EV Powertrain

EV stands for Electric Vehicle. In this case, the powertrain is all-electric and comprises electric motors and batteries that work together to propel your vehicle forward. EV has been all the rage recently. However, it doesn’t mean it's best for everyone.

To be able to buy a Mitsubishi EV, you must install a Level 2 charging station in your home. This allows you to charge the vehicle overnight. While the costs of the upfront charging station will put the cost overall higher compared to gas vehicles, this cost eventually declines below the cost of gas powertrains.

• Must install a Level 2 Charging station
• No emissions with EVs
• Lower overall cost in the long-run versus gas powertrains
• Quiet operation
• Smooth ride
• Less routine maintenance

You’ll also need to ensure you get a good contractor to install the Level 2 charting station. Ultimately, the positives are that EVs have no emissions. They have a lower operating cost overall compared to gas powertrains, operate very quietly, and provide an extremely smooth driving experience. In addition, there is less routine maintenance given that you won’t need oil changes on an EV.

It does take longer to charge an EV than it does to fill up with gas. In addition, public charging can sometimes be hard to find, and colder weather can sometimes impact driving ranges.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

For those not quite ready to take the EV plunge, there is always a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Most of the PHEVs don’t require homeowners to have charging stations installed in their homes. As long as PHEV owners have access to charging stations and gas stations nearby, they should be fine. However, it is still best to plug in the PHEV overnight if possible.

• Don’t typically need to install a home charging station.
• Still good to keep the PHEV plugged in overnight.

One of the primary benefits of PHEV powertrains is that you can drive short trips on electric power alone and then switch to gas for longer trips. This is especially beneficial for those who want to reduce their daily fuel costs. Ultimately, with a PHEV powertrain, you have the best of both worlds. You can travel on electric power for quick trips and then benefit from gas for longer durations.

It’s important to note that PHEV powertrains can be more complex than either all-gas or all-electric powertrains, which means some are more expensive to maintain than traditional gas vehicles. In addition, cargo space is often reduced due to the presence of batteries.

Gasoline Vehicle (ICE)

Finally, we come to gas or combustion powertrains. Given that there is an existing infrastructure for gas, vehicle owners never have any issues accessing gas stations. Another benefit is that gas powertrain vehicles are less expensive upfront compared to EVs and PHEVs. However, these costs are quickly eroded given the seemingly never-ending rise in fuel costs.

• Established infrastructure of gas stations
• Ideally suited to short, medium, and long drives
• Established technology in existence for 100+ years
• Fuel costs are on a constant increase
• Maintenance costs are higher compared to EVs

Ultimately, a gas powertrain vehicle is easy to refill, uses proven technology that has been in use for well over 100 years, and is often the best possible choice for those individuals who drive short, medium, and long distances.

The most important part of buying any gas-powered vehicle is that you are at the mercy of the price at the pump. Maintenance costs will be higher given the number of oil changes you will have to do over the lifetime of your vehicle.