January 16, 2020

The numbers are in and electric cars are here to stay. In fact, the number of EV (Electric Vehicles) on the road is increasing every year. According to Edison Electric Institute, global EV sales totaled about 1.1 million for the first half of 2019, an increase of 46% compared to the total sold in the first half of 2018. Most of the numbers were largely due to the introduction of the more affordable offering of the Tesla Model 3. So if you're looking for reasons to buy an electric vehicle, read on.

The Increase of Electric Charging Stations

A lot of consumers have hesitated in buying fully electric vehicles due to a lack of knowledge or a lack of abundant charging stations.  While it's true, public charging stations are not as common as gas stations, charging equipment manufacturers, automakers, utilities, hotel chains, businesses, municipalities, and government agencies are rapidly establishing a national network of charging stations. The number of publicly accessible charging stations reached nearly 22,000 in 2019, offering about 55,000 outlets, according to the Alternative Fueling Station Locator. You'll never be without charging station info with handy apps such as PlugShare to find nearby charging stations. Search for electric charging stations near you. But if you're still on the fence about whether or not to buy an electric vehicle, here are 5 reasons why you should.

Five Reasons Why Buying an Electric Vehicle is a Good Idea

1. The biggest, most obvious benefit of buying an electric car is the fuel cost savings. That's a pretty good incentive since the average American spends about $2,000 on gas every year. With a fully electric car such as the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt, your fuel expenses are drastically reduced with the replacement of gas costs with a minimal electric cost.  The average fuel savings for an EV owner is approximately $1,500 per year! Additionally, an EV removes the need to stop at a gas station and lets you charge your vehicle in the comfort of your own home overnight.

2. It's the best way to reduce your carbon footprint and cut back on greenhouse gas emissions. Electric cars have several environmental benefits over conventional gas-powered vehicles such as the elimination of harmful tailpipe pollutants such as particulates (soot), volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, and various oxides of nitrogen.  The average EV in the US today produces the emissions equivalent of a gasoline car that gets 100 miles per gallon or above, and the emissions are only decreasing with the increase of renewable generation on the electric grid. Driving an electric vehicle reduces your personal carbon footprint and is an important part of meeting global goals on climate change and the 1.5 Degree C lifestyle, which is in line with the Paris Agreement targets.
    
3. Lower maintenance costs. Besides the savings you'll get in gas expenditures, you'll also benefit from the savings in maintenance costs. Electric cars don't have an engine that requires oil to lubricate, thus, no more waiting rooms at the lube station on Saturday for a  $50-$75 oil and filter change. Additionally, when you look at the top 10 most car repair items, none of these apply to an electric vehicle! Over time, these reduced costs can result in large savings.
    
4. Electric vehicles are increasingly affordable. As consumer demand has increased, automakers have begun to offer more models and options. As a result, the costs of electric vehicles have decreased. The Hyundai Kona, for example, starts around $30,000, which isn't cheap, until you factor in the available tax credits. Some tax credits include up to $7,500 in federal income tax credit, and many states offer tax credits as well. Some proposed vehicles like the Fiskar Ocean have come in at a price extremely competitive with equivalent gas-powered vehicles.
    
5. Electric vehicles offer a pretty zen driving experience. EVs generally have a lower center of gravity which offers better handling, comfort, and responsiveness. The electric engine provides smooth acceleration and deceleration, and a quiet ride, all of these components make electric vehicles pleasant to drive. And with even more EV models being offered, you're certain to find one that fits your needs and style.

Electrify and Save™ 

About Tri-State  

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 45 members, including 42 electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State and our Responsible Energy Plan, visit www.tristate.coop.