Electric vehicles, or EVs for short, are becoming increasingly popular these days. These cars not only have no tailpipe emissions, but many of them are a lot cheaper than traditional gas-powered vehicles. However, when it comes to getting your vehicle from point A to point B, electric cars can only be driven very far with the help of a charging station. That’s why you need an electric vehicle or trailer trolley that can easily handle all your trips. Here are things to consider when looking for electric vehicles and trailer trolleys.
1. Battery Type/Capacity
The two most common battery types for EVs are lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, with lithium-ion being the most commonly used. Lead-acid batteries are being phased out and replaced with lithium-ion in most vehicles. The capacity of a car battery is measured in amp-hours (Ah), where one amp hour means that if a load of one ampere is drawn from the battery for one hour, the battery will be discharged by one amp. The capacity of a lithium-ion battery is measured in kilowatts (kW), where one kilo-watt means that if one ampere is drawn from the battery for one hour, the battery will be discharged by one kW.
2. Range
A full charge of an electric vehicle will generally take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, with half a charge taking about 4 to 6 hours. The range of an electric vehicle is measured in miles, with most EVs able to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge. However, an EV’s range will significantly reduce if you drive it through out-of-state or out-of-country areas. If you’re planning on using your EV for extended trips, a trailer trolley is a good way to keep your EV charged and ready for use at all times.
3. Speed
The top speed of an EV is generally about 75 to 80 miles per hour. This makes it much slower than traditional gas-powered vehicles, but with not having a tailpipe, it’s a small price to pay. That could be problematic if you’re looking to travel long distances in your EV. That’s why many people opt for trailer trolleys instead of electric cars, as they can travel just as fast as gas-powered vehicles while still keeping their tailpipes firmly locked away.
4. Weight
The weight of an EV is generally about 30 to 50 pounds. That’s a lot for carrying around a vehicle, but weigh it in an old-fashioned way: how much does your EV weigh in comparison to your trailer trolley? If the difference is less than 100 pounds, then you should be good to go. If not, consider getting the support of a power inverter. For instance, a commercial industrial trailer trolley like the SKF 4201-30R can weigh up to 1,000 pounds, so converting it to electric power may require a heavy-duty power inverter.
5. Maintenance
Lithium-ion batteries don’t need much maintenance, which is one advantage over lead-acid batteries. However, if the battery does need to be replaced, be prepared for a high cost. This comes from the high price of lithium-ion batteries and the fact that they can’t be purchased without a charger attached to them. You only need to worry about battery maintenance if your EV’s battery isn’t being charged properly. Always ensure the battery is charged to at least 80% of its capacity and the temperature is kept under 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This can lead to rapid aging of your battery, which will decrease its life.
In conclusion, consider these things when looking for an electric vehicle or trailer trolley. If you’re new to the world of EVs, you need to ask yourself a few questions before making your final decision.