Buy or Lease an Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles are powerful, fast, fun to drive and save a lot of money on gas and maintenance. They don’t create air pollution and they can be powered by clean, climate safe, renewable electricity. What's not to love?
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
In the market for a new car? Check out electric vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) are simple. They run on batteries instead of a gas engine. Battery power goes directly to turn the wheels, which makes them fast and fun to drive (think go-kart) and far more efficient. And they have a huge benefit for the environment and climate.
The benefits of an EV include:
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Save Money. Batteries are far more efficient than gas engines and require almost no maintenance, which means big savings! EVs save the average driver $1,000-$1,500 or more per year just on fuel costs.
Check the stats section at the top of the page to see how much you will save. No gas engine, which means no oil changes, spark plugs or transmission service. This generally adds about $200 or more in annual savings. Total savings: $1,200-$1,700 per year on average!
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Have fun. EVs are really fun to drive! They are fast, quiet, and accelerate quickly. Test drive one and find out why they call it the EV grin.
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Leave the gas station behind. Plug in your EV at home at night and you are charged and ready to go in the morning. For the occasional longer trip or if you don’t have charging options at home, stop at a fast charging station and head back out on the road in 30-45 minutes or so. Grab lunch, shop, catch up on emails while you wait.
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Reduce dependence on foreign oil. EVs use electricity instead of gas, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and improving U.S. security.
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Breathe clean air. Gas (fossil fuel) powered transportation is the largest contribution to both climate pollution and some hazardous sources of air pollution in the U.S. Switching from a gas car to an EV is one of the biggest single actions you can take to make an impact and create a safer, healthier community and future!
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Enjoy rebates and perks. There are many incentives and rebates for EVs. You may also have access to carpool lanes and free parking! Check out your state transportation website or the resources section below for information.
1Find the right EV for you
EVs are growing quickly around the world and there are more makes and models of electric vehicles available every year. The best way to get started: Take a test drive, estimate your savings and get ready to be impressed! You can always schedule this action a few years out on your plan if you’re not ready or don’t find any EVs that fit your needs right now.
Tips when looking for an EV:
Daily Range. How far do you drive on a typical day? Do you take frequent long trips? The average range for a new EV as of 2025 is 300 miles. Ninety percent of Americans drive less than 60 miles a day, so EVs can easily cover the daily driving needs for most people.
If you need to drive more than 200 miles in a day occasionally, you can stop at a fast charging station and add a few miles quickly. Or if it’s a once or twice a year road trip, consider renting a hybrid for the trip. With the big savings from EVs, it will easily cover a weekend rental or two.
Buy or Lease? Because EV technology is still advancing quickly, there are benefits to leasing. Leasing provides lower monthly payments, increasing the monthly savings of EV ownership. Leasing also protects you from any drop in the value over time as newer models increase in range and features. However, if an EV model will fit your needs for at least 5-7 years, purchasing it is a better investment and saves money over the long run!
Home charging & fast charging. Make sure the model you choose has the capability for both home charging and fast charging. Learn more in the Charging 101 section below. Most newer models are compatible, but it is good to check, particularly if you are buying a used EV.
Cost. EV prices are coming down and along with rebates, tax incentives and savings on fuel and maintenance, many EVs are very cost-effective today. The average price for a new mid-sized EV is $30,000-$60,000 with some great options in the lower price range. However, there is also a growing market for used EVs with great prices and most have battery ranges over 200 miles on a full charge — more than enough for most drivers.
Tax credit and rebates. There are currently tax credits and rebates on EVs depending on which model you choose and where you live. Check the resources section below for more information on rebates and credits. You can also check your state website and FuelEconomy.gov. Don't forget to claim your tax credit after you buy or lease your EV!
Perks. There may be additional perks when you purchase your new EV! Some perks include a free charging card, a discount on a 240-volt home charging station, a fast lane pass or other perks. Check with the dealership before you buy as perks can vary by manufacturer. Also, check with your state or in the resources section below for more information on perks.
2Learn about charging (Charging 101)
Charging is new and different, but easy! Here are a few basics:
Charging Speed. There are three charging speeds: basic (level 1), regular (level 2) and fast (level 3). These levels require different outlet types or connectors and vary in the amount of time it takes to charge your EV. Here are the details:
Level 1, basic charging. Level 1 charging uses a standard household outlet, just like the one you plug your lamp or phone into. All EVs come with a standard plug cord. Just plug it in and you are charging! This method is easy, but slower. You can generally charge 3-4 miles per hour. That’s about 30-40 miles charging overnight. If you drive 25-30 miles/day on average, this works! Since the average U.S. commute is 29 miles a day (roundtrip), this works for many people and doesn’t require the extra cost of a faster charger.
Level 2, regular charging. The faster way to charge a home is with a level 2 charger. The level 2 charger uses a standard 240-volt outlet, just like an electric clothes dryer. With a level 2 charger, you can charge 10-25 miles/hour which provides 100-250 miles on an overnight charge.
Level 2 chargers are common for both home charging and public charging as well. Level 2 home chargers cost from $200-$600 with good options in the lower price range. A level 2 charge may also require a one-time installation cost for a 240 volt outlet if you don’t have one available. If your home is older, you may also need to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate more energy use. It’s a good idea to check for an outlet and panel and estimate your costs if you want to install a level 2 charger.
Level 3, fast charging. Fast charging is fast. A fast charger can charge 100 miles or more in 30 minutes. If you have limited ability to charge at home, fast charging is an alternative option if available locally. If you have a regular commute (30 miles a day), charging a couple of times a week at a fast charger for around 30 minutes will keep you going.
There are 3 different kinds of fast charging plugs depending on your car make and model: CCS, Chademo and Tesla. You need to use the fast charger that has a compatible plug to your car model. CCS and Chademo are usually together at the same charging station and Tesla has a separate network. Check your EV manual to see which one you need. Not all EVs are fast charger compatible. If fast charging is important to you, check to make sure your EV has fast charging capabilities before you purchase!
Charging cost and location. Charging only costs around $10-$20 for a full charge, depending on your local electricity prices, range and what level of charger you use. Fast charging costs more than basic charging. Fast chargers are generally located at grocery stores, parking garages, community centers or other central locations where you can do your shopping or have a meal while charging. Some companies even provide free Level 2 charging for employees at work.
To find Level 2 and fast chargers in your area, visit the PlugShare website or download the PlugShare app. Different chargers are on different provider networks. You can generally charge at a station without an account using a credit card, but you can often save money if you sign up and charge regularly on that network. Check with the provider most common in your area for charging account pricing and options.
3Choose your EV and hit the road!
Choose your EV, charge up and hit the road! If you decide on a Level 2 home charger, purchase and schedule its install.
Check your local utility rate options. If you are charging at home, you may notice your monthly electricity bill go up. Some utilities charge more for electricity if you use more than the regular monthly base amount. However, many utility companies also now offer special rate plan options for EV owners. If you charge your EV overnight regularly, a plan that offers lower rates during off-peak hours may save you money. Give your utility company a call to see what plans they offer that can save you money.
EVs and impacts. There are some environmental and social impacts unique to EVs, mainly from battery production and disposal. These are important to address. Mining the minerals required for battery production and producing the batteries is energy intensive, water intensive and can create climate pollution and toxic air and water pollution. Some mining is happening in other countries where there are no environmental safety policies and it is creating health risks for local communities. When batteries are ready for disposal, they are hazardous and it is best to recycle the batteries and not dispose of them, for example in a landfill where the hazardous chemicals can pollute the ground and water. It is important to address and reduce these hazards with sound policies on the practices of mining and battery production and requiring safe battery recycling!
Congrats! You just completed the biggest impact action! Enjoy your new car and have fun!