Electric cars are still a relatively new phenomenon in some places as of 2010, so the technology associated with them constantly changes and evolves. Look for standardized products with safety and quality at their core. Consider spending more if you know the product is designed and built to a high standard and has become the adopted standard across your state or county.
Most electric vehicles, such as buses and trams, do not require an on-board battery, but cars do. The battery is not the same as a standard petrol car battery, so you cannot interchange the two. The electric system is cheaper to run than any other car system as of 2009, as reported by the Environmental Transport Association.
Charging electric cars using the national grid creates the need for a standard coupling device that links the charging cable to the car. An SAE J1772 couple device is a standard, 110- or 220-volt electric-line coupler with a varied 8- to 70-amp current-accepting setup.
To run an electric car, you obviously need a source of electricity. NEMA20A connectors will allow the car to charge at the average household. Look for a manufacturer concerned with safety, and take the time to determine how you will charge the car and whether you can leave it plugged in safely in damp, rainy conditions. The Electric Vehicle Network describes two types of socket in use at all charge points: the 13 A domestic socket and the 16 A industrial or "commando" socket.
As a fail-safe, carry a small set of backup adapters, including the especially useful 110- and 220-volt versions --- especially if you take long journeys on a regular basis and may come into contact with different standards depending on your location. Also carry a standard J1772 charger to speed the charging process outside the home in external charging situations. You can use adapters for two-prong plugs, such as the J1772, which has one ground and one neutral prong, and handles duel voltage. Adapters also exist for the standard 110-volt three-prong plug.
Though you may consider it something additional to carry with you, an extension cord or cable can prove useful. Also consider a device that attaches to the extension cord or adapter that has a light informing you of a complete --- or incomplete --- charge. The light is usually a small bulb inside the plastic fascia that goes green when the car is fully charged.
Although not a practical requirement, researching the electric car charging developments and keeping yourself up-to-date with current advances in the charging technologies will prove essential for any electric vehicle owner. Understanding the evolution of the design process and learning which chargers and adapters are becoming the standard version will allow you to save money and time while reducing the chances of becoming stranded in a car you can't charge.
