Why Drive Electric?
Affordability
Typically, driving an electric vehicle costs about half as much as a conventional car. PlugIn America (2020) averages that charging your EV is equivalent to filling up for $1 per gallon of gasoline, or like driving a vehicle that gets over 130 miles per gallon (AFDC, 2019). Although initial purchasing costs of electric cars tend to run higher than their conventional counterparts, these prices can be offset by fuel savings, federal tax credit, and state and utility incentives. Use a cost calculator to compare annual costs associated with your current vehicle versus going electric.
Maintenance
Spark plugs, transmissions, timing belts, oil filters… the list goes on. Internal combustion engines have many moving parts that require expensive and continuous upkeep. Can you imagine never having to get an oil change again? The battery, motor, and other parts of the electrical system requires little to no maintenance, and brake systems have an extended life thanks to regenerative braking. The advanced batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle and can even be recycled after they wear out.
Environmental Impact
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2018), transportation generates the largest share of greenhouse gases at roughly 30%. The largest sources include passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks such as minivans and pickup trucks which account for over half of these emissions. Electric vehicles produce zero tail pipe emissions while driving, meaning they won’t emit harmful gases and can improve air quality as they grow in popularity. While these cars still have a carbon footprint, EVs in Georgia average 65% less emissions than conventional cars. Install a solar panel at you home charging port and you can drop your emissions close to zero.
Performance
Don’t make any mistake underestimating electric vehicle performance. Electric motors have a controlled torque of 0 RPM, meaning they have instant acceleration from a standstill stop. EVs also use regenerative braking, which means stepping on the brake can recover up to 10-15% of energy that would have been otherwise wasted in conventional braking system and turns it back into fuel!
ENERGY SECURITY
Depending on gasoline for transportation means depending on foreign oil. Increasing the amount of energy efficient, electric cars on the road is a crucial part in minimizing the need of imported petroleum. Because there are multiple sources used to generate electricity, we can create a resiliency benefit that relies on domestic generation and boost our nation’s energy security.
F.A.Q.
If you have any other questions, we would love to help! Fill out our contact form and we will get to the bottom of any questions or concerns.
Plenty of apps and websites exist to help locate the nearest charging station no matter where you are. In North America, all level 1 and level 2 chargers are universal unless stated otherwise. For example, Tesla uses its own distinct charging port but comes with adaptors upon purchase. For DC fast chargers (aka level 3) there are two main types of charging ports used: CHAdeMO and CCS. These two ports are not interchangeable and you must know which port your EV is equipped to use.
In Atlanta alone, 99% of chargers are level 2 or 3, and 42% of these offer free charging. If payment is required, a popular form is through a prepaid network card. The cost of recharging depends on the area, peak electricity seasons, and the type of vehicle and charger. On average it costs about $1-2 per hour of charging.
Visit our Charging page to learn more about types of ports and how to recharge.
Then we would love to hear about it! Plenty of EV owners travel hundreds of miles with no problem. Our best advice would be to plan ahead and use sites like PlugShare to get an idea of charging stations along the way. Public charging stations are being installed rapidly to ease range anxiety and make road trips possible. The Federal Highway Association has established corridors that allow drivers to travel along every Interstate Highway in Georgia with the ability to charge every 50 miles or less. Check out Georgia’s EV friendly corridors or watch how Electrify America made a cross-country fast charging route.
As research continues to unfold, electric vehicles prove to be no more dangerous than conventional cars. In fact, they actually benefit public health by reducing the number of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere. While some consumers fear fires from lithium-ion batteries, studies show they are no more or less risky than conventional engines or wiring.
Another common concern when it comes to charging safety may be inclement weather. Electric vehicle manufactures deliberately design charging ports to withstand water intrusions and the most hazardous weather conditions. To date, there has been no issues regarding precipitation and EVs.
Electric cars prove to be a safe and reliable form of transportation that benefit air quality and are growing in popularity. For any other concerns, contact us and we will be happy to dispel other EV myths.
Absolutely! In fact, your local dealership most likely has discounted, used EVs for sale right now! As technologies improve and manufactures increase electric production, we will see a variety of used and affordable EVs on the market.
Taking the first steps are always the hardest. The good news is Drive Electric Georgia is here to provide you with a roadmap for an easy and successful transition. Many drivers end up becoming EV enthusiasts and advocates once they make the switch! The biggest difference for new EV owners is installing residential charging ports or growing familiar with nearby charging stations. You will shortly get the hang of your new vehicle and be contributing to a clean and improved future!