DRIVING ELECTRIC...
- The fuel efficiency for many electric cars is over 100 MPGe.
- Fuel costs for EVs are cheaper than the cost of gas in the Southeast US.
- Maintenance costs are lower with an EV because there are fewer parts.
- Most EVs qualify for up to a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit.
- Federal Tax Credit for charging equipment extended through 2021.
- Driving all electric means you never have to go to a gas station. You can fuel up at home. You also never need an oil change.
- Powering them is convenient. You can use any traditional 120V plug to charge most EVs or install a 240V charging equipment to make charging quicker.
- You can also charge your EV at public charging stations that are found on apps like PlugShare.
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The quickest production car in the world is electric. The Tesla SP100D has a 0-60 time of 2.28 seconds.
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Electric vehicles must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and undergo the same rigorous safety testing as conventional vehicles sold in the United States.
- The transportation sector is now the largest source of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution the United States.
- The lifetime emissions of EVs are less than 50% traditional car, even when emissions from manufacturing are considered.
- When EVs are powered by renewable sources their emissions are near zero.
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Electric cars will reduce our nation’s transportation petroleum consumption.
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No oil or gas means no oil spills on our coasts.
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20-45 million electric vehicles could offset any gasoline extracted from the currently
protected areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico combined!
CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE DRIVING ELECTRIC
COST
The lifetime cost to own an electric vehicle is often lower compared to a traditional car because of lower maintenance and fuel cost. The purchase price of an EV or PHEV may be higher than a traditional car. However, they qualify for Federal Tax Credits up to $7,500 based on the size of the battery. Some states have a State Tax Credit. Try this fuel cost calculator from the US Department of Energy.
MYTH: Electric vehicles just trading oil for coal.
REALITY: More coal plants are being taken off-line every day as they age out and natural gas is the most common fuel used to generate electricity in the US. Renewable energy sources like: wind, biomass, and solar comprise 15% of our electricity production. EVs are the only mode of transportation that will continue to get greener as we green our energy sources. If you pair roof top solar with an EV you are virtually driving on sunshine.
MYTH: EVs are just a fad.
REALITY: China is now the world's largest vehicle market. They have set goals to end the sale of petrol or diesel cars which has set off a chain of significant announcements by auto makers.
MYTH: EVs are only for the wealthy.
REALITY: There are currently 6 pure EVs that have an MSRP from $30-36,000. With the $7,500 Federal tax credit the cost makes them very close to a comparable ICE vehicle. Plus they have lower fuel and maintenance costs.