EV FAQs

A. There are many advantages to driving an electric vehicle. Plugging in an electric car allows you to drive without contributing to pollution. Because these vehicles don’t have a tailpipe that emits exhaust gas, it is virtually pollution-free driving. Electricity is also much cheaper than gas and allows you to (save hundreds of dollars on gas each year) opt-out of spending tens of thousands of dollars on gas for the rest of your life. (I’m not sure if we can say for the rest of your life). Electric vehicles also drive more quietly than your average gas vehicle allowing you to not add to the noise in your community.

A. No, not at all! Well over 90% of daily driving is under 100 miles. According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, the national average is 30 to 40 miles per day. Most new battery electric vehicles have a range of double that and can be charged at an ordinary 120V electrical outlet or at a public charging station. To find out your daily driving range, keep a record for two weeks of how far you drive every day. If it averages between 10 and 90 miles a day, you’re a prime candidate for an EV or PHEV! Range anxiety about EVs and hybrids is misplaced. Most EV drivers are finding that they can drive to work, do their chores around town, and get back home with plenty of battery capacity left over.

A. No! They are one of the most efficient technologies in existence. Gas vehicles only convert 17% to 21% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels. Electric vehicles convert 59% to 62% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. This makes EVs environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, however, some of the power plants producing the electricity for EVs may emit them.

A. No! It is most convenient to charge while you are at home and asleep. Even using the slowest coverlet overnight, you will have 40 – 50 miles of range. The new Nissan Leaf fully recharges in 4 hours.

A. Absolutely not. In fact, the reverse is true. Your energy bill will be less overall by driving with electricity. EVs are so efficient that the cost per mile driven, is significantly less. EV owners typically spend around $40 a month on electricity to charge their vehicles.

A. No. In fact, most cost less to insure than comparable gas-powered cars.

A. Most people recharge overnight at their homes, but there are many public chargers, you can find our list here.

A. Much less than it costs to buy gasoline. Exactly how much depends on the vehicle and electricity rates. On average, it costs less than $1 to charge a plug-in hybrid and $2 to $4 for an all-electric car. Your overall energy bill will be lowered by driving with electricity.