Understanding EVs

Shopping for electric vehicles (EVs) is a smart way to save money on gas and reduce emissions while enjoying a new type of driving experience. Now is an excellent time to consider an EV with tax incentives and a growing network of charging stations.

Benefits of Plugging In

Save Big on Fuel

Driving electric offers significant savings compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.

EV Incentives

Incentives, rebates and other credits are available to help make driving electric more affordable.

Low Cost to Own

EV owners can expect to spend half as much on maintenance and repair (Consumer Reports)

Fuel Up At Home

Charge while you sleep, work, or at a growing number of public chargers.

Quick and Quiet

Enjoy fast and smooth acceleration, better handling, and a quieter ride.

Best of Both Worlds

Plug-in hybrids provide electric range for short trips and gas-power for longer journeys.

88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always."

Which EV is Right for Me?

Battery Electric

Enjoy a pure-electric driving experience with a battery electric vehicle. These vehicles don't have any emissions and don't require as much maintenance as gasoline-powered cars.

Plug-in Hybrid

Fuel efficient, gas-powered vehicles provide over 40 MPG, helping reduce emissions and gas costs. A rechargeable battery pack makes it easy to enjoy smooth take-offs and improve efficiency.

Traditional Hybrid

When you choose a traditional hybrid vehicle, you will have an internal combustion engine that works with an electric motor. Driving powers the electric motor, providing low-speed coasting and reduced emissions. These models may no

Fuel Efficient

These vehicles offer over 40 MPG but do not offer electric performance capabilities.

Owning an EV

Understanding Charging

Level 1

Level 1 charging is the option that transfers the least amount of energy and takes the longest, but it is also the easiest to access. You can use a common 120-volt household outlet to recharge your EV model, and you can find these outlets at your home, work, or in public areas. Level 1 charging works with all-electric and plug-in hybrid models. You can charge 3 to 5 miles of range per hour using Level 1 charging.

Level 2

Level 2 charging is the most popular option because it is relatively fast, and there is the option of installing a Level 2 charger at home. You can charge between 12 to 80 miles per hour using a Level 2 charger, but the amount varies with the model and charger. It's possible to find public Level 2 chargers in public, making it easy to recharge on the go.

Level 3

You can take advantage of the fastest charging times with Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging or supercharging. While this charging option is too expensive and has too much voltage for a home installation, it's possible to find Level 3 chargers in public spaces. Level 3 charging can replenish 3 to 20 miles of range per minute, making it easy to keep your battery charged.

Charging at Home

Level 1 and 2 charging are available for charging your vehicle at home. You can use a standard home outlet for Level 1 charging, letting you charge your vehicle overnight. To use Level 2 charging at home, you will need a professional to install the charger. However, some models have deals for Level 2 home chargers. You can speak with our sales team to explore your options.

Battery Care

Temperature extremes can cause your battery to become less effective. You will want to be mindful of how much range you have when driving in hot and cold weather. We recommend you also avoid under- or over-charging by keeping your vehicle's battery above 10 percent and under 90 percent. Driving your EV from a full charge to an empty charge can also put more stress on your vehicle.

  1. Suburban Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Farmington Hills

    38123 W 10 Mile Rd
    Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2803

    • Sales: (248) 949-2367
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Trees For Test Drives
Help Us Plant 100,000 Trees!

We have teamed up with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships to plant a tree with every qualifying test drive. We aim to plant 100,000 long-leaf pine trees at the Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle for a more sustainable future. We are offering to help plant trees between April 22nd and December 31st.

When test driving one of our electric, hybrid, or 40-plus-MPG vehicles, you can scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Then, all you have to do is complete a short form telling us about your experience, and we will plant a tree on your behalf.

Common Questions

A federal tax credit of $7,500 is available on most EV models. Depending on where you live, state and local rebates and incentives may also be available. Check with your sales associate to find out if the model is eligible for rebates and incentives.

Other advantages of owning an EV include:

  • Eligible EVs may also qualify for HOV lane access, which are normally restricted to vehicles with multiple passengers.
  • Many electric companies offer lower rates based on the time of use. With EVs, you can save money by charging during off-peak times.
  • If you're able to charge from work or home, there's usually no need to stop to refuel like you would in a gas-powered vehicle.
  • EVs produce zero tail-pipe emissions resulting in cleaner air and better health.

This will vary depending on the local price of electricity and gas and where you are charging (at home or public charger), but most EV owners can expect to save on fuel cost. A recent Consumer Reports study found the “typical EV owner who does most of their fueling at home can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fueling costs over an equivalent gasoline-powered car.”

Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/

A recent Consumer Reports study found “maintenance and repair costs for EVs are significantly lower over the life of the vehicle – about half – than for gasoline–powered vehicles, which require regular fluid changes and are more mechanically complex. The average dollar savings over the lifetime of the vehicle is about $4,600.”

Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/
Gas powered vehicles offer a range of 300-400mi. Battery electric vehicles offer a median range of 250mi. For EV owners who charge at home, this is more than enough for daily use. For longer drives beyond the range of your vehicle, check a public charger map for charger availability along your route.
  • Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 2-5 miles of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plugin hybrid vehicles but not battery electric vehicles.

  • Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician and charge about 10-20 miles of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.

  • Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 60-80 miles of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.
Yes, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can be used at home. In fact, the standard 120V outlet supports a Level 1 charger. Level 2 chargers require 240V and can be installed by a licensed electrician. If you do not own your home, you may need to work with your property owner to install a Level 2 charger.
Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number should continue to increase.

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