The weather isn’t the only thing that’s hot these days. Electric vehicles, popularly known as simply EVs, are a hot topic of conversation here in northern Georgia.
Strides in EV technology have made them more practical, reliable and affordable than ever. As a result, more electric vehicle parking signs are showing up in local parking lots. A new public EV charging station seems to pop up every day near Walton EMC member homes in places like Loganville and Lawrenceville. And area homebuilders, such as Jared York of J W York Homes in Athens, now include a garage EV charger as a standard amenity in new construction homes.
Perhaps the biggest indicator that EVs are “hot” is the Georgia General Assembly’s House Bill 732. If passed next year, the bill will provide a $2,500 tax credit for the purchase or lease of new plug-in hybrid electric, electric and zero emission vehicles.
U.S. sales of electric vehicles surpassed 1 million last October.
EV sales are heating up, too. U.S. sales of electric vehicles surpassed 1 million last October. This year, even more drivers — nationwide and here in Georgia— are expected to plug in to the blissfully quiet, fast and fun-to-drive EVs. Here’s why:
Much lower fuel costs. Typically, a battery electric vehicle saves about 75 percent on annual costs to fuel compared with a gas-powered car.
Comparable prices. Several popular EV models are priced from $20,000 to $40,000. Even before the potential state incentive kicks in, there are federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 (Visit FuelEconomy.gov for more information) that can help to further reduce the price. The bottom line: The purchase price of some electric cars can be comparable — if not lower — in price than a similar conventional one.
Better selection. The 2019 model year offers a greater selection of electric-powered sedans and SUVs. Plus, some 2019 EV models are the first capable of going more than 200 miles on a single charge.
Easy fuel-up. You never have to stop for gas. Plus, a full electric charge for an EV costs an average $6 versus $30 for a tank of gas.
More charging stations. Though most EVs are charged at home overnight and rarely need public charging, it’s still good to know there’s a convenient place to plug in if you want to top off a charge. In May, the app Plugshare.com listed 768 public electric charging stations with 2,194 charging outlets in Georgia. That number is climbing almost daily as places such as the Walgreens in Monroe and Loganville’s O’Kelly Memorial Library offer public charging stations.
For exact public charging station locations,
check Plugshare.com.
Faster public charging. Headed to Atlanta for work or play? Many retail locations and workplaces around the city now offer DC Fast Charging (DCFC), which can charge your car much faster, on the order of minutes rather than hours, according to ElectrifyAtlanta.com.
Less maintenance. EVs don’t require oil changes, and they have fewer parts to break or repair.
Finally, let’s consider this point: Though they are a red-hot topic today, electric cars are not a product of modern technology. They have been around as long as motor vehicles, with the first electric cars manufactured in the late 1800s. In fact, about one-third of all road vehicles in the world were electric before World War II.
If you’re ready to plug in to the latest trend on the road, learn more about EVs by watching this short and informative video.