Understanding EVs

Choosing an electric vehicle (EV) is a smart option to eliminate your emissions and enjoy a futuristic driving experience. With tax credits and less expensive maintenance, you can enjoy the unique benefits of owning an electric vehicle. Learn more about EVs to see if one is right for you.

Benefits of Plugging In

Save Big on Fuel

Powering your electric vehicle is less expensive than what you will find at gas stations.

EV Incentives

Federal tax incentives are available for vehicles that meet high standards in efficiency. Check to see if there are state tax incentives, rebates, or credits to save even more on an electric vehicle.

Low Cost to Own

Traditional gasoline-powered engines have internally lubricated components that require routine maintenance. EVs don't have those components, so they don't need as much maintenance to run smoothly. You can save time and money by taking services like oil changes out of the equation.

Fuel Up At Home

There are various options to charge your EV at home or on the go for more convenience.

Quick and Quiet

EV battery packs provide low centers of gravity for improved handling. The electric motors provide near-instant torque response for acceleration that will push you back in your seat.

Best of Both Worlds

A plug-in hybrid model could be right for you if you're interested in fuel efficiency with short electric driving ranges and the long-range capabilities of a gasoline engine.

88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always."

Which EV is Right for Me?

Battery Electric

An electric battery model runs solely on electric energy, letting you take advantage of the highest tax credits and eliminating your emissions.

Plug-in Hybrid

When choosing a plug-in hybrid car, you can enjoy the benefits of an electric motor and a gasoline engine. Recharging the battery pack helps you maximize your efficiency, while a gasoline engine lets you keep going even if your battery no longer has a charge.

Traditional Hybrid

When choosing a traditional hybrid, you will have a gasoline engine with an electric motor but without a battery pack. You may miss out on tax credits, but most models provide over 40 MPG for impressive efficiency.

Fuel Efficient

With a fuel-efficient car offering over 40 MPG, you can enjoy reduced gas costs, but not the benefits EV models provide.

Owning an EV

Understanding Charging

Level 1

Level 1 charging is the slowest and most accessible option. You can recharge between 3 to 5 miles an hour using a common 120-volt household outlet. Many EVs come with a standard level 1 charging cord.

Level 2

Level 2 charging lets you charge at home or on the go, making it the most popular and convenient. An electrician can install a Level 2 charger at your home for added convenience, and there are charging stations with level 2 charging, too. Depending on the charger and the model, you can expect level 2 chargers to charge 12 to 80 miles an hour.

Level 3

Level 3 is the fastest option, providing up to 3 to 30 miles per minute. This level is also known as DC fast charging or supercharging, and it is only available at public charging stations with Level 3 charging capabilities.

Charging at Home

Your home charging options are levels 1 and 2. By charging overnight or at home, you may be able to take advantage of lower rates and skip a trip to a station.

Battery Care

You can keep your battery healthy by avoiding charging it over 90 percent and depleting it less than 10 percent.

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Trees For Test Drives
Help Us Plant 100,000 Trees!

You can contribute to planting trees at the Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle just by taking a test drive with an eligible vehicle. We have teamed up with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships to plant 100,000 long-leaf pine trees. By testing driving an efficient model between now and December 31st, you can help out.

Look for hang tags with QR codes inside qualifying vehicles. Simply scan the QR code, complete a short form telling us about your experience, and we will plant a tree on your behalf.

Common Questions

A federal tax credit of $7,500 is 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.

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.

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/

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/
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.
  • 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.
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.
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.

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