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So I have a couple of naïve questions regarding electric vehicles. When I was in Portugal last week, I stopped to get some coffee and a pastry along the A1, I noticed a driver plugging in his electric car. Again I am sorry to be naïve, but how does that work in terms of charges and fees? Obviously, with diesel or gasoline you pay by the volume that you pump into your vehicle. Are electric cars charged by the amount of time they are hooked up to a charging station in a public area like this? If so, how much are these charges? It’s difficult to know what kind of vehicle to purchase if you don’t have an understanding of all of the costs.
And another question is: if one where to purchase an electric vehicle and they wanted to get a charging station installed at their home how much does something like this cost?
Up until now I have been thinking I will just get a cheap used car that runs on diesel, but perhaps this is incredibly shortsighted.
Clearly, it’s lame to think that fossil fuel-based vehicles are The Future. The frugal side of me says just get a used, reliable fossil fuel-based car, but perhaps I should spend a little bit more and get something that’s better in the long term, and better for the planet. Although those in NE Portugal that might possibly be displaced by lithium mining would certainly have an opinion about the environment and electric vehicles.
And I won't be getting a Tesla. Musk has decided that it’s cool to be a troll, and I ain’t gonna feed him.
Thanks for posting this - I have the same questions. Don't even know where to start in shopping for an electric vehicle.
The cost of charging a electric car depends mostly on the type of charger. The faster the charger, more expensive it is, so ideally you should charge your car at home, much cheaper and at a slower pace (fast charges tend to degrade the battery faster, AFAIK). Each provider has his own prices, and there are cards that give you access to the public chargers. You can see it here: https://www.deco.proteste.pt/auto/carros-eletricos/noticias/carros-eletricos-apoios-compra-condicoes/comercializadores-de-energia-para-veiculos-eletricos
You can install a charger (Wallbox) at home/your garage, the cost depends on the type/capacity of the Wallbox.
I don't have a electric car (I wish), that's info I got from reading around for several years.
Several folks here have electric cars, so they can provide more accurate info from personnal experience.
Oh, and regarding brand new electric cars, you can see here the available models in Portugal: https://www.deco.proteste.pt/auto/carros-eletricos/comparar (move on by clicking "Ver mais" in the bottom) or here: https://automoveiseletricos.com/categorias/eletricos/preco-asc
So I have a couple of naïve questions regarding electric vehicles.
I have the same questions.
I can give you first hand experience from owning a Tesla for 3 years in the U.S.
First, hands down the most fun vehicle i've ever owned. A pleasure to drive everyday and a pleasure to take on road trips*.
Charging: Done at home, you pay whatever the electric company charges you normally for your electricity, usually by the Kwh. There are some electric companies that have specific 'plans' for electric vehicles, I simply just charged at the normal rate I was being charged for electricity. Cost to install a 50AMP breaker and a 240v outlet in my garage, with permit, $600USD. Cost to charge my Tesla Model 3 SR+ each month in Las Vegas where my electricity was $.11Kwh, ~$30month (this is commuting to work approx 30mi roundtrip, 5 days a week)
Supercharging with a Tesla: Dependent on the Supercharging site, can vary by city and even by location within the same city. ~$.13-~$.36Kwh. Similar situation with other companies charging locations as well. Most likely higher here in Europe, i've not even looked into it so cant be positive.
Other benefits not noticed by many: No engine, only electric motors which are far less prone to needing maintenance. The only expenses I had in 3yrs was window washing fluid, and a 12v battery needed replacing (not uncommon in Las Vegas where your summer temps reach 117° and you have 60+ days over 100) replaced the 12v in my Audi approx every 3-4yrs as well.
*Road Trips are different in an electric vehicle than they are in a Gas/Diesel vehicle. Charging, while fast (on a Supercharger) can still be slower than filling a car with gas (unless you're at Costco) I enjoyed getting out of the car and stretching while charging and thus enjoyed road trips, others will find it annoying.
p.s. I really wanted to bring my Tesla with me but at the same time wanted to not have a vehicle, was able to sell it to a good friend (my ex wife) so I can still visit it when I go back to the states.
My baby...
