Plugging Into the Future
A Guide to Understanding Electric Vehicles
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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
4 New Questions Regarding Ford’s Use of the NACS (f.k.a. Tesla’s Proprietary Plug) Standard
TL;DR Starting with the 2025 model year, Ford EVs will be made with the NACS plug. Not to be left out, current owners of the Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit vans will be given an adapter to allow them to charge at all 12,000 of Tesla's Supercharger stations....
4 New Questions Regarding Ford’s Use of the NACS (f.k.a. Tesla’s Proprietary Plug) Standard
TL;DR Starting with the 2025 model year, Ford EVs will be made with the NACS plug. Not to be left out, current owners of the Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit vans will be given an adapter to allow them to charge at all 12,000 of Tesla's Supercharger stations....
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.
4 New Questions Regarding Ford’s Use of the NACS (f.k.a. Tesla’s Proprietary Plug) Standard
TL;DR Starting with the 2025 model year, Ford EVs will be made with the NACS plug. Not to be left out, current owners of the Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit vans will be given an adapter to allow them to charge at all 12,000 of Tesla's...
Previous Topics
Are EVs More Expensive to Operate Than Gas Cars?
The answer isn’t so simple. Whether or not EVs are more expensive to operate than gas cars all boils down to when, where, and how you charge your car.
Will We Run Out of Lithium?
We may eventually run out of cheap lithium. We’ll also run out of oil, and the sun will run out of hydrogen. But hey, at least we’ve still got about 1,000 years’ worth left.
Are EVs Coal-Powered?
No. Yes. I mean, technically EVs could be considered at least a little coal-powered, depending on where you live and plug in. And that’s OK.
One-Pedal Driving– Please Don’t Creep Me Out
EVs allow for a different driving technique known as “one-pedal driving.” But new drivers shouldn’t discover it on the way out of the dealer’s parking lot.
Air Can Be Such a Drag: Aerodynamic Drag Impacts on EV Design
Aerodynamic drag has a lot more of an impact on EVs than one might expect. Small changes can have big impacts, and air is a huge force to be reckoned with in regards to vehicle design.
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.
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