In most U.S. zip codes, electric vehicles are cost-competitive with their gas-powered counterparts, according to a new study. And regarding emissions benefits of EVs, individual driving patterns matter as much as regional factors like the local electricity mix.
Most EVs being sold now will go at least a couple hundred miles on a full charge if you don’t drive like a maniac. And if you find yourself stuck with a low charge, level 3 chargers are pretty widely available and can get you to 80% in a half hour or less. Kia and Hyundai are good options on a budget, just don’t look at the high-end models like the Ioniqs. We bought a used Kia Niro EV last year. It’s a great little commuter car for my wife since her employer is making her drive into the office every day now. Nissan Leafs are often pretty affordable used, too. I’m with you on Tesla. The dealerships were flooded with them when we went looking last summer, and they were desperate to sell us one. “Are you sure? I can make you a great deal on a Tesla!” Not interested.
Sadly, you might be about a year late for the really good deals, and the Republicans allowed the EV tax credits to expire in September. If you can’t find a good deal on an EV, you might consider a hybrid, or pluggable hybrid (a hybrid with a larger battery that can be charged when it isn’t running). A former co-worker of mine used to drive a Chevy Volt pluggable hybrid to work and bragged that he only filled the tank once a year.
Most EVs being sold now will go at least a couple hundred miles on a full charge if you don’t drive like a maniac. And if you find yourself stuck with a low charge, level 3 chargers are pretty widely available and can get you to 80% in a half hour or less. Kia and Hyundai are good options on a budget, just don’t look at the high-end models like the Ioniqs. We bought a used Kia Niro EV last year. It’s a great little commuter car for my wife since her employer is making her drive into the office every day now. Nissan Leafs are often pretty affordable used, too. I’m with you on Tesla. The dealerships were flooded with them when we went looking last summer, and they were desperate to sell us one. “Are you sure? I can make you a great deal on a Tesla!” Not interested.
Sadly, you might be about a year late for the really good deals, and the Republicans allowed the EV tax credits to expire in September. If you can’t find a good deal on an EV, you might consider a hybrid, or pluggable hybrid (a hybrid with a larger battery that can be charged when it isn’t running). A former co-worker of mine used to drive a Chevy Volt pluggable hybrid to work and bragged that he only filled the tank once a year.