Understanding EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive, cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered vehicles, and contribute fewer emissions into the air. With tax incentives available and a fast-growing network of charging stations, find out if owning an EV is the right choice for you.

Battery Electric

Fully electric cars offer the smallest environmental footprint and the biggest savings on maintenance and fuel.

Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in hybrids have a rechargable electric motor and a gas-powered engine to extend range if needed.

Traditional Hybrid

Powered by an electric motor and gas-powered engine, Hybrids recharge as you drive. Tax credits and other benefits may not apply.

Federal Tax Credit

A federal tax rebate up to of $7,500 may be available on many EV models.

Local Incentives

Even more savings from your state and/or utility company.

Low Cost to Own

EV owners can expect to spend half as much on maintenance and repair. (Consumer Reports)

Fuel Up At Home

Charge while you sleep, work, or at a growing number of public chargers.

Quick and Quiet

Enjoy fast and smooth acceleration, better handling, and a quieter ride.

Best of Both Worlds

Plug-in hybrids provide electric range for short trips and gas-power for longer journeys.

of EV owners surveyed said they'd purchase another EV as their next vehicle.

Source: AAA

Understanding Level 1, 2, and 3 EV Charging

Charging times for your electric car can vary based on the type of charger that you use.

Level 1: A Level 1 charger can plug into a standard 110V household outlet. It'll charge your vehicle the slowest, but gives you the most versatility on where you can plug in. Generally speaking, Level 1 charging will give you 2-5 miles of range per hour. This is a good choice for plug-in hybrid models that can switch to a gas engine and be charged overnight.

Level 2: Level 2 chargers can plug into a heavier duty 240V outlet, like what an electric dryer plugs into. Level 2 chargers should be installed by a professional electrician and will charge about 10-20 miles of range per hour. Level 2 charging is a good choice for electric cars, especially when charging overnight or during the day.

Level 3: Level 3 DC fast chargers are the most efficient electric car chargers and can be found at commercial locations. When you plug into a Level 3 EV charger, your battery will charge about 60-80 miles in approximately 20 minutes. There's a national network of public charging stations, so familiarize yourself with their locations to keep your EV charged up while on the go!

Charging from Home

For plugin hybrid vehicles a standard outlet (Level 1) will be enough for overnight charging. For battery electric vehicles, a Level 2 charger will require professional installation by a licensed electrician. If you live in an apartment or condo, consider talking with the property owner about installing a charger or use a nearby public charger. Talk to our sales staff to find out more about charging from home.

Family having fun with 2 children and electric vehicle in the background

Battery Care

Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number will continue to increase. If you can keep your battery between 20% and 80% charged most days and avoid extremely hot temperatures, you can expect your maintenance to be minimal.

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What credits and incentives are available?

A federal tax rebate of $7,500 may be available on most EV models. Depending on where you live, state and local rebates and incentives may also be available. Check with your sales associate to find out if the model is eligible for rebates and incentives.

What other perks are available?

Other advantages of owning an EV include:

Eligible EVs may also qualify for HOV lane access, which are normally restricted to vehicles with multiple passengers.
Many electric companies offer lower rates based on the time of use. With EVs, you can save money by charging during off-peak times.
If you're able to charge from work or home, there's usually no need to stop to refuel like you would in a gas-powered vehicle.
EVs produce zero tail-pipe emissions resulting in cleaner air and better health.

How much will I save on gas?

This will vary depending on the local price of electricity and gas and where you are charging (at home or public charger), but most EV owners can expect to save on fuel cost. A recent Consumer Reports study found the “typical EV owner who does most of their fueling at home can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fueling costs over an equivalent gasoline-powered car.”

Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/

How much will I save on maintenance?

A recent Consumer Reports study found “maintenance and repair costs for EVs are significantly lower over the life of the vehicle – about half – than for gasoline–powered vehicles, which require regular fluid changes and are more mechanically complex. The average dollar savings over the lifetime of the vehicle is about $4,600.”

Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/

How much range do I need?

Gas powered vehicles offer a range of 300-400mi. Battery electric vehicles offer a median range of 250mi. For EV owners who charge at home, this is more than enough for daily use. For longer drives beyond the range of your vehicle, check a public charger map for charger availability along your route.

How long does it take to charge?

Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 2-5 miles of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plugin hybrid vehicles but not battery electric vehicles.

Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician and charge about 10-20 miles of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.

Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 60-80 miles of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.

Can I charge at home?

Yes, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can be used at home. In fact, the standard 120V outlet supports a Level 1 charger. Level 2 chargers require 240V and can be installed by a licensed electrician. If you do not own your home, you may need to work with your property owner to install a Level 2 charger.

How long does the battery last?

Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number should continue to increase.

EV or gas-powered, we have you covered.

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