Electric cars…
…have a range of up to 325 miles, depending on type.
…can be charged at one of New York’s 1,201 electric stations and 2,896 electric charging outlets (as of today, but these numbers are rising!).
…come in many styles, such as sedan, hatchback, subcompact, SUV, and minivan.
…require minimal maintenance and no oil changes.
…produce much less pollution than cars powered by gasoline.
…may result in up to a $7,500 IRS tax credit when purchased new.
…may result in up to a $2,000 New York State rebate when purchased new.
…are exempt from New York State emissions inspections.
…have batteries designed for extended life that can last up to 15 years.
…can be leased for as little as $120 monthly when tax credit is signed to the leasing company.
Interested? Read on…
There are 2 types of electric cars:
1. Pure electric or all-electric cars are powered by electric motors. They receive electricity by plugging into the power grid and store it in batteries. They consume no fuel.
2. Hybrid cars use batteries to power an electric motor, plug into the power grid to charge, and use gas or alternative fuel to power an internal combustion engine.
Other facts:
– New York State consumes less total energy per capita than all other states except Rhode Island.
– Driving an electric car can save drivers over $1,000 annually.
– Electricity is not a fuel, it is energy produced from a wide array of domestic sources.
– Electricity from nuclear, hydro, solar, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.
– Base prices for electric cars range from $21,750 for the Smart Electric Drive to over $125,000 for the Tesla Model S.
– Electricity prices are much more stable than gas prices.
– When an electric car battery is depleted, it can take from 30 minutes up to a few hours to recharge it, depending on the type of charger and battery.
– Drivers with a home solar system can lower or even eliminate their “fuel” costs.
Federal tax credit:
– The IRS tax credit for $2,500-$7,500 is for the purchase of a new electric car to be used in the U.S. The credit amount depends on the vehicle and its battery capacity.
– The credit will be available until 200,000 electric cars have been sold in the United States per manufacturer, at which point the credit phases out for that manufacturer. No manufacturers have been phased out yet.
– When you are ready to claim the credit, fill out IRS Form 8936 (Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit) and report the credit on Form 1040.
– To find federal tax credit values for specific vehicles, visit FuelEconomy.gov.
New York State benefits:
– New York State’s Drive Clean rebate of up to $2,000 is applied directly to the price of a qualifying electric car. For more information, click here.
– New York State’s Charge Ready rebate of up to $4,000 is for public and private entities to purchase and install charging stations at public parking facilities, workplaces, and multi-unit homes. For more information, click here.
– For other New York State incentives and information, click here.
Potential disadvantages of electric cars:
– Some electric cars have complicated controls and compromised space inside, though others are large and straightforward.
– Without consistent access to charging, pure electric cars may not be ideal for use over 70 miles daily.
– When outside temperatures heat to 95°F and air-conditioning is used, range may decrease by up to 17 percent.
– When temperatures drop to 20°F and the HVAC system is used, range may decrease by up to 41 percent.
– Car insurance premiums may be up to 26 percent higher for electric cars than their gas-only counterparts.
Further Resources:
– U.S. Department of Energy eGallon tool to learn the cost of fueling an electric vehicle in New York State
– “Going From Pump to Plug: Adding Up the Savings from EVs” resource on savings compared to gas-powered cars
– Sierra Club quiz to learn which electric car model is right for you
– U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fueling Station Locator
– PlugShare location guide to vehicle charging stations around the world
Title from “Electric Car (feat. Robin Goldwasser)” by They Might Be Giants:
“No diesel, steam, or gasoline, happiness resides in an electric car”