EV

Battery Electric Vehicles have a battery and an electric motor instead of a gas tank and an internal combustion engine. Sometimes BEVs are also referred to as All Electric Vehicles or Plug-in Vehicles (not to be confused with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). They run entirely on electricity and do not produce any exhaust from the burning of fuel.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor AND a gas-powered internal combustion engine. Some PHEVs operate exclusively, or almost exclusively, on electricity until the battery is nearly depleted, then the gasoline-powered engine turns on to provide power. Like Battery Electric Vehicles, PHEVs can be plugged in to charge the battery when the vehicle is not in use.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor AND a gas-powered internal combustion engine, and don't plug-in for charging. HEVs can have substantial range on a single tank of gas, but they still burn fossil fuel, produce carbon emissions, require trips to the gas station and scheduled engine-maintenance. An HEV may be an ideal choice for those with extended commutes and limited charging system access.

Federal and State Incentives

You may qualify in federal tax incentives for purchasing an all-electric vehicle in 2020. The federal tax credit is a potential future tax savings. The amount of your tax savings will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Many states also offer additional rebates and incentives for electric vehicle customers — up to $2,500 in certain cases.

Scheduled Maintenance – Estimated 35% lower Costs vs. Comparable Vehicles

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, which could potentially lower scheduled maintenance costs.

Other Available Utility Savings and Incentives

You could be eligible for additional savings. Local utility companies may offer additional rebates or lower charging rates for electric vehicle owners. Check with your local utility provider for complete details.

Potential Annual Savings on Fuel

Potentially save more than time at the gas station. A customer choosing an electric vehicle with a battery electric efficiency of 32.9 kWh could save an estimated $893 in annual fuel costs compared with a gas-powered vehicle with an EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg combined.

EV Battery Information

Electric vehicle batteries are typically designed to last for the expected life of the vehicle, but battery life should be considered when calculating the extended cost of ownership, as all batteries eventually wear out and must be replaced. Battery replacement is typically costly, but keep in mind that gas powered vehicle equipment, such as motors and transmissions, have a lifespan too. The rate at which batteries expire depends on the type of battery and how they are used.

The failure rate of some electric vehicles batteries already on the road is as low as 0.003%. There are also high mileage warranties on electric vehicle batteries available with many manufacturers. Several manufacturers offer multi-year and 100,000 mile+ warranties on the batteries in their vehicles. Review manufacturer information carefully when selecting an EV model.

Emissions and Energy Efficiency

Emissions
EVs produce no tailpipe emissions. Even when the power is generated using fossil fuels, electric vehicles usually show significant reductions in overall global carbon emissions over gasoline vehicles due to the highly carbon-intensive process of mining, pumping, refining and transporting gasoline.

Energy Efficiency
Internal combustion engines are relatively inefficient at converting fuel energy to propulsion as most of the energy is wasted as heat. Electric motors are more efficient in converting stored energy into propulsion, and electric-drive vehicles do not consume energy while at rest or coasting. Additionally, regenerative braking can be used to recapture energy during braking. Typically, conventional gasoline engines effectively use only 15 percent of the fuel-energy content to move the vehicle or to power accessories, while electric-drive vehicles have on-board efficiency of around 80 percent. Electric cars are not completely environmentally friendly as there can be significant issues to consider related to energy and material use in the manufacturing process. This may include energy-intensive manufacturing processes or the mining and refinement of chemicals and materials.

Reduced Operating Costs

The average U.S. household spends nearly one-fifth of its total family expenses on transportation, so saving on fuel can make a big difference in the average family's budget. Electricity is less expensive than gasoline and EVs are more efficient than gas-powered vehicles. Electric prices are also generally much more stable than gasoline prices. On a national average, it costs less than half as much to travel the same distance in an EV than a conventional vehicle. Your savings could be far more substantial if your current gas-powered vehicle gets poor mileage.

Reduced Maintenance Requirements

Battery Electric Vehicles (or BEV) require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because there are fewer fluids (like oil and transmission fluid) to change, and far fewer moving parts. EVs require minimal scheduled maintenance to their electrical systems, which can include the battery, electrical motor, and associated electronics. Because of regenerative braking, brake systems on EVs typically last longer than they do on conventional vehicles.

• No Oil Changes: BEVs do not require engine oil, so there are no oil changes (normally required every 3,000 to 7,000 miles; requirements vary by automobile manufacturer)
• No Spark Plugs and Wires: BEVs do not require spark plugs and wires, so no replacements (estimated replacement at 100,000 miles on gas engine) are needed.
• No Exhaust System: BEVs do not have mufflers or catalytic converters, two components of your exhaust system that can fail and result in expensive replacements.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) have an electric motor and a gas motor. Cars with gas motors still require the standard maintenance a regular gas-powered vehicle requires (oil changes, spark plugs and wires, exhaust systems etc.), but at less-frequent intervals.