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Real questions, honest answers.

Practical guides for people in Georgia thinking about an electric or plug-in hybrid car. They give general information and tell you what to check, and they never invent warranty terms or specifications.

Start with the basics Jump to the glossary

New to electric cars? Go in order.

Seven short guides, each a few minutes. Read them in order, or pick the topic you need.

  1. 1Basics · 2 min read · ReadHow an electric car works: the basicsWhat is inside an electric car, how you refuel it, and what changes day to day.
  2. 2Basics · 2 min read · ReadEV, plug-in hybrid or hybrid: what is the difference?Fully electric, plug-in, range extender and regular hybrid, explained plainly.
  3. 3Basics · 2 min read · ReadRange and battery: what the numbers meanRange, kWh and battery health explained, so a spec sheet makes sense.
  4. 4Charging · 2 min read · ReadCharging basics: AC, DC and charging at homeAC and DC, charging speed and home charging, explained plainly.
  5. 5Charging · 2 min read · ReadCCS2, GB/T and other charging connectorsWhy the plug on your car matters, and what to confirm before you buy or charge.
  6. 6Buying · 2 min read · ReadBattery warranty: what to checkWhat a battery warranty can mean, and which details decide whether it really protects you.
  7. 7Checklist · 2 min read · ReadWhat to ask a dealership before buying an EVWarranty, battery, servicing, parts, market spec and paperwork, as questions you can take with you.

Quick answers.

The questions people ask first. Tap one to open it.

Do I need a home charger?

Not always, but it makes ownership easier. It depends on where you park and how you drive. If you cannot charge where you live or work, check how practical public charging is for your routine before you buy.

Read: Charging basics
How long does charging take?

It depends on the battery size, the charger's power and the most the car can accept. A home charger is slow but works overnight. A DC fast charger is much quicker. Check the figures for the exact car.

Read: Charging basics
Does cold weather matter?

Cold usually reduces range and can slow charging. How much varies from car to car, so plan with a safety buffer in winter.

Read: Range and battery
Can I charge at any charger?

Only if the plug and the car's charging system are compatible. Connectors differ between markets, so confirm the connector of your exact car for both AC and DC.

Read: Charging connectors
What happens to the battery over time?

It slowly holds a little less energy. The speed depends on the battery, the climate and how the car is charged and used. For a used car, ask for a battery health report.

Read: Range and battery
Is a plug-in hybrid a good choice?

It can be, if you charge it regularly and drive mostly short distances. Without regular charging, you lose much of the point. Ask for the electric range.

Read: EV, plug-in hybrid or hybrid
What should I ask a dealership?

Start with the exact car and its market spec, then the written warranty, battery health, servicing and parts in Georgia.

Read: Dealership checklist

Glossary.

The words you will meet on a spec sheet, in plain language.

kWh
Kilowatt-hour. How much energy the battery holds. Like the size of a fuel tank.
kW
Kilowatt. How fast energy flows, for example how quickly a charger fills the battery.
Range
How far the car can go on a full battery. The spec sheet figure comes from a standard test, and real driving differs.
WLTP, CLTC
Standard test cycles used to measure range. Figures from different cycles are not directly comparable.
BEV
Battery electric vehicle. A fully electric car with no petrol engine.
PHEV
Plug-in hybrid. A petrol engine plus a battery you can charge from a socket.
EREV
Range-extender electric vehicle. The wheels are driven electrically and a petrol engine mainly generates power. Check how each model works.
Hybrid
A car with a small self-charging battery and no plug. The electric part assists the engine.
AC charging
Slower charging. The car's built-in charger converts the power. Used at home and many public points.
DC fast charging
Faster charging. The conversion happens in the charger, outside the car.
Connector
The plug type, such as CCS2 or GB/T. It must match the car's inlet.
CCS2
A common connector standard for AC and DC charging in many markets.
GB/T
The connector standard used in China. Cars built for that market may use it.
Onboard charger
The part inside the car that converts AC to DC. It limits AC charging speed.
Regenerative braking
The car slows down by turning motion back into a little battery energy.
State of charge
How full the battery is right now, usually shown as a percentage.
State of health
How much of its original capacity the battery still has.
Market spec
The version of a car built for a particular market. It can affect the warranty, connector and features.

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