Benefits to Drivers
Savings
Electric cars provide long-term cost savings that are hard to beat. After accounting for federal, state and other incentives, EVs often cost less to own over five years compared to gasoline vehicles. This is because electricity costs, on average, less than half of what gasoline costs for the same driving distance, and EVs have much lower maintenance requirements, saving both money and time.
Reliability
EVs have 10-times fewer moving parts than a gasoline-powered car. This results in lower maintenance needs and fewer potential mechanical failures, leading to higher long-term reliability. Additionally, electric cars feature regenerative brakes, which reduce wear on brake pads and rotors, potentially lasting the vehicle’s lifetime with minimal maintenance.
Convenience
An EV offers greater convenience compared to traditional driving and fueling methods. You charge it overnight, like a cell phone, so you wake up to a full battery and are ready to go. It’s like having a gas pump in your garage, without the mess. Many EVs come with an adapter that allows charging from a standard household outlet, making it easy to start driving electric right away.
Performance
Electric motors deliver instant torque, providing strong tire-turning force right from the start, unlike internal combustion engines. This immediate torque, combined with better weight distribution and a low center of gravity, results in superior handling and a smoother ride. Additionally, electric vehicles offer a quieter and less vibrating cabin, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Benefits to Everyone
Domestic Reinvestment
Much of the global oil supply comes from unstable regions and adversarial nations. Protecting these oil supply routes costs billions due to security and oil-related wars. Increased EV adoption reduces these threats and increases the demand for domestic energy production.
Human Health
Not to be confused with the environmental concerns that affect our planet, switching to an electric car reduces pollution and toxins from petroleum, improving air quality and lung health. It also addresses the hidden economic burden of healthcare costs from tailpipe and refinery emissions.
Climate Responsibility
Peer-reviewed analysis confirms that EVs reduce CO2 emissions contributing to climate change by at least 50% (Source: Union of Concerned Scientists) and by at least 70% with New England’s power mix. Reducing the negative effect of transportation on our climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
DOES IS HAVE ENOUGH RANGE PER CHARGE FOR ME?
Absolutely! Whether you get a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) which runs solely on electricity or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) which runs on electricity first then seamlessly switches to a full tank of gasoline you’ll always have enough range!
Most BEVs have a range of between 225 – 400 miles depending on the model. Today’s PHEVs typically have a battery range between 30 to 50 miles, and a full gas tank range of 300 – 500+ miles.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT TAKE TO CHARGE?
It usually takes only around 5 seconds of your time to “refuel” your electric car. Why? Because most charging (over 85%, according to EV driver polling) happens at home, overnight, while the driver sleeps. You just plug in your car when you get home, and it’s typically re-charged back to full before you even wake up the next morning. EVs can also be recharged by using a public fast charging station on the road in around 35-45 minutes.
WHAT WOULD MY COST TO BUY OR LEASE BE?
In Massachusetts, an electric car can be as affordable to buy or lease as a comparable gasoline fueled car, thanks to state and federal incentives.
Massachusetts State Rebate: The Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV) Program helps MA consumers purchase or lease a new or used vehicle. Any Massachusetts resident is eligible for a rebate of up to $5,000 for cars and $9,000 for trucks after the purchase or lease of an eligible electric vehicle.
Federal EV Tax Credit: The federal government also offers a tax credit for qualifying electric vehicles and qualifying taxpayers. The federal EV tax credit may reduce your net cost by as much as an additional $7,500.
To learn more details about state and federal EV incentives, visit our Vehicle Rebates and Incentives page.
HOW MUCH WOULD I BENEFIT IN FUEL AND MAINTENANCE SAVINGS?
An EV costs significantly less to own than its gasoline powered cousins over its lifetime –often thousands of dollars less! On average, it is far cheaper to “fuel” with electricity than gasoline, especially in areas served by a municipal electric utility! Electric cars also require far less regular maintenance, saving you hundreds more, with fewer to no oil changes, filters, belts, etc. Even the brakes last longer, thanks to something called regenerative braking!
How much you’ll save depends on your yearly mileage and selected vehicle.
WILL THE BATTERY PERFORM WELL FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR?
Every new electric car’s battery carries a minimum replacement warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. Current plug-in electrics (BEVs and PHEVs) are already proving their real-world merit, performing well for hundreds of thousands of miles, and even going beyond the warranty period while showing only a small loss of the original usable electric range.