As electric vehicles become more prevalent, they’re creating a lot of questions. Many of the answers are simple but often overlooked. Some of the most common questions are about terminology: EV, EVSE, Kwh, and OBC. Others relate to how long EVs last, the tax credits available for them, and more. Read on to find answers to these and other frequently asked EV FAQ questions.

EVs are much quieter than traditional gas cars. They have fewer moving parts and are less expensive to maintain. They also produce fewer emissions, helping to keep our air clean. And with government policies requiring automakers to accelerate production of these cars, they’re expected to play an even bigger role in the future.

Investing in an EV requires some extra planning. Not only do you need to find a place for an L2 home charger, but you’ll also need a reliable charging station. Some stations are free to use, while others require membership or pay-per-use fees. You’ll want to consider how far you typically drive each day and if you’ll need to charge on-the-go or at work.

When selecting a public EV charging station, check for signs of neglect or damage. In addition, be sure to follow the best practices for safe EV charging. This includes avoiding overloading the electrical circuits, unplugging any other high-energy devices while charging and never leaving your vehicle unattended for extended periods.

EV owners can help keep charging stations up and running by providing feedback and reporting problems. In addition, many public EV charging networks have mobile apps that provide updates and allow you to find the most convenient spots to recharge.

While EVs do require regular maintenance, their batteries and other systems have much fewer moving parts than those of traditional cars. Most EVs will need oil changes only at certain intervals, and they will generally cost less to service. And with a battery that can last for up to 20 years before needing replacement, an EV’s overall maintenance costs are significantly lower than those of a traditional car.

The federal government offers a $7,500 tax credit for the purchase or lease of most new EVs, with additional state and local incentives available. Check with a tax professional to determine your eligibility for these incentives.

As EV adoption increases, there will be an increased need for charging stations. The DOE’s EV Pro Lite tool provides estimates of how many chargers will be needed at your location as well as throughout your state or metropolitan area.