There are a set of key factors to consider when owning an EV.  These include your location / place of residence, driving habits, and budget. Please complete the EV Concierge Questionnaire and schedule a discussion with one of our professionals to better understand if EV ownership is right for you!

There are a set active tax incentives provided by the USA Government, up to $7,500 depending on a set of defining factors. There are also state and local tax incentives. In some cases tax incentives for installation of your EV charging infrastructure are available. The type and level of credits varies and continues to change, so an internet search will provide you the most accurate and up to date information. Tax credits can help with the overall return on investment for your EV and should be taken into consideration when researching and purchasing an EV.

This depends on your driving habits. If 95% of your miles are around town and local, you will save considerable amount of money charging at home versus filling up a gas tank. Also, vehicle maintenance for an EV is minimal and will save considerable money and time year over year. Your EV charging application will track home charging costs so you can effectively make a value comparison against an internal combustion engine vehicle. If you travel long distances consistently and will depend on DC fast charging, then benefits may still exist but will be impacted by charging costs. An EV Concierge professional can walk you through your personal value assessment for EV ownership.

Three defined levels of charging are available.  Level 1 charging is via your standard 120V plug and will add 2 to 4 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 charging is via public or private charging station and will add 15 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging.  Level 3 DC fast charging public paid charging stations and will charge your vehicle to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes depending on the EV.

There are four primary charging connector configurations available in the United States.

CHAdeMo or “Charge de Move”, is an original connector design primarily with Japanese auto manufacturing companies.  CHAdeMo is available but not highly utilized in USA.  J1772 is the current global standard for Level 1 and Level 2 charging mostly associated with North America EVs.  CCS is the current global industry standard for most of the world for Level 3 DC fast charging.  Tesla has a proprietary charging configuration based on the North America Charging Standard or NACS.  Tesla has opened up their standard to other EV manufacturers starting in 2024.

Currently only Tesla owners can utilize the Tesla North American Charging Standard, NACS.  However, additional EV manufacturers will have access to the NACS standard starting in 2024.

The EV impact to the environment varies based on a number of factors. At the vehicle level you will eliminate carbon emissions. However, with battery mineral mining there is some impact on the environment. Also, you are charging with electricity that is generated using coal. We suggest you take time and read as much as you can about this topic prior to purchasing and EV if this is a critical purchase decision component.

There are articles and information published related to EV battery life. Battery degradation for mass production is still in play. However, with over 10 years of Tesla’s on the road and over 12+ years of a few other EVs, battery degradation is not a major issue. Like a transmission or engine failure for an Internal Combustion Engine vehicle, barrery failure in an EV is rare.

If an EV maximum range capacity is advertised at 300 miles, you’ll typically realize in a real-world driving experience between 85% and 95% of this capacity. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs get better range in city driving and worse range on the highway. Weather conditions also impact battery charging capacity. EV manufacturers recommend charging between 80% and 90% of your capacity and 100% when taking long trips. In summary if your EV has an advertised 300-mile range you may charge overnight to 90% and secure a drivable range between 250 and 275 miles in best conditions.

The pricing of EVs has a lot to do with the battery and vehicle supply and demand. The price of battery materials has risen due to increased demand and other geopolitical factors. General inflation has impacted EV pricing as well. EVs pricing is at a premium, however, there are a targeted set of vehicles under $40,000 and EVs offerings under $30,000 are beginning to expand. An EV Concierge professional can help you conduct research and determine what EV is best for your financial and personal situation.