Fun Facts About Electric Cars

At BMW of Murrieta we know Corona and Riverside drivers are serious about fuel economy and vehicle performance, especially when it comes to electric cars. That doesn’t mean we can’t lighten up and enjoy some of the fun facts about electric cars. Get the inside scoop on the history of EVs, commercial electric vehicles, the ways vehicles can be electrified, and more. We’re sure these fun facts about electric cars will pique your interest and put you in mind to test-drive a sporty BMW i4. 

The First EV Was Built in 1884

One of the most surprising fun facts about electric cars is also how old they are. London innovator, Thomas Parker, was in charge of the city’s overhead tramway’s electrification. He designed and built the electric vehicle to reduce inefficiency. They were fueled by high-capacity rechargeable batteries.

EVs Include Cars, Transit Buses, Trucks & More

Electric vehicles don’t just come in sedan and SUV body styles. You can spot electric buses, FedEx vehicles, and heavy-duty zero-emissions trucks throughout the area. Electric trucks offer excellent economic savings as they’re cheaper to fuel and operate than diesel trucks. 

Charge Your Vehicle at Home, Work, or the Store

Many shoppers worry about buying EVs or plug-in hybrids because they don’t think there are enough charging stations. Not only are there more charging stations popping up in your area, but you can turn your garage into an at-home charging station. You can charge your vehicle at work, the grocery store, the mall, or any other major establishment. Having an EV doesn’t limit you to just charging your vehicle at home.

Popularity

Electric cars have a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. In the early 1900s, electric cars were popular among urban dwellers for their quiet operation and ease of use. By the 1900s, electric cars made up 28 percent of the marketplace, which is a surprising fact about electric cars. However, the rise of cheap gasoline and the advent of mass-produced internal combustion engine vehicles led to the decline of electric cars until their resurgence in the 21st century.

There are Five Categories of Electric Vehicles

Most people know battery EVs, plug-ins, and hybrid vehicles, but there are five categories of electric vehicles.

1. Battery EVs run entirely on electric motors and batteries. They are recharged from a power grid.
2. Plug-in hybrids use rechargeable batteries, electric motors, and internal combustion engines. Their mileage range on the electric mode is generally around 30-40 miles per charge.
3. Hybrid EVs that use small electric batteries and internal combustion engines. Their batteries are charged by engines or through regenerative braking.
4. Extended-range EVs use rechargeable batteries and internal combustion engines. Engines or power grids charge their batteries.
5. Neighborhood EVs use batteries that are recharged from a 120-volt grid. They can reach a maximum speed of 30 mph.

Learn More About Electric Vehicles With BMW of Murrieta

We hope our fun facts about electric vehicles have you wanting to learn more about what EVs have to offer for the way you drive in Ontario. To learn more you’re welcome to contact us or stop by our showroom with your questions. If you’re unsure which type of EV is the best fit for you, our sales associates can help assess your driving needs and match you to the right BMW. We also invite you to browse our BMW research hub where you can find many articles about making the switch to an EV. We’re here to make the transition to electric an easy one.