With the increased number of electric Volvo cars on our lot at Fields Volvo Cars Waukesha, many drivers are asking the question, how do electric car batteries work? After all, the beating heart of every electric car is its battery, and this method of powering a car is vastly different from a traditional gasoline engine. Here is an overview of how electric car batteries work, as well as what makes them different from gasoline engines.
What are Electric Car Batteries?
Electric car batteries are rechargeable batteries that power electric Volvo cars such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Core. These batteries utilize a chemical reaction to store energy, which is then used to power the car’s electric motor.
How Do Electric Car Batteries Function?
In short, the electric car battery stores energy in the form of kilowatt-hours, also known as kWh. When this energy is used up, the battery must be recharged, similar to how a gasoline-powered car needs to be periodically refilled with gasoline. The most popular type of electric car battery is the lithium-ion battery. These batteries are lightweight and offer a high energy density, which means that they store a lot of energy in a compact space.
Electric Car Battery Charging
Charging an electric car battery is simple. When it comes time to charge the battery, simply plug the car into a public charging station, a standard electrical outlet in your garage, or a faster Level 2 charger. This way, the battery is charged using electricity from the electrical grid. Also, they can be recharged as you slow and stop using regenerative braking.
Electric Car Battery Range
One of the most commonly asked questions about electric car batteries at our dealership involves their range. This depends on the model of your electric car but driving range can be between 150 miles and over 300 miles.
Test Drive an Electric Volvo Car in Waukesha, WI
The best way to learn how an electric car battery works is by trying it out for yourself. Take an electric Volvo car for a test drive here at Fields Volvo Cars of Waukesha today!