Understanding EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive, cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered vehicles, and contribute fewer emissions into the air. With tax incentives available and a fast-growing network of charging stations, find out if owning an EV is the right choice for you.

Benefits of Plugging In


Save Big on Fuel
Driving electric offers significant savings compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.

EV Incentives
Incentives, rebates and other credits are available to help make driving electric more affordable.

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.

88% of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home “often” or “always.”

Source: J.D. Power EVX Ownership Index

Which EV is Right for Me?


Battery Electric
Fully electric cars offer the smallest environmental footprint and the biggest savings on maintenance and fuel.

Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in hybrids have a rechargeable electric motor and a gas-powered engine to extend range if needed.

Traditional Hybrid
Powered by an electric motor and gas-powered engine, Hybrids recharge as you drive. Tax credits and other benefits may not apply.

Fuel Efficient
These efficient, gas-powered vehicles get over 40MPG and still reduce your emissions and costs.

Owning an EV

Understanding Charging

We’ve partnered with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships across the country to plant 100,000 long leaf pine trees across Eglin Air Force Base located in the Florida Panhandle. Between April 22nd and December 31st, we’ll plant one tree for every qualifying test drive completed.

Here’s how it works. After you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or 40+ mpg vehicle, scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Fill out and submit the short form telling us about your experience and we’ll plant a tree on your behalf! It’s that easy.

Electric Charging Station
black lexus charging in country modern home

Charging from Home

For plugin hybrid vehicles a standard outlet (Level 1) will be enough for overnight charging. For battery electric vehicles, a Level 2 charger will require professional installation by a licensed electrician. If you live in an apartment or condo, consider talking with the property owner about installing a charger or use a nearby public charger. Talk to our sales staff to find out more about charging from home.

Battery Care

Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number will continue to increase. If you can keep your battery between 20% and 80% charged most days and avoid extremely hot temperatures, you can expect your maintenance to be minimal.

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Trees For Test Drives Help Us Plant 100,000 Trees!

We’ve partnered with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships across the country to plant 100,000 long leaf pine trees across Eglin Air Force Base located in the Florida Panhandle. Between April 22nd and December 31st, we’ll plant one tree for every qualifying test drive completed.

Here’s how it works. After you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or 40+ mpg vehicle, scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Fill out and submit the short form telling us about your experience and we’ll plant a tree on your behalf! It’s that easy.

A federal tax rebate of up to $5,000 is available on most EV models. Depending on where you live, provincial 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 USD.”

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 480-640km. Battery electric vehicles offer a median range of 400km. 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 3-8 km of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plug-in hybrid vehicles, but not battery electric vehicles.
  • Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician, and charge about 16-32 km 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 96-128 km 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 240,000 and 320,000 km when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number should continue to increase.

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