Electric vehicles or EVs represent the new age of automotive technology and performance. Owning an EV does more than make you look great on the road. When you shop for a pre-owned EV from Ecoauto LLC., you become part of an exclusive club of auto owners who desire a more productive journey. You'll get that and more when piloting an EV from our dealership.
When you think about electric vehicles, your mind may instantly go to the Tesla Model Y or Tesla Model 3. But there's more to it than a crowd-pleasing ride. Electric vehicles cover a range of options.
To qualify as an EV, automobiles must, at least, use an electric motor to support an internal combustion engine. Therefore, EVs include hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell electric, and battery electric vehicles.
Hybrid Models
A hybrid car uses an electric motor to provide power to the gasoline-fueled engine. By way of regenerative braking, most hybrid batteries are recharged while braking. One major aspect that sets these models apart is their inability to allow drivers to travel solely on electric power.
Plug-in Hybrid Models
Plug-in hybrid automobiles employ an electric motor to supplement the gasoline-fueled engine. You can plug in your car to charge the battery and can travel for varying distances on purely electric power.
Fuel Cell Electric Models
Fuel cell electric models use a hydrogen fuel cell to power the electric motor. Due to a chemical reaction between compressed hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen, this manner of EV foregoes the use of gasoline.
Battery Electric Models
Battery electric vehicles use one or more electric motors to propel your car forward. This method has zero tailpipe emissions and doesn't rely upon gasoline as a fuel source.
Tax incentives are a great reason to own an EV. In Massachusetts, you're able to earn incentives, even if you own a used EV.
Federal Tax Credit
A federal tax credit up to of $4,000 is available on many of our EV models.
Local Incentives
Even more savings from your state and/or utility company.
Low Cost to Own
EV owners can expect to spend half as much on maintenance and repair. (Consumer Reports)
Fuel Up At Home
Charge while you sleep, work, or at a growing number of public chargers.
Quick and Quiet
Enjoy fast and smooth acceleration, better handling, and a quieter ride.
Best of Both Worlds
Plug-in hybrids provide electric range for short trips and gas-power for longer journeys.
What credits and incentives are available?
A federal tax credit of $4,000 is available on most pre-owned EV models under $25,000. Depending on where you live, state and local rebates and incentives may also be available. Check with our sales team to find out if the model is eligible for rebates and incentives.
What other perks are available?
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.
How much will I save on gas?
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/
How much will I save on maintenance?
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/
How much range do I need?
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.
How long does it take to charge?
- 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.
Can I charge at home?
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.
How long does the battery last?
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.
