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Kia Canada wants to put Electric Vehicles on the map by educating drivers on the real-life benefits and vehicle options available to maximize their driving experiences. But this is a completely new world for many Canadians – one filled with confusing acronyms and overwhelming stats. Here, we welcome you to the Kia EV World – a go-to place for all EV information.

What’s the Difference between HEV, PHEV and EV?

Not all EVs are created equal and Kia offers three different types to meet the diverse needs of Canadian drivers. While all benefit the environment, the key difference involves the powertrain – the main components that generate power and transfer it to the wheels. This changes how the vehicle’s internal battery is charged.

The three options:

Kia Canada wants to encourage drivers to choose electric vehicles by explaining the real benefits they offer and the different options that optimize driving. However, many drivers are new to electric vehicles (EVs) and this newness can be confusing, especially when coupled with unfamiliar acronyms and incomprehensible statistics.

So welcome to the world of electric vehicles from Kia. You've just found a reliable source of EV information.

There are basically three different options for charging your EV or PHEV:

• Level 1, which uses a regular 110 Volt household outlet;
• Level 2, which uses a 240 Volt outlet, which you can have installed at home or find in public locations; and
• Level 3, which can be found in key public charging stations across Canada.

The main difference is the speed at which each level charges the battery. Here are the details:

Level 1 charging adds about 5 -- 9 km of driving range per hour of charging time. Plug-in electric vehicle batteries can be fully charged using Level 1 chargers, which are compatible with any standard 120V outlet. This is the most common method for at-home charging.

Level 2 charging adds about 25 -- 40 km of range per hour of charging time. This level is ideal for drivers who travel more than 80 km/day and need to replenish their range overnight. A 240V (Level 2) outlet (like a stove or dryer outlet) can be installed in a garage or outdoors and enables faster charge times.

Also known as DC fast charging, Level 3 charging can add 300+ km of range in about 1 hr of charging time. For drivers going long distances, Level 3 chargers can be used to charge vehicles quicker. Level 3 chargers are usually found in higher traffic public areas and use a 400V system.

Introducing the Kia Electric Education Series, hosted by our very own Nathan Peters. In a 6-episode series, we'll answer your pressing questions - from charging concerns and range anxiety to cost considerations and so much more! With the help of some mystery social celebs, we want to show you how easy it can be to leap into the future with your very own EV.