Types of EVs
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), commonly referred to as “EVs,” are what most people think of when thinking of an electric vehicle. Simply put, these vehicles are all-electric and cannot take gasoline.
Hybrid vehicles use gas-powered engines and an electric motor. Though they do not have a charging port and only take gas, these vehicles are more fuel efficient and therefore have a much lower emissions rate than traditional vehicles.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles use both an electric battery and gasoline. With a smaller battery than traditional all-electric EVs, plug-in hybrids travel relatively short distances on a charge, and then are able to use their fuel tank when the battery is empty.
All About Charging
While many EVs come with a Level 1 portable charger that plugs right into a home wall outlet, you may decide to install a higher-voltage Level 2 charger at your home for faster and more convenient charging. If you are often at private homes or far from public charging stations, you may want to buy a Level 2 portable charger. These are not designed for wall mounting but can be plugged in and used wherever there is a 240-volt outlet.
Away from home, you can use a commercial charging station and pay with an EV-charging app on your phone. Search for nearby EV charging stations on a website like Google Maps or PlugShare. As charging stations are becoming more frequent, you are likely to find them at grocery stores, malls, community centers, and many more locations across the country. Many of these stations are Level 2 so you can expect them to be efficient and quick!
Range of Travel
All-electric vehicles can range anywhere from 100 to 400+ miles on a single charge, while PHEVs can go 15 to 20 miles on their battery power before it switches back to their fuel tank. The range your EV goes is entirely dependent on the particular line you choose. Ranges are increasing as EVs grow in popularity.
While range anxiety is common, it is easily addressed with a few simple changes in your habits and planning. With the convenience of public charging stations, you’ll almost always be near a place to charge your car. Planning ahead is important to help ensure a stress-free experience.
Incentives and Savings
Before purchasing, see which incentives and savings you are eligible for by checking Drive Green, a program of the Boston-based Green Energy Consumers Alliance. Take care to learn about and acquire the documents you will need before you purchase to be sure you access the benefits! See the paragraph below on “How to Secure the Tax Credit.”
The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used EVs is no longer available. If you purchased or leased a qualifying vehicle before the end of September 30, there are a few steps you must take to make sure you obtain the credit.
Massachusetts continues to offer incentives, thought they are constantly changing, so be sure to do your research! Green Energy Consumers Alliance is a good source of up-to-date information about state incentives for EVs.
