HyreCar is striving to help Drivers lead the way toward a greener future by working with electric vehicle (EV) suppliers across the nation.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about EV's:
Does my Electric Vehicle (EV) use any gas or is it 100% electricity?
Electric vehicles only run on electricity, no gas is needed. EV's use electricity stored in the batteries to power its electric motor, which turns the wheels. EV batteries can be recharged through an external outlet and regenerative braking.
What is the charging process like?
Charging can be done in 3 simple steps
- Plug In - put the car in park and connect the charge port.
- Follow charger instructions to initiate the charging session (either via app, RFID card, or credit card).
- Charging times can vary, but most take a couple of hours to reach a full charge.
Where do I charge my EV?
Most vehicles on the HyreCar platform will come with chargers, others may not and require a trip to a local charging station. There are a number of mobile apps such as PlugShare and EVgo that can be used to find local EV charging stations.
How much does it cost to charge an EV?
Public charging stations are normally independently owned and have prices determined by the station owner. Learn about their program here.
How do I pay for charging?
Most public charging networks allow users to register for an account via website or app, and you can store a payment method so you can start a charging session with the swipe of your finger. Most will also send you a physical RFID “tap” card by request. Some Level 3 fast chargers have credit card readers, but most Level 2 chargers do not.
How much can I save by using an Electric Vehicle?
In the United States, it depends on the price of electricity and gas. When comparing the consumption of electricity in kWh/100 miles versus the consumption of gallons/100 miles, the average cost to operate an EV is $485 per year, while the average for a gasoline-powered vehicle is $1,117.
What’s the difference between Level 3 (DCFC), Level 2 (L2) and Level 1 (L1) charging?
- Level 3 DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) are located throughout Southern California, and a charging session is typically 30 minutes – perfect for a short break to grab a bite to eat or run errands! EVgo, America’s largest fast charging network, also provides a discount of up to 25% off standard retail rates (approximately $0.10/mile). Drivers can register here.
- Level 2 (L2) chargers are generally for overnight charging or top-ups, and these are the most common public charger. Some apartment buildings may also have Level 2 chargers installed.
- Level 1 (L1) chargers use a standard 120-volt home wall outlet, but this will likely take more than 24 hours to fully recharge a vehicle. This is most suitable for people with homes and don't drive often.
Why should I start driving an EV?
- Fuel Savings; less money spent on gas means more take home earnings.
- EV Technology; most Drivers who switch to an EV say they experience quieter, smoother rides.
- Reduced Emissions; making communities a healthier place for everyone.
My current vehicle uses MPG, what is similar for Electric Vehicles?
The average electric vehicle can go approximately 100 miles per 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. The cost of 1 kWh of electricity is roughly $0.12, which equates to about 36 miles for $1.00.
Where is the spare tire in my EV?
EV's typically do not carry spare tires, as the additional weight negatively impacts mileage/kWh.
What should I consider when looking for an EV?
Price: Compare the costs of each EV we offer, some owners offer discounts on certain vehicle types as well as longer-term rentals.
Range: A typical Driver working with gig services can expect to cover 100-130 miles in a day. The “range” or distance an EV can cover before needing to recharge is given in miles, and largely determined by the size of its battery. So a 40kWh battery can average around 140 miles per charge, whereas a 62kWh battery can average around 220 miles per charge.
Charging Speed: The rate an EV can take in electricity from a charger is measured in kilowatts (kW). A typical 50kW charger can recharge a 40kWh battery up to 80% in 45 minutes, whereas a 150kW charger takes just 20 minutes.
What are the best types of EV's for gig workers?
The most popular types of EV's on our platform are the Nissan Leaf, Kia e-Niro, and Hyundai Kona. EV's that can also accept other ride options include the Nissan e-NV200 which is eligible for Uber XL.
What happens when my charge gets too low?
EV vehicles will show the amount of miles you have left at the current charge level. It's recommended to re-charge with 15-20% of charge remaining, just to be safe.
How can I find EV's on HyreCar?
- Download the HyreCar app and sign in or create an account
- From the "Explore" Page, click the filter button on the top of the screen
- Select the "Electric Only" option under "Fuel Type" and click "Apply"