FAQs

A plug-in electric vehicle is a vehicle that can be plugged into an electrical outlet or charging device to recharge its battery. There are two types: battery electric vehicles, which run only on electricity, and plug-in hybrids, which run mainly or solely on electricity until the battery is depleted and then are powered by an internal combustion engine.

Choosing the electric vehicle that’s best for you depends on a number of different factors including your driving habits and personal preference. Here are some factors to consider:

• Total Range — How far will you travel? The total range of current electric vehicles vary greatly—anywhere from 40-350 miles.
• Charging — Where will you charge? Where you drive and how you’ll charge your vehicle can help you decide which electric vehicle will meet your needs.

For more information, view a Consumer’s Guide to Electric Vehicles.

Electric vehicles reduce the amount of gasoline we burn and are less costly to maintain, among many other benefits:

• Reduced Operating Emissions — The emissions associated with the electric drivetrain of plug-in electric vehicles come from power plants generating electricity to charge the batteries and not from tailpipe emissions. Additionally, from well to wheel, electric vehicles emit approximately 66 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared with internal combustion vehicles. CO2 is the principal gas associated with global warming.

• Reduced Noise — In addition to being cleaner, electric vehicles are quieter than gasoline-powered vehicles, resulting in less noise pollution.

When you consider the total cost of ownership, including purchase, rebates, fuel costs, and maintenance, plug-in cars are cheaper than similar gas cars.

Not for many years. GM and Nissan offer warranties covering eight years or 100,000 miles of driving on the lithium-ion batteries in the Bolt or the Leaf.

Charging time depends on the car itself, as well as the power supply that you have. Other factors should also be taken into consideration, such as how empty the battery is, and the temperature of the battery before charging. As an example, one major manufacturer states charging a completely depleted battery requires the estimated charge times depending on charging type:

• 120 volts – 50 hours
• 240 volts (32 amps) – 9.5 hours
• DC Fast Charger – 1 hour 20 minutes.

Technology, driving range, and cost have caught up with consumer expectations. In fact, consumers will now be able to purchase an electric vehicle that meets or exceeds their expectations.

Today’s electric vehicles also offer the ability to charge the vehicle on a standard 120-volt outlet, which every home has. Owners have the option of purchasing higher-powered chargers for quicker charges. There are also chargers available at commercial locations across the state, with more planning to be installed.