Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Commercially produced electric vehicles (EV) are a reality in Virginia today, and Virginia is
well-positioned physically and economically to be a leader in electric vehicles. Embracing electric vehicle
use in Virginia will assist statewide efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, increase energy independence, and
generate positive economic development for the Commonwealth.
What is an Electric Vehicle?
In an electric vehicle (EV), a battery or other energy storage device is used to store the
electricity that powers the onboard chargers; others plug into a charger located outside the vehicle. Both
types, however, use electricity that comes from the power grid or through stationary renewable energy.
Although electricity production may contribute to air pollution, EVs are considered zero-emission vehicles
because their motors produce no exhaust or emissions.
A variety of electric vehicles are available such as the Nissan Leaf, the Chevy Volt and Ford Focus.
Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), are being manufactured by a variety of companies. These small vehicles are
commonly used for neighborhood commuting, light hauling, and delivery. Their use is limited to areas with 35 mph
speed limits or for off-road service on college campus or at airports or resort areas.
Visit our Resources page and
visit Virgina Clean Cities, for more information on EVs.
Check out the City of Richmond’s
Department of Planning and Development
Review for FAQs, information on tax breaks, installation costs, a site selection checklist and much more on EVs.
Facts about the types of EV’s:
Vehicle Technologies Program
The US Department of Energy has created a handbook for electric vehicle customers covering
everything from the basics and benefits of your new EV to how to maintain it. To view the “Plug-In
Electric Vehicle Handbook for Consumers”, please click here.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it really that energy efficient?
Electric motors convert 75 percent of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels—internal
combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20 percent of the energy stored in gasoline.
How am I helping the environment?
EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them.
Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.
How do they perform?
Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than ICEs.
I don’t want to be dependent on foreign oil, will this help?
Absolutely, electricity is a domestic energy source.
What’s the average driving range?
Most EVs can only go about 100–200 miles before recharging—gasoline vehicles can go over 300 miles before
refueling.
How long does it take to recharge?
Fully recharging the battery pack can take 4 to 8 hours. Even a "quick charge" to 80 percent capacity
can take 30 min.
How much is the battery going to cost?
The large battery packs can be expensive and may need to be replaced one or more times, it’s best to
research this dependent on the make and model of the EV.
How big is the battery?
Battery packs are heavy and take up considerable vehicle space. Again, it’s best to check with the
particular make and model you are looking at investing in.
However, researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving range
and decrease recharging time, weight, and cost. These factors will ultimately determine the future of EVs.
Richmond Charge Stations
A special thank you to Virginia Clean Cities for the great EV logo.
You can visit their page by clicking the logo above to find out more information about EV's in Virginia.
