Why Should I Get an Electric Car?
Electric vehicles tend to cost more upfront than internal combustion engine models. However, you won't be spending much on fuel, which can save you money. If you keep the electric vehicle long-term, you might spend less overall than with the gas-powered car.
If you plan to keep the vehicle, it can become cost-effective. After you pay for the initial cost of owning an EV, you start to save money because you aren't purchasing fuel. There's also less maintenance, saving you plenty.
The Advantages
No More Oil Changes
No Transmission, oill and fluid maintenance.
No More Gas Pumps
Charge your vehicle at home, work or at a convenient charging station.
State Incentives
Some states and local utilities and offer cost saving incentives.
Performance
Quick acceleration and responsive handling.
HOV Lane
Drive solo in carpool lanes where available.
Zero Emissions
Zero tailpipe emissions, provide a greener tomorrow.
Find the electric
vehicle that is
right for you.
See InventoryEV Performance
There are electric vehicles that are capable of towing. You want to check what the maximum is and ensure you have the equipment needed to get the job done. However, you could lose 30% or more of efficiency while you are towing.
Maintenance
Electric vehicles do not use oil, so there's a lot less maintenance that needs to be done. However, the tires, brakes, and other fluids must be checked regularly. Popular studies show it costs less to maintain an electric vehicle. On average, it might cost six cents per mile to maintain an EV, compared to about ten cents per mile with a combustion engine vehicle.
EV Tax Credit
Federal tax credits vary based on the model you are buying. However, you might be able to get a tax credit for $7,500 with qualifying models.Technology
With large touchscreen infotainment systems, your EV has impressive computational power, and EV manufacturers are leading the revolution in vehicle infotainment systems. You will find large format, high-tech HD touchscreens with better accessibility, usability, and functionality than what is found in their gasoline-burning counterparts.
Charging Stations
Most big cities have charging stations within every mile. Even outside of the cities, you can find many electric charging stations throughout the country. Map out your route before you leave. The government provides a map of all-electric vehicle charging stations. You can search for locations in your area or along your route. EV chargers all work the same way, but the speed at which they charge differs. Most home chargers are considered Level 1, some public chargers are Level 2, but there are also DC Fast Charging stations.Environment
Electric cars produce no emissions, so they are much better for the environment. However, there are some downsides to manufacturing electric cars because these processes are not emissions-free.Natural resources are used to create electric vehicle batteries. The process isn't perfect by any means. However, the impact of driving an EV makes a bigger difference than the manufacturing process takes away, and EV batteries can be recycled. Today, more than 95 percent of them get turned in to recycling because there are deposits to claim.
Power Requirements for Home Charging
Generally, electric cars charged at home use about 7,200 watts (W) of electricity, which can vary depending on the mode and home charger. Most electric car chargers use between 32 and 40 amps and connect to a 240-volt outlet in your home's breaker box. Charging time depends on the battery size and the charging speed. It can take anywhere from thirty minutes to over 12 hours to fully charge an EV battery. If you have a car with a 60kWh battery, it will take about eight hours to fully charge it with a 7kW source.
Changes Happening
California, typically a legislative leader in creating laws that protect people's health and the environment, has passed a law that all sales of new light-duty passenger vehicles in California must be zero-emission electric vehicles (ZEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by 2035. ZEVs include battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle FAQs
How long do electric vehicle (EV) batteries last?: It's a common misconception that EV batteries die prematurely, but that's not the case. When properly cared for, electric vehicles can last ten to twenty years before replacement is necessary. Most new cars come with a battery warranty that lasts at least eight years or 100,000 miles.
How much does an EV battery cost to replace?: The most costly part of the EV is the battery. When this part needs to be replaced, it can be pricey. On average, a new EV battery can cost between $4,000 and $8,000.
What kind of maintenance does an EV need?: Electric vehicles do not use oil, so there's a lot less maintenance that needs to be done. However, the tires, brakes and other fluids still need to be checked regularly.
What is an EV compared to a hybrid vehicle?: The EV relies only on electric power to operate. Hybrid vehicles use both electric power and fuel to run. However, the hybrid can be a plug-in variant that also requires charging like the electric vehicle.
Where can I charge my EV?: The government provides a map of all electric vehicle charging stations. You can search for locations in your area or along your route
Are all EV chargers the same?: The way that EV chargers work is the same, but the speed at which they charge is different. Most home chargers are considered Level 1. Some public chargers are Level 2, but there are also DC Fast Charging stations.
