Benefits of plugging in
SPEND LESS ON FUEL
In almost all cases and situations, recharging an electric vehicle costs significantly less than filling up a tank of gas.
NO MORE OIL CHANGES
Fully electric vehicles don’t need motor oil at all. According to Consumer Reports, buying an EV could cut your repair and maintenance costs in half.
CHARGE UP AT HOME
Although it’s nice to have the option to charge up in public, most EV owners can do almost all of their charging at home.
A FASTER, QUIETER RIDE
Electric motors provide instantaneous torque and produce far less noise than gas-powered engines.
BENEFIT FROM INCENTIVES
The federal government is currently offering a tax rebate for up to $7,500 off the cost of an EV. State and local governments have their own incentives, too.
YOU’VE GOT OPTIONS
Not quite ready to leave gas behind? Hybrids and plug-in hybrids form a middle ground that no buyer can overlook.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ELECTRIC VEHICLE
BATTERY ELECTRIC
Battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, run exclusively on electric power.
TRADITIONAL HYBRID
Fill up on gas in the same way you’re used to. Go further on every tank.
PLUG-IN HYBRID
Plug-in hybrid vehicles use electricity for short trips, but can switch to gas when necessary.
FUEL-EFFICIENT
For some drivers, the best option is a gas-powered vehicle that gets 40+ mpg.
Owning An Electric vehicle
THREE WAYS TO CHARGE
- Level 1 Charging uses a standard household outlet. This method adds between 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. That’s perfect if you need to charge a plug-in hybrid overnight, but it’s not the best option for a fully electric vehicle.
- Level 2 Charging requires a specialized wallbox or charging station. With this method, you can add between 10 and 20 miles of range per hour. Most public charging stations offer Level 2 Charging, but you can also install a Level 2 station at home.
- Level 3 Charging can only occur at specialized DC Fast Charging public stations. These chargers can add between 60 to 80 miles of range in about 20 minutes, so they’re useful when you’re on the move.
CHARGING UP AT HOME
If you intend to bring home a fully electric vehicle, it’s worth it to install a Level 2 Charging wallbox at your home. If you live in an apartment or a condo, you can speak with the property manager about installing a charging station on the premises. A licensed electrician will be able to help you take the next steps. If you intend to bring home a plug-in hybrid, you may be able to get by using a standard household outlet. However, if you plan to make a leap to the fully electric lifestyle later on, it’s not a bad idea to get ahead of the curve.
CARING FOR AN EV BATTERY
You can expect the battery in your electric vehicle to last for 100,000 to 200,000 miles—and it’s worth remembering that most manufacturers offer eight- to ten-year battery warranties. Right now, the best way to protect your battery is to keep your charge between 20% and 80% on most days, and to use Level 2 charging over Level 3 charging whenever possible. It’s also wise to avoid extreme heat.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: BENEFITS & OWNERSHIP
The automotive industry is changing fast, but is an electric vehicle really the right choice for you? We think that an EV can be a great choice for almost any kind of driver, and not just because they’re better for the environment than traditional gas-powered vehicles. EVs also cost less to refuel and maintain than other models, and offer more than enough range for commutes, errands, and day trips alike. Plus, a wide selection of tax incentives can make your favorite EV more accessible than you might expect! Ready for a closer look? We thought so.
HOW TO INSTALL A CHARGING STATION
EV ownership might seem daunting, but preparing your home to accommodate an EV is as simple as calling an electrician. This expert will be able to tell you if your home’s power grid can accommodate the additional strain, and—once you’ve made enough space in the garage—install a Level 2 Charging station that you can rely on every day! Although there are a wide range of charging stations available, all BMW EVs are compatible with industry-standard charging architecture. If you have any questions, we’d be more than happy to talk you through your options. Contact us today!
Ask an EV Specialist Anything
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Federal Government is currently offering up to $7,500 off the cost of select new electric vehicles, in the form of a tax rebate. Additional state and local tax incentives are often available—including in Mississippi. New electric vehicles are eligible for a state-level tax rebate of up to $1,250. For pre-owned models, this incentive drops to $750. Even PHEVs are eligible for certain incentives!