Why Drive Electric

Auto manufacturers offer a wide range of EV models for different price points that are comparable to gasoline vehicles. Buying any vehicle is a big investment, but certain EV models are eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for new vehicles and $4,000 for used vehicles. Ask your dealership if they include the value of the tax credit in your lease or purchase price. Beginning July 1, 2023, the State of Maryland provides an excise tax credit of $3,000 on certain models. Discounts and promotions may also be available from Electrified Dealers as part of the EV Purchasing Co-op. Visit the EV Incentives page to find more information on incentives.

A pre-owned (used) battery-electric or plug-hybrid vehicle is a great option to replace an old gas-guzzler. Pre-owned EVs will typically have fewer miles on the odometer than a pre-owned ICE vehicle. When shopping for a pre-owned EV, ask the dealer for a detailed report on the battery health or if the battery was replaced by the previous owner. Also ask about whether the original battery is still under warranty and whether it is transferrable.

A Maryland resident who drives an average of 12,000 miles per year (30-40 miles per day) will pay approximately $40 per month for electricity to power their EV, saving up to $7,000 in fuel costs over a five-year period compared to average new gasoline vehicles. Use this tool from Pepco to calculate fuel costs and compare different models.

In addition, EVs have fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs. On average, EV owners save up to 50 percent on vehicle maintenance compared to ICE vehicles.

There are over 500 charging stations open to the public in Montgomery County, with more are being added by local businesses, the County, the State of Maryland, and local utilities. You can find charging in parking garages, shopping centers, and parks. Check the Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center or charging station location services such as Plugshare to find an EV charger near you.

There are many EVs available with ranges of 250 miles or more. The total range of your battery will be impacted by your driving and charging habits and the temperature outside. If you regularly commute long distances or need more flexibility, plug-in hybrid vehicles offer electric range for around-town commuting with gasoline backup for longer trips.

EVs have a variety of features that help you plan ahead and avoid running out of battery. The dashboard clearly shows the amount of charge remaining and the number of miles you have left to travel. Many vehicles also estimate the amount of time it will take to re-charge using different types of charging equipment. When your battery gets very low, the vehicle will automatically enter a power saving mode that extends your range. Many EVs include a navigation feature that lets you search for nearby charging stations. If you intend to go on a long-range trip, plan your route in advance to stop somewhere you can charge along the way.

If you run out of charge, you will need to call a tow truck. Note that many EVs don’t have a neutral gear like gas-powered cars, so your EV will need to be towed on a flatbed truck to a charging location. Your EV battery will last longer and perform better if you do not regularly deplete the charge to zero.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), EVs are safe to charge at your home or business when operated correctly with certified charging equipment. FEMA provides EV charging safety tips in this article.

Data compiled from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and from Recalls.gov shows that electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered vehicles. When EV battery fires occur, they can require more resources to put out.

EV batteries can last 10-20 years or up to 300,000 miles. However, the way you charge the battery can affect its health. To maximize the life and performance of your battery, try normally to keep the charge level between 20-80%. Charge your vehicle every 2-3 days and avoid depleting the battery below approximately 70 miles of remaining range. Unless you’re taking a long-range trip, use automatic features to limit the total charge to 90%. Avoid frequent use of DC fast charging, which places more strain on the battery.

It is safe to drive and charge the vehicle in wet conditions like rain and snow. Hot and cold weather has some impact on battery performance, but mainly because of increased use of climate control features. Using air conditioning might decrease your battery range between 15-20% and heating between 20-30%. If your car is outside in the hot sun, it will need work harder to cool down so use a windshield cover or park in the shade. On a cold day, drive a little to warm the battery up before using DC fast charging.

EVs have no tailpipe emissions, so pollution from EVs depends on the mix of sources that the local power grid uses to generate power. In Maryland, an all-electric vehicle will be responsible for only about 27% of the CO2 emissions of a gasoline-powered vehicle. The comparison will get even better as more renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, are added to the grid in the coming years. Even in places that rely heavily on coal power plants, EVs have lower emissions because an electric drive train is more efficient than an internal combustion engine. You can learn more about pollution from the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Data Center and the Union of Concerned Scientists.