Plugging Into the Future
A Guide to Understanding Electric Vehicles
We independently review every item we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission that helps us continue to make quality content for you. Thanks for your support!
Electric vehicles may be going mainstream, but the public still has questions. Lots of them. Plugging Into the Future is a weekly column that answers common questions that pop up over and over again among drivers who are researching their first electric vehicle (also known as an ‘EV’) purchase. We will answer basic questions such as “How much does it cost to charge an EV?” and “What is the proper etiquette for public charging?” as well as address slightly more advanced topics such as “Why is aerodynamic drag so important?”
If you have a question you’d like to see answered, let us know in the comments section below!
This Week’s Topic
Do EVs and Water Mix? (Unplugging an EV in the Rain and Associated FUD)
TL;DR Most everyone has learned, seemingly from toddlerhood, that electricity and water do not mix. So, what about an EV? It’s electric, right? Is it safe to plug or unplug your EV in the rain? Can you take your EV through a car wash? Can you drive an EV through a...
Do EVs and Water Mix? (Unplugging an EV in the Rain and Associated FUD)
TL;DR Most everyone has learned, seemingly from toddlerhood, that electricity and water do not mix. So, what about an EV? It’s electric, right? Is it safe to plug or unplug your EV in the rain? Can you take your EV through a car wash? Can you drive an EV through a...
Do EVs and Water Mix? (Unplugging an EV in the Rain and Associated FUD)
Is it safe to plug or unplug your EV in the rain? Drive through a car wash or a puddle? Do EVs and water mix? Keep reading for these answers and more.
By John Higham
John has been driving electric for 12 years. He served on the Electric Vehicle Association Board of Directors for three years. His first EV was a Miata, converted in his garage. Since then, he has owned seven other EVs. John recently retired from aerospace after 32 years of building spacecraft. In retirement, he looks forward to working to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility.
Previous Topics
2024 EV Tax Credit Exclusive: 5 Crucial Things You Need to Know
TL;DR Starting in 2024, consumers will have the option to transfer their $7,500 EV Tax Credit to the dealer at the...
What’ll It Cost to Charge My Car at Home? 4 Things You Need to Know
How much will it cost to charge my car? How long will it take? These questions get asked over and over on social media, but the answer is surprisingly simple.
The 2 Most Important Things That Define EV Drivability
Drivability is far more than just a charging rate. Think of it as how long it takes to put miles back into the car when the battery SOC is low or even zero.
EV Charging Is a Curve – Saying an EV Charges at 190 KW Is Just Propaganda
Is charging speed really an important differentiator for EVs? Yes, but it probably isn’t the most important metric. And that’s because EV charging is a curve.
3 Important Things to Know When Troubleshooting EV Charging Problems
“Help! My car won’t charge!” Without any more information to go on, troubleshooting EV charging problems is next to impossible. But it doesn’t have to be.
By John Higham
John has been driving electric for 12 years. He served on the Electric Vehicle Association Board of Directors for three years. His first EV was a Miata, converted in his garage. Since then, he has owned seven other EVs. John recently retired from aerospace after 32 years of building spacecraft. In retirement, he looks forward to working to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility.
This blog is a great service. Thank you for putting it together.