ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The benefits of driving electric vehicles are significant here in New York State. A lot of the electricity generated by utilities is low-carbon. And if you install solar or sign up for a community solar array, you can decarbon your transportation as well!

THE BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

  • Performance: Electric Vehicles are fast, powerful, quiet, smooth, and free of noxious fumes that typically waft in when you open the windows.

  • Safety: No toxic carbon monoxide fumes or explosive gasoline, and less moving parts to rust.

  • Maintenance: Cheaper and Easier. No more oil changes, radiator flushes, transmission repairs, exhaust system replacement, gas tank leaks, catalytic converter malfunctions, engine gasket, piston, or cylinder issues, fuel injection system issues.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND SOLAR POWER

Solar Energy and Electric Vehicles make a powerful team! When you charge your EV with solar power, charging your vehicle is free and causes no carbon emissions.
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See our Community Solar and Rooftop Solar pages to learn more about the current discounts we have secured with our partners and local installers.

SAVE ON A EV PURCHASE WITH TAX CREDITS

Federal Tax Credit: Electric and Plug-In Hybrids are eligible for the federal tax credit up to $7500. Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml to learn how much of the credit different types of vehicles are worth.


New York State Drive Clean EV Rebate: If EVs are bought from participating dealers, you are eligible for up to a $2,000 rebate. Visit https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Drive-Clean-Rebate/How-it-Works to learn about how this rebate works.

DEALING WITH RANGE ANXIETY 

Range anxiety of an Electric Vehicle can be a major concern, especially during the winter when using your heat greatly reduces the range of your vehicle. However, newer EVs use heat pumps rather than resistance heat to warm the cabin, which helps minimize this cause of range loss.

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Consider these items when determining if the range of an Electric Vehicle fits your needs:

  1. How much do you drive? And, on average, how many miles do you go?

  2. If you own two vehicles, your local driving can be in the electric car, and you can use a second hybrid or gas vehicle for long-distance drives. Using an EV this way will save a lot of wear and tear on your long-range vehicle.

  3. If you can wait for the longer-range EVs (Chevy BOLT, Tesla Model 3) to come out, you can largely avoid the range issue

  4. Consider a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle. Use your electric motor for around-town driving, and have the backup of a gas-powered engine for longer trips. This is a more complex machine, as it is powered by both an electric motor and a gas engine, and maintenance costs can reflect that complexity.

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EV Charging stations are becoming much more common in public places. Park and use these chargers while you're running errands around town.

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Leasing is an option! Consider this option if you would like to try out an all-electric vehicle before you purchase one.