebate is applied directly at the dealership and is calculated as a cash deposite. In other words, the $5,000 offered by the Canadian iZEV program on the Hyundai Ioniq 5, for example, is calculated after taxes.
Do I Have to Compromise Interior Space When I Buy an EV?
No. While EVs need to accommodate batteries, they actually have less components that intrude on the interior, providing more space than a gas-powered vehicle of similar size. For instance, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 provides ample interior space despite its sedan format. The table below shows how another Hyundai EV, the Ioniq 5, compares to the Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai Santa Fe in terms of exterior dimensions and interior space.
| Model | Length, Overall | Front Head Room | Front Leg Room |
| 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 4,636 mm | 1,011 - 1,046 mm | 1,138 mm |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 4,630 mm | 968 - 1,019 mm | 1,052 mm |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe | 4,785 mm | 1,016 mm | 1,052 mm |
As you can see, the Ioniq 5 is roughly the same size as the compact Hyundai Tucson in length, but it offers more front legroom and head room than both the Tucson and larger midsize Santa Fe.
Can an Electric Vehicle Be My Only Vehicle?
Yes, an electric vehicle can certainly be your only vehicle. With Hyundai's new electric vehicles offering over 400 km of range in most models, and up to 581 km in the Ioniq 6, most drivers will find that a Hyundai EV can meet their daily driving needs. The suitability of an EV as your only vehicle will largely depend on your lifestyle and driving habits, but with the expanding charging infrastructure and Hyundai's class-leading range, EV ownership is more convenient than ever.
Transitioning to an electric vehicle is a significant step, but it doesn’t have to mean you are compromising on versatility or convenience. While there may be some adjustments required, the benefits of driving a Hyundai EV — from the environmental impact to the potential cost savings — make it a worthwhile consideration.