Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular for their unique performance capabilities, reduced environmental impact, and low-maintenance ownership. You can take advantage of everything from tax incentives to convenient charging networks to discover the benefits of driving an electric vehicle.
Understanding EVs
Understanding EVs
Benefits of Plugging In
88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always."
Which EV is Right for Me?
Owning an EV
Owning an EV
Understanding Charging
There are three charging levels available for EVs to help you discover the right option for your convenience and driving needs.
Level 1
Level 1 charging uses a common 120-volt household outlet, making it possible to charge at home, work, or in public areas. You can charge every all-electric or plug-in hybrid by plugging your charging equipment into a regular wall outlet. Level 1 is the slowest way to charge, offering between 3 to 5 miles of range per hour, but it can also be the most convenient since you can charge at your home or new location overnight.
Level 2
Most drivers commonly use Level 2 for daily EV charging. It's possible to install a Level 2 charger at home for convenient charging, but you can also find Level 2 chargers at shopping plazas and transportation centers. A Level 2 charger can recharge about 12 to 80 miles per hour, depending on the charger and the vehicle's maximum charge rate.
Level 3
Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging or supercharging, is the fastest option. Level 3 charging ranges between 400-volt to 900-volt charging. With your vehicle charging at a Level 3 station, it's possible to charge 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. Level 3 chargers are only available at public charging stations due to their high-voltage supply.
Charging at Home
Using a standard outlet is an excellent option if you're planning on charging your vehicle at home. For those who want faster-charging speeds, a professional would need to install a Level 2 charger at your home. Certain models offer deals for at-home charging, so be sure to speak with our sales team for more information.
Battery Care
You can keep your electric vehicle's battery healthy by avoiding under- and overcharging. Try to stay above 10 percent and below 90 percent. You will also want to avoid going from fully charged to empty when possible. You will want to be mindful of driving during temperature extremes to avoid straining your battery during hot or cold weather.
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Trees For Test Drives
Help Us Plant 100,000 Trees!
You can help plant more trees just by taking one of our efficient vehicles for a test drive. We are working with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships across the country to plant 100,000 long-leaf pine trees at the Eglin Air Force Base located in the Florida Panhandle. We will plant a tree for every qualifying test drive completed between April 22nd and December 31st.
It's easy to help and find the right model for your driving needs by test driving one of our electric, hybrid, or 40-plus-MPG vehicles and scanning the QR code on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. After that, all you have to do is submit a short form telling us about your experience, and we will plant a tree for a more sustainable future.
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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