100,000 of them. It's outrageous. We've had a 2013 EV for six years. In the market now for a newer one. And trust me, charging them is a breeze compared to stopping at gas stations. According to our power company's smart meter, we spend $16 monthly to charge the car. Granted, we don't typically drive long distances during the pandemic.
100,000 of them. It's outrageous. We've had a 2013 EV for six years. In the market now for a newer one. And trust me, charging them is a breeze compared to stopping at gas stations. According to our power company's smart meter, we spend $16 monthly to charge the car. Granted, we don't typically drive long distances during the pandemic.
Please convince me that EV works. I can see that if all your trips are within 10 miles of home, it is totally do-able. I have a 2002 hybrid and am happy to be able to gas up anywhere on long trips.
Frankly, your best bet is to buy a new or newish EV. The ranges have greatly increased. A challenge is that the very best EVs with the most range and other features are prohibitively expensive for many of us. That said, many new models have recently come on the market and more are scheduled later this year with ranges from 230 to 350 miles. This includes some priced in the $35,000 to $55,000 range. (Yes, still a lot of money but the savings knocks down the cost a lot тАФ not just never having to buy gas but practically zero vehicle maintenance.)
Depending where you live, long trips are feasible if there are charging stations. They tend to be clustered in big cities and along heavily traveled interstate highways. Driving the length of the West Coast on I-5 is feasible. Newer model EV usually are equipped with fast-speed chargers that power up EVs to 80% of range in 30 minutes. Charging station locations are found easily online and in the cars themselves. Just takes a little advance planning.
And remember, buying a new EV (with a few exceptions) earns a $7,500 federal tax credit and in some places like Oregon a state credit. The federal credit is promoted in a misleading way, however. You're only eligible if you owe taxes at the end of the tax year. If you're withholding leaves you with a $1,000 bill, that's all you get for a tax credit. Again, you can plan for this financially to get the maximum credit.
Finally, driving an EV usually means you learn to drive differently to save power. Like avoiding fast takeoffs and coasting more, which regenerates the batteries. And I think EV drivers generally are cool not having some of the conveniences of gas cars because they know they not adding to greenhouse gases.
100,000 of them. It's outrageous. We've had a 2013 EV for six years. In the market now for a newer one. And trust me, charging them is a breeze compared to stopping at gas stations. According to our power company's smart meter, we spend $16 monthly to charge the car. Granted, we don't typically drive long distances during the pandemic.
Please convince me that EV works. I can see that if all your trips are within 10 miles of home, it is totally do-able. I have a 2002 hybrid and am happy to be able to gas up anywhere on long trips.
Frankly, your best bet is to buy a new or newish EV. The ranges have greatly increased. A challenge is that the very best EVs with the most range and other features are prohibitively expensive for many of us. That said, many new models have recently come on the market and more are scheduled later this year with ranges from 230 to 350 miles. This includes some priced in the $35,000 to $55,000 range. (Yes, still a lot of money but the savings knocks down the cost a lot тАФ not just never having to buy gas but practically zero vehicle maintenance.)
Depending where you live, long trips are feasible if there are charging stations. They tend to be clustered in big cities and along heavily traveled interstate highways. Driving the length of the West Coast on I-5 is feasible. Newer model EV usually are equipped with fast-speed chargers that power up EVs to 80% of range in 30 minutes. Charging station locations are found easily online and in the cars themselves. Just takes a little advance planning.
And remember, buying a new EV (with a few exceptions) earns a $7,500 federal tax credit and in some places like Oregon a state credit. The federal credit is promoted in a misleading way, however. You're only eligible if you owe taxes at the end of the tax year. If you're withholding leaves you with a $1,000 bill, that's all you get for a tax credit. Again, you can plan for this financially to get the maximum credit.
Finally, driving an EV usually means you learn to drive differently to save power. Like avoiding fast takeoffs and coasting more, which regenerates the batteries. And I think EV drivers generally are cool not having some of the conveniences of gas cars because they know they not adding to greenhouse gases.