Ready for an Electric Vehicle?
Electric Vehicle Benefits
Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive, potentially cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered vehicles, and contribute fewer emissions into the air. Below are a few of the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.
Federal Tax Credit
A federal tax rebate of up to $7,500 is available on select EV models. Information is subject to change without notice.
Local Incentives
Potential savings from your state and/or utility company.
Low Cost to Own
EV owners can expect to spend half as much on maintenance and repair (Consumer Reports).
Convenient Charging Options
Charge at home, or at a growing number of public chargers.
Quick and Quiet
Enjoy fast and smooth acceleration, better handling, and a quieter ride.
Best of Both Worlds
Plug-in hybrids provide electric range for short trips and gas power for longer journeys.
Exclusive Jim Ellis Customer Benefits
Enjoy access to our private network of charging stations located throughout metro Atlanta.
Electric Vehicle Types
Pure Electric
Fully electric cars have no internal combustion engine, never produce tailpipe emissions, and potnetially offer the biggest savings on maintenance and fuel.
Full Hybrid
Full hybrid vehicles typically have an internal combustion engine and electric motors to help them drive around town. Full hybrid vehicles can often run on the internal combustion engine alone, the electric motors alone, or a combination of both. There's no way to plug in to charge a full hybrid vehicle and the electric motors often assist the internal combustion engine as you go on a drive.
Mild Hybrid
Mild hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more common as their driving experience is not much different from a standard vehicle. Mild hybrid vehicles have an electric motor and internal combustion engine that work together to get you through your drives. The difference between mild hybrid vehicles and full hybrid vehicles is that mild hybrid vehicles can not run solely on either its internal combustion engine or its electric motors.
Plug-in Hybrid
Finally, the last hybrid type are plug-in hybrids. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are similar to a full hybrid except they offer a larger battery. Because of the larger battery, you can often plug-in a plug-in hybrid, hence the name, and it'll provide you with the ability to drive longer distances on pure electric power. Plug-in hybrids are a great bridge between a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and a fully electric vehicle. They offer the possibility of driving on full-electric power without the worry of finding a charging station as it still has an internal combustion engine as a backup.
Electric Vehicle Range
When it comes to electric vehicles, range (how far the vehicle can travel on a full charge) is the all-important stat. How far can an electric vehicle travel on a full charge?
Unfortunately, there is no single answer to how far an electric vehicle can go. The answer depends on which vehicle you're talking about as well as the driving conditions.
However, the median range for electric vehicles has been steadily increasing over the past decade. Today, the median range is about 200 miles, with the longest range being around 500 miles and the shortest range being around 80 miles. The quicker you drive, how much you need to accelerate, whether you turn on your heat or AC, and the temperature outside, all affect how far you can go on a single charge.
Simply put, a good range meets the needs of the driver. Range is a key EV metric when choosing an EV and is one that many potential EV drivers consider carefully before investing.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Charging costs will vary depending on a variety of variables, including vehicle model, charger type, when you charge, where you charge and current electricity rates. It's estimated that electric vehicle owners who charge their vehicles during off-peak hours will pay approximately 1/7th of the cost of gas.
Common Questions
What rebates and incentives are available?
A federal tax rebate of up to $7,500 is available on some 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.
What other perks are available?
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.
How much will I save on gas?
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.
How much will I save on maintenance?
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.
How much range do I need?
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.
How long does it take to charge?
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 plug-in 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.
Can I charge at home?
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.
How long does the battery last?
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.