What is an Electric Vehicle?
Electric vehicles, or EVs, plug into the electric grid for fuel. They are powered either solely by electricity through an electric motor (battery electric vehicles) or by an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles).
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Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
BEVs contain an electric motor and a large battery pack. They are powered solely by electric energy stored in the battery.
- Low operating costs thanks to cheaper fuel and maintenance expenses
- No tailpipe emissions
- No trips to the gas station
- Convenient charging at home or at public stations
- Certain models are eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
PHEVs contain an electric motor, a smaller battery pack (and therefore have a shorter electric range) and an internal combustion engine. They use both electricity and gas to power the wheels.
- Complete local driving on electricity but have gas for longer trips
- Reduced operating costs thanks to cheaper fuel and maintenance expenses
- Convenient charging at home or at public stations
- Certain models are eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit
Benefits of EVs
Cost Savings
Driving electric can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on fuel alone. And with fewer moving parts, EVs should produce maintenance savings on top of that.
Environmental Improvements
EVs produce no emissions while driving on electricity, and they are cleaner even when considering the emissions associated with the electricity needed to charge.
Driving Performance
EVs are fun to drive! They have instant torque and offer a very smooth ride. BEVs have no internal combustion engine to cause vibrations and noise.
Energy Independence
EVs are powered by locally generated electricity, not imported oil. Conventional transportation is wholly dependent on petroleum and results in the U.S. spending hundreds of millions of dollars per day on foreign oil. Electricity generation in the U.S. uses a diverse mix of domestic sources, and only 1 percent comes from oil.
Economic Development
As demand for EVs continues to increase, opportunities are being created for manufacturing, electrical contracting, research and development, and green tourism. North Carolina has seen a rise in vehicle, battery and charging equipment manufacturing, lithium mining and battery recycling.
Grid Reliability and Resiliency
EVs can strengthen sustainability and the electric grid by aiding the integration of renewable energy, helping to manage peak demand, optimizing energy efficiency and offering potential for vehicle-grid applications.
Calculate Your Fuel Savings
Fill out the form below to see how much you could save by switching to an EV.
You Could Save $1,195 Per Year
