Understanding EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are one of the fastest-growing and most popular vehicle types available. With them offering everything from tax incentives to zero-emission driving, you can discover impressive savings and a new way to drive.

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."

Which EV is Right for Me?

Battery Electric

A battery electric vehicle runs solely on electric power. These models offer higher tax credits and exciting electric performance with low centers of gravity and near-instant torque response.

Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in hybrid models combine the power and efficiency of gasoline and electric motors with the added benefit of a battery pack. You can recharge the battery pack to maximize efficiency and reduce gas costs.

Traditional Hybrid

Traditional hybrid cars include a gasoline engine and an electric motor. While most offer more than 40 MPG, not all models are eligible for tax credits.

Fuel Efficient

Fuel-efficient models offer more than 40 MPG and use gasoline engines.

Owning an EV

Understanding Charging

Level 1

Almost all EVs come with a Level 1 charger. You can use a common 120-volt household outlet to recharge your vehicle, making it easy to charge your vehicle overnight or in a public space. Level 1 charging is the slowest option, charging 3 to 5 miles an hour.

Level 2

Level 2 charging offers quick charging with a home installation or at a public charging station. These chargers can charge between 12 to 80 miles an hour, making it easier to replenish your battery on the go.

Level 3

Level 3, also known as DC fast charging or supercharging, is the most power and fastest charging option. It's possible to find Level 3 chargers at public stations, but due to their high voltage, they are too powerful and expensive for home installations. However, they are an excellent option when recharging your EV on the go. Level 3 can charge between 3 to 30 miles per minute to help you get back out on the road as soon as possible.

Charging at Home

You can take advantage of both Level 1 and Level 2 charging at home. Level 1 just requires a household outlet, while a Level 2 charger requires a professional electrician to install it. Contact our friendly team to learn more about the convenience of charging at home. You may find deals for Level 2 chargers or technologies to help you charge when electric rates are the lowest.

Battery Care

You can take care of your battery by watching for extreme temperatures and avoiding charging your battery too much or too little. Hot and cold weather can put additional strain on your battery, causing the battery to drain more quickly than you may expect. You can care for your battery during weather extremes by ensuring your battery has enough range for your travels. When it comes to charging, you will want to charge your battery under 90 percent and above 10 percent to avoid over- and under-charging.

  1. Suburban Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Garden City

    32850 Ford Rd
    Garden City, MI 48135-1570

    • Sales: (734) 338-8824
Loading Map...

Want to Learn More About Electric Vehicles?

 

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

By working with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships, we plan to plant a tree with every qualifying test drive for a goal of 100,000 long-leaf pine trees at the Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. You can be part of creating a forest by scheduling a test drive with a qualifying vehicle between April 22nd and December 31st.

When you test drive one of our electric, hybrid, or 40-plus-MPG vehicles, you will find a GreenCars hang tag with a QR code inside qualifying vehicles that you can scan. The WR code leads you to a short form where you can tell us about your experience, and we will plant a tree on your behalf.

Common Questions

A federal tax credit of $7,500 is available on most EV models. Depending on where you live, state 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.”

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 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.
  • 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.
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 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number should continue to increase.

Let us help you find your new car!

Make an Inquiry

* Indicates a required field

By submitting your contact information, you consent to be contacted by telephone about purchasing a vehicle or obtaining vehicle financing. Clicking on the Submit button above is your electronic signature.