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.
Understanding EVs
Understanding EVs
Benefits of Plugging In
88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always.
Which EV is Right for Me?
Owning an EV
Understanding Charging
Charging times vary depending of the type of charger used.
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.
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.
Ready to Shop?
Understanding Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Options and Their Benefits
Car shoppers have more vehicle options than ever, including a growing number of green vehicles for sale in Reno. We have several Chrysler and Jeep electrified vehicles for sale at our dealership, and we receive a lot of questions about these models and their benefits. There are many reasons to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV), from fewer emissions to tax benefits, so read on for more details about those and our options.
Benefits of Electrified Vehicles
- Tax Credits: There are both federal and state tax credits available for electrified vehicles. Drivers that buy plug-in hybrid or full-electric vehicles can get thousands of dollars in tax benefits that make these green vehicles great values.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs because there are fewer moving parts. You also won't have to go in for as many service appointments, so EVs can save you time and money in a few ways.
- Lower Fuel Costs: The main draw of green vehicles is the improved efficiency that they offer. That efficiency means lower fuel costs and fewer stops at the pump. Plug-in hybrids are the best of both worlds with gas for longer road trips and electric power to handle quick errands.
- Quiet Yet Powerful Performance: Electric motors provide their torque right away, which makes for instant acceleration that remains smooth. That performance can also help plug-in hybrids tow more than their gas counterparts.
Which Electrified Vehicle Option is Right for You?
Traditional Hybrid
Traditional hybrid vehicles have been around the longest, and these models have a gas engine and electric motor that always work together. You'll enjoy terrific efficiency from traditional hybrid cars and SUVs.
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in hybrids add a battery pack that you can charge at home to power the electric motors, which provides even better efficiency than traditional hybrids. Plug-in hybrids also have an electric driving mode that can go short distances without using any gas.
Electric Vehicles
Drivers can find zero-emissions vehicles that rely upon electric motors. EVs do have shorter driving ranges than gas models, but they have low maintenance costs and ultra-affordable fuel costs. Plus, you can charge them from your home outlets.
Different Types of Charging Options
There are several ways to charge plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.
- Level 1 Charging: Level 1 charging is what you'll get from a standard household outlet, and it's a great option for plug-in hybrids.
- Level 2 Charging: You can also have a level 2 wall outlet installed in your home, including MOPAR charging outlets, and these add about 10-20 miles of range each hour. There are also public level 2 charging stations.
- Level 3 Charging: Level 3 charging uses DC fast-charging technology to add 60-80 miles of range in just 20 minutes. This electric vehicle charging option is only available at public stations.
Learn About Chrysler and Jeep Plug-in Hybrids in Reno
There are many benefits to buying an electrified vehicle, and we have several terrific options at our dealership. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers an efficient minivan option that has a wonderful electric driving range to help you save, and you can put that money towards other family expenses. You can take plug-in hybrids off-roading with our Jeep 4xe models. There are Jeep Wrangler 4xe options for those wanting a plug-in hybrid off-road icon, or you may prefer the cabin space of a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Want to Learn More About Electric Vehicles?
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.
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.
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.
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