Compare Electric Vehicles
Find the perfect EV by comparing specs side-by-side
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Choose two electric vehicles to compare their battery capacity, range, charging time, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When comparing EVs, consider these key factors:
- Battery capacity and range: Ensure the EV can handle your regular commute without frequent charging.
- Charging speed and options: Look at both AC (home) charging rates and DC fast-charging capabilities.
- Efficiency: Higher miles/kWh means better energy usage and potentially lower operating costs.
- Price and incentives: Consider the total cost of ownership, including available tax credits.
- Vehicle size and cargo space: Make sure it meets your practical needs.
Both battery capacity and efficiency are important, but they serve different purposes:
Battery capacity (kWh) determines the total energy storage, which is a factor in range, but a larger battery also means:
- Higher vehicle weight
- Typically higher cost
- Longer charging times
Efficiency (miles/kWh) determines how effectively the vehicle uses stored energy and impacts:
- Real-world range in various conditions
- Energy costs per mile
- Environmental impact
For daily commuting, a more efficient EV with moderate battery capacity may be preferable. For long trips, a larger battery capacity might be more important.
Fast-charge time (10-80%) refers to how long it takes to charge an EV's battery from 10% to 80% capacity using DC fast charging.
This specific range is used because:
- Charging speeds are fastest between 10% and 80% of battery capacity
- Most EVs significantly slow charging above 80% to protect battery health
- It represents the typical charging session during long-distance travel
For example, if a vehicle shows a 30-minute fast-charge time, that means it takes approximately 30 minutes to go from 10% to 80% at a compatible fast-charging station. This metric is particularly important for road trips when you need to minimize charging stops.
Range estimates are typically based on standardized testing procedures, but real-world range can vary significantly based on:
- Weather conditions: Cold weather can reduce range by 10-40% due to battery chemistry and heating needs
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds significantly reduce efficiency
- Terrain: Hilly or mountainous routes require more energy
- Accessory use: Climate control, especially heating, can impact range
- Battery age: Older batteries typically hold less charge than new ones
A good rule of thumb is to expect 70-90% of the rated range in typical mixed driving, and plan accordingly for long trips.
Onboard charger power (kW) refers to the maximum AC charging rate the vehicle can accept from Level 1 (standard outlet) or Level 2 (home or public) charging stations. This is typically between 3.7 kW and 22 kW, and is used for:
- Home charging
- Workplace charging
- Most public charging stations
Fast-charging power (kW) refers to the peak DC charging rate the vehicle can accept at DC fast-charging stations like Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, or other networks. This can range from 50 kW to over 350 kW. This type of charging:
- Bypasses the onboard charger
- Delivers DC current directly to the battery
- Is used primarily for road trips and quick top-ups
For daily charging at home, the onboard charger rating is most relevant. For road trips, the DC fast-charging capability becomes more important.