Fifteen Things You Never Knew About Electric Vehicles: Part 2 5-3-23

We've already released a blog about electric vehicles (EVs). Here is part two!

8. Where does the electricity to charge these cars come from?

9. How does outside temperature affect range?

10. Are electric cars environmentally friendly?

11. Will an electric car's battery degrade?

12. How do I prepare my garage for an electric car?

13. What car manufacturers offer electric options?

14. How many chargers are available across the US?

15. What do I do if I run out of charge while on the road?

8. Where does the electricity to charge these cars come from?

The electricity used to charge electric cars will typically come from electricity networks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most of our electricity in 2020 was generated by "natural gas, nuclear energy, and coal."¹ In contrast, renewable energy sources like wind, hydropower, or solar power generated a mere "20% of the country's electricity in 2020."² Because most of this electricity comes from nonrenewable resources, it brings up the notion that electric cars are only as green or environmentally friendly as their electricity source. To mitigate these concerns, electric car owners could install solar panels or wind turbines to generate their own electricity.

9. How does outside temperature affect range?

Anyone who has ever driven an electric car during a cold snap is likely to have noticed a decrease in range on their dashboard. Why does this happen? It all has to do with the chemical and physical reactions that make batteries work-cold weather slows these reactions, causing both a longer charging time and a temporary reduction in range.³ A lot of battery usage during cold temperature driving is designated to maintaining the battery's optimum temperature for use. Another significant drain on the battery during cold weather is the energy needed to keep the car cabin at a comfortable temperature.⁴

10. Are electric cars environmentally friendly?

There are a lot of myths circulating about whether electric cars are good or bad for the environment. According to the EPA, research indicates that EVs are typically responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases than gasoline vehicles, even when accounting for the carbon pollution generated to create electricity to charge.⁵ As a part of the green initiative to which EVs prescribe, efforts should be made to generate electricity with renewable energy sources like wind and solar to reduce associated greenhouse gases.

There are also environmental concerns associated with collecting the raw materials needed to build EV batteries. Extracting lithium uses a large amount of groundwater, meaning less water for irrigation and farming as well as groundwater contamination.⁶ Cobalt, often a byproduct of copper and nickel mining, is considered one of the most problematic materials associated with the production of EVs. Mining cobalt creates toxic residues that can leach into groundwater, produces sulfur oxide fumes which pollute the air, and raises labor concerns-workers in the mines are often underpaid with little to no formal training or protective equipment.⁷ If EV manufacturers are wanting to maintain their environmentally savvy label, they will need to seek better battery alternatives as well as develop training programs for individuals to safely collect raw materials.

11. Will an electric car's battery degrade?

Yes, electric car batteries will degrade due to certain factors, but in general, "you can expect new batteries to rival and often exceed the longevity of drivetrain components on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles."⁸

Some of the things that affect battery life include "temperature, cycles, and time."⁹ As mentioned above in point 9, temperature affects EV batteries. In addition to changing the battery range, temperature can also impact battery longevity.¹⁰ Another impact is the charging cycle itself: as the battery is discharged and charged, it loses "maximum potential"¹¹ over time. There is also a concept called calendar degradation, which is degradation not associated with the charge-discharge cycle.¹²

In contrast, think of all the components that go into an ICE: cylinder, piston, crankshaft, valves, etc.-these will all break down and require maintenance throughout the vehicle's lifetime. ¹³

12. How do I prepare my garage for an electric car?

One of the advantages of driving an EV is the ability to charge it at home. Although every EV will come with a standard Level 1 charger, these chargers are really not the best for charging quickly, as they only provide up to 5 miles of range per hour when plugged into a 12-volt wall outlet.¹⁴ Unless you are able to charge for multiple days at a time or are only driving short distances, you will likely want to install a Level 2 charger, which will average 25 miles of range per hour and require a 240-volt dryer plug outlet.¹⁵ If you don't have a 240-volt outlet available, you'll need to enlist the help of a qualified electrician to help with installing the outlet and charger. You may have to run a new service line to your house If you need additional electricity to handle the load.¹⁶

13. What car manufacturers offer electric options?

It seems like every month, there is a new commercial showcasing the latest brand or model of a sleek electric vehicle. According to the International Energy Agency's Global EV Outlook, a publication that investigates EV trends, policies, and prospects annually, "[e]lectric car markets are seeing exponential growth as sales exceeded 10 million in 2022."¹⁷ Many well-known brands such as Ford, GM, and Nissan have started to make EVs as well as luxury brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo.¹⁸ Additionally, some brands have been created that produce nothing but EVs, like Rivian and Tesla.¹⁹

14. How many chargers are available across the US? 

The US has used gas-powered vehicles for a long time-and our infrastructure shows it. According to the American Petroleum Institute, there are more than 145,000 gas stations from coast to coast.²⁰This same infrastructure does not currently exist for EVs, but the tides are turning. More charging stations are opening as the demand for these vehicles increases, with over 45,000 public charging stations-including both Level 2 and Level 3-available.²¹ If you are planning a long-distance trip, check out the app Chargehub; their Trip Planner feature will help you find the best route for your trip that includes charging stations along the way!²²

15. What do I do if I run out of charge while on the road?

If you run out of charge while driving an EV, it's similar to when you run out of gas: your vehicle will cease to work. Studies show that not many electric vehicle owners require emergency charges though. Interestingly, the fear of running out of charge, known as range anxiety, appears to significantly reduce the chances of electric car owners becoming stranded. Triple A, after investing in roadside recharging trucks, soon retired them after noting they were not used as often as predicted.²³ Since there are a lot fewer chargers in the US than there are gas stations, individuals with EVs are typically more keyed into their car's range. Electric cars also provide both audible and visual low range warnings to tell drivers it's time to charge.

Conclusion

We hope this two-part blog series has helped answer some of the questions and curiosities generated by electric vehicles! Stay tuned for more interesting and informative blogs from School of PE!

References

¹ "Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations." Alternative Fuels Data Center. U.S. Department of Energy.Accessed May3 ,2023.

https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_benefits.html#:~:text=Plug%2Din%20hybrid%20electric%20vehicles,%2C%20hydropower%2C%20and%20solar%20energy.

² "Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations."

³ "How Temperature Affects EV Range." How Temperature Affects Your EV Battery Health, December 15, 2022. https://www.recurrentauto.com/research/how-temperature-affects-ev-range.

⁴ "How Temperature Affects EV Range."

⁵ "Electric Vehicle Myths." EPA, March 1, 2023. https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths.

⁶ "Are Electric Car Batteries Bad for the Environment?" EVBox, February 10, 2023. https://blog.evbox.com/ev-battery-environmental-impact.

⁷ "Are Electric Car Batteries Bad for the Environment?"

⁸ "How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?" EV Connect, November 8, 2021. https://www.evconnect.com/blog/how-long-does-an-electric-car-battery-last#:~:text=EV%20batteries%20typically%20degrade%20due,lifespan%20of%20an%20EV%20battery.

⁹ "How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?"

¹⁰ "How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?"

¹¹ "How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?"

¹² Keil, Peter, et al. "Calendar Aging of Lithium-Ion Batteries." IOP Science, July 6, 2016. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/2.0411609jes.

¹³ "Components of Internal Combustion Engine." Student Lesson, March 22, 2020. https://studentlesson.com/components-of-internal-combustion-engine/.

¹⁴ "Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers." Duke Energy. Accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.duke-energy.com/energy-education/electric-vehicles/charging-your-ev/types-of-chargers.

¹⁵ "Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers."

¹⁶ VanderWerp, Dave. "How Do I Prep My Garage for an EV?" Car and Driver, July 7, 2021. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a36877166/20-questions-about-evs-prepare-garage/.

¹⁷ "Executive Summary - Global EV Outlook 2023 - Analysis." IEA, 2023. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2023/executive-summary.

¹⁸ "BEV Models Currently Available in the US." EVAdoption, March 3, 2023. https://evadoption.com/ev-models/bev-models-currently-available-in-the-us/.

¹⁹ "BEV Models Currently Available in the US."

²⁰ "Service Station FAQs." API. Accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.api.org/oil-and-natural-gas/consumer-information/consumer-resources/service-station-faqs#:~:text=How%20many%20service%20stations%20are,stations%20across%20the%20United%20States. 

²¹ "Electric Vehicle Myths." EPA, March 1, 2023. https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths.

²² "Chargehub Electric Vehicle Trip Planner." ChargeHub. Accessed May 10, 2023. https://chargehub.com/en/trip-planner-guide.html. 

²³ "Ask the EV Experts: What Happens When I Run out of Charge?" Plug In America, March 7, 2023. https://pluginamerica.org/ask-ev-experts-running-energy/#:~:text=Running%20out%20of%20gas%20or,to%20the%20nearest%20charging%20station.

About the Author: Martha Hunsucker

Martha Hunsucker is a content writer for EduMind. She received her BA in English from Stetson University and has experience marketing, copywriting, editing, and blogging. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books by Jon Krakauer (her current favorite author), hiking with her two dogs, and sleeping in on weekends.

What is Voltage Law?

This blog covers:

1. History and Definition

2. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a Series Circuit

3. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a Parallel Circuit

4. Other Applications

History and Definition

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL), also referred to as voltage law, is a fundamental principle in electrical circuit analysis. KVL was discovered by Gustav Kirchhoff, a German physicist, and he introduced it in 1845 as a fundamental principle in the analysis of electrical circuits. It is a mathematical expression that describes the behavior of electric circuits by stating that the sum of the voltage drops around a closed loop of a circuit must be equal to the sum of the voltage sources in the same loop (Nilsson & Riedel, 2015, 38). Another way to view this law is to relate it to the law of conservation of mass and energy: total voltage supplied to a circuit is equal to the total voltage used in the circuit.

Electrical circuit analysis is a fundamental aspect of electrical engineering that involves an analytical approach to understanding and evaluating the behavior inside of an electrical circuit. Analyzing electrical circuits involves examining the behavior of electrical signals as they travel through various circuit components: resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers. This analysis will include identifying the voltage and current characteristics, as well as power dissipation and energy transfer within the circuit.

Voltage law is essential to understand the behavior of electrical circuits-this is because it allows us to calculate the voltage at any point in a closed-loop circuit. Suppose we have a simple circuit with a battery, a resistor, and a switch. When the switch is closed, current flows through the resistor and a voltage drop will occur across the now activated resistor. KVL states that the sum of the voltage drop across the resistor and the voltage of the battery must be equal to zero.

Another way to understand KVL is by using the concept of potential difference. Voltage, also known as potential difference, is the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit. In a closed loop, the potential difference between the starting and ending points must be zero since the voltage at the starting point is equal to the voltage at the ending point. Therefore, the sum of the voltage drops in a closed loop must be equal to the sum of the voltage sources in the same loop.

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a Series Circuit

To apply KVL in a series circuit, we can follow these steps:

1. Identify the closed loop(s) in the circuit.

2. Establish a direction to the current flowing in the loop.

3. Indicate the voltage drops across each component in the loop based on the current's direction. When the current flows from a positive terminal to a negative terminal, the voltage drop will be positive, but, if it flows from a negative terminal to a positive terminal, the resulting voltage drop will be negative.

4. Calculate the sum of the voltage drops around the loop and equate it to the sum of the voltage sources in the same loop.

Let's take a look at the example series circuit:

We use the steps above to analyze the provided diagram. The circuit shown is a closed loop series circuit, due to it forming a complete, unbroken path for the current to flow. We assign the direction to be clockwise, following the current path of the voltage source. Now based on step 3, we label the voltage drop across each component.

Source	Voltage drop
Power source Vab	-Vab
Resistor R1	+VR1
Resistor R2	+VR2
Resistor R3	+VR3

We can represent the KVL equations of the closed loop circuit as below:

-V_ab + V_R1+ V_R2 + V_R3 = 0

V_R1 + V_R2 + V_R3 = V_ab

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a Parallel Circuit

To begin with, it is important to grasp the primary concept of parallel circuits, a parallel circuit is identified when the voltage is constant across all the elements present in the circuit. This is because in a parallel circuit, there are solely two groups of electrically connected points, and the voltage difference measured between these sets of points always remains identical at any particular moment.

V_ab = V_R1 = V_R2 = V_R3

From the above circuit, there are two connected points (across R₁ and R₂ ) being connected with the voltage source V_ab . So, the voltage across R₁ is equal to the voltage across R₂ and R₃ , hence equals to the voltage source V_ab .

It is important to note that KVL only applies to closed loops, meaning that there must be a path for the current to flow back to its starting point (Nilsson & Riedel, 2015, 38). If there is an open loop, voltage law cannot be applied. KVL is an essential tool in electrical circuit analysis, as it allows us to calculate the voltage drop across any component in a circuit. KVL has many real-world applications, such as designing and analyzing circuits for electronic devices, power systems, and communication systems. Moreover, it is a crucial concept that everyone who is either working or pursuing a degree in the field of electrical engineering should be familiar with.

Other Applications

Applying KVL in an electrical power system, power engineers are able to maintain a balance between the energy supplied and the energy consumed. If the energy consumed is greater than the energy supplied, there is a significant voltage drop in the system, and this may lead to a system failure. To mitigate a potential system failure, power engineers use KVL to analyze the voltage drops across the apparatus power equipment and ensure that the power system is functioning correctly.

KVL is also applied within electronic device design, including, but not limited to, smartphones, computers, and appliances consisting of numerous circuits that are designed to perform specific functions. Engineers in this field will need to utilize KVL to ensure appropriate power is delivered to all the crucial components in a device; for a smartphone, that could be the screen, the speakers, GPS, communications, etc.

Conclusion

To summarize, Kirchhoff's Voltage Law is a fundamental principle in electrical circuit analysis that states that the sum of the voltage drops around a closed loop circuit must be equal to the sum of the voltage sources supplied in the same loop. By using this law, we can calculate the voltage(s) at any point in a circuit and analyze its behavior. KVL is a crucial concept for anyone working in the field of electrical engineering or pursuing a degree in this field.

References

Nilsson, J. W., & Riedel, S. A. (2015). Electric Circuits. Pearson.

Interested in pursuing a career as an electrical engineer? Sign up for an FE Electrical or PE Electrical exam review course with School of PE today and join our tens of thousands of students who have passed their engineering exams!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.

Essentials Steps Before Taking the FE Exam

Preparing to take the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam can be a daunting task, especially when you are not sure where to start. As someone who has recently gone through the process, I can attest to the importance of following a routine to ensure that you are adequately prepared. There are several essential steps you must take before attempting the FE exam. However, in this guide, I will share my personal insights on the necessary steps that you could take to ensure your success on the FE exam.

In this blog,

1. Determine the State's Requirements

2. Review the Exam Specifications

3. Choose an Exam Date and Register

4. Prepare a Comprehensive Study Plan

5. Obtain Appropriate Study Materials

6. Do Practice Problems While Utilizing the NCEES Reference Handbook

7. Do A Mock Exam

8. Prioritize Rest and Nutrition

1. Determine the State's Requirements: Each state has distinct prerequisites for taking the FE Exam. To guarantee that you satisfy all the requirements, it is essential to check with your state's licensing board. More information about your state licensing board can be found here.

2. Review the Exam Specifications: The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) publishes detailed exam specifications for each discipline evaluated in the FE exam. A thorough review of these specifications can help you understand the format of the exam and the topics you need to cover.

3. Choose an Exam Date and Register: Once you have confirmed that you satisfy all the prerequisites, the next step is to register for the FE exam on the NCEES website. If you are a third-year or early fourth-year college student, it is recommended that you select an exam date that is 3 to 5 months away. This allows for ample time to study effectively and efficiently for the exam. With the knowledge and skills still fresh in your mind, your confidence and performance can be improved during the exam.

For those out of school juggling a full schedule, pick a date that you are most comfortable with but do not pick an exam date that is too far away. If you choose a far-off exam date, you may feel less urgency to prepare for the exam, leading to procrastination and loss of motivation. Also, the FE exam covers a broad range of topics, and it is easy to forget what you have learned if you are not actively reviewing the material. For these reasons, it is generally best to choose an exam date that is relatively close to your preparation start date.

4. Prepare a Comprehensive Study Plan: A comprehensive study plan that covers all the topics tested in the FE exam is essential for effective preparation. It is crucial to allocate enough time to prepare adequately, consider your strengths, and weaknesses.

Drawing from personal experience, it may be helpful to start with the topic(s) that you feel most comfortable with, as it may require less time to study. Once you have built confidence, work your way down the topic list category. By organizing your study plan in this manner, you can optimize your study time and focus on the areas where improvement is needed the most.

5. Obtain Appropriate Study Materials: Here are some ways to obtain appropriate study materials for the FE exam:

a. Purchase an FE exam study guide: Many companies sell study guides specifically designed for the FE exam, like School of PE. These guides typically contain practice questions, sample problems, and review materials covering all topics tested on the exam.

b. Attend review courses: Many colleges and universities in additional to companies like School of PE offer review courses for the FE exam. These courses are designed to help students prepare for the exam by providing structured resources, problem sets, and review materials.

c. Seek out a mentor: Find a mentor who has already passed the FE exam and can offer guidance and their own resources on how to prepare effectively-their personal exam prep experience is incredibly valuable. Look for someone who can offer feedback on your study habits and techniques and provide insights on their exam experience.

d. Join study groups: When you join a study group, you can share study materials, discuss difficult concepts, and learn from your peers. You will complement each other's strengths and weaknesses and get a glimpse on how you compare with others on the test.

6. Do Practice Problems While Utilizing the NCEES Reference Handbook:

During the FE exam, the NCEES Reference Handbook will be available for use in a virtual format, providing formulas, tables, and other essential information. It is essential to familiarize yourself with this handbook and its contents before the exam. While practicing problems, utilizing the handbook can help you quickly locate formulas or information that you may need during the exam. By reducing the time spent searching for information, you can allocate more time to answering problems, increasing chances of success.

The NCEES Reference Handbook is a valuable resource and utilizing it efficiently can contribute to your success on the exam.

7. Do A Mock Exam: It is recommended that three to four weeks before the exam date, you conduct a mock exam to simulate the test-taking experience fully. NCEES makes a practice exam book that is perfect for this purpose. Set aside a total of eight hours; four hours allocated for the morning and four hours for the afternoon to replicate the exam's format. This mock exam can help identify areas of strength and weakness and allow you to assess your time management skills under test-taking conditions. By identifying your weaker topics, you can review and strengthen your preparation for the exam. Moreover, practicing under exam-like conditions can help alleviate test anxiety and improve your confidence on the actual exam day.

8. Prioritize Rest and Nutrition: Finally, ensure that you get enough rest and consume a healthy and balanced meal before the exam. Don't neglect your health! And good luck on the exam!

With a comprehensive study plan, appropriate study materials, and ample practice, you can feel confident and well-prepared on taking the FE exam. I highly recommend using study resources, like School of PE and the NCEES Reference Handbook, as they can help you develop a solid study plan and improve your chances of passing the exam.

The path to success on the FE exam is not set in stone and requires an individualized approach. While there is no universal equation that guarantees success, you have the power to identify and cultivate your own success habits. These eight steps can serve as a valuable guide to steer you in the right direction. Remember to stay motivated and stay informed by checking School of PE's blog for additional resources. With hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, you can achieve success on the FE exam and beyond.

Get a head start on your FE exam with School of PE! Our comprehensive courses and expert instructors are just what you need to pass.

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.

6 Major Opportunities After Passing the FE Exam

Passing the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam is a significant achievement that can lead to exciting and fulfilling career opportunities. Here are 6 ways you can elevate your career after passing the FE exam:

This blog covers:

1. Pursue a Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) License

2. Look for Internships and/or Job Opportunities

3. Specialize in a Field

4. Access Higher Salary and Promotions

5. Become an Entrepreneur

6. Obtain Advanced Degrees

1. Pursue a Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) License: Passing the FE exam is the first step towards obtaining a PE license. A PE license opens up opportunities to take on more challenging projects, sign off on engineering designs, and become a leader in your field. In order to obtain a PE license, you must pass the corresponding PE exam and have the necessary work experience for your field.

After passing the FE exam, you are then qualified to take the PE exam; however, different states have different requirements and restrictions regarding if a certain amount of work experience under a PE license engineer is needed before taking the PE. For further information regarding the PE exam, please visit the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) PE Exam website, and for further information regarding state requirements, visit the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) website.

School of PE offers comprehensive PE exam review courses. Be sure to check them out for additional review material by others with PE experience.

2. Look for Internships and/or Job Opportunities: Possessing an EIT (Engineer in Training) certificate-earned after passing the FE exam-can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out amongst your peers. Engineering firms dealing with utilities and consultation often consider hiring recent graduates more if they possess an EIT certification. Acquiring the certification establishes your knowledge and credibility to future employers.

3. Specialize in a Field: After passing the FE exam, you may want to consider specializing in a particular field of engineering. For example, you can focus on structural engineering, machine design and materials engineering, or nuclear engineering depending on your degree. Specializing in a field will help you develop expertise, making you a valuable asset to future employers. To explore available specializations, you can check Exam Specifications from the NCEES website.

4. Access Higher Salary and Promotions: You will increase your chance of attracting employers as well as your earning potential after passing the FE exam. Negotiate with management and leverage your accredited certification to make sure you receive the proper compensation for your extra effort.

After passing the FE exam, new opportunities for promotions, such as going from engineer I to engineer II or becoming a project lead, as well as respective salary bumps, will become more accessible and justifiable.

5. Become an Entrepreneur: Starting your own engineer consulting or contracting firm or other affiliated business is another way to elevate your career. This will give you the opportunity to become a leader, choose and work on exciting projects, control your own schedule, and build a reputation off of your engineering skills and expertise.

6. Obtain Advanced Degrees: Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master's or a doctoral degree, will help you develop specialized knowledge and skills within your field. With an advanced degree, new opportunities will arise, such as a career in research and development or a career in education as a university professor.

If you are looking to pursue obtaining a professional engineering license, consider partnering with School of PE! Our comprehensive exam review courses have what you need to pass your PE exam with confidence. Contact us today to learn more!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.