Buy an Electric Vehicle (EV) to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Buying EV is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. It’s also one of the best things you can do to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. And while EVs have historically cost more than gas-powered vehicles, federal and state incentives are closing the gap.
It takes 1-2 years for an EV to “repay its carbon debt” — that is, to offset the emissions released during production with those saved from driving it. It’s even quicker if your EV is charged from a renewable energy source, such as wind or solar.
Buy EV: Tips for Purchasing Your First Electric Vehicle
Many EV owners install a 240-volt charger at home so they can recharge their car faster and more effectively. These can run from $300 – $700. Some utilities and car companies offer rebates to help cover installation costs.
You can lower your costs even further by purchasing a used EV. These vehicles depreciate quickly, meaning you can get them for a fraction of their MSRP. It’s a great way to help drive down the overall cost of ownership and, depending on the model you choose, it may be even more fuel-efficient than a newer EV. Some older EVs are as much as 20% more fuel efficient than the latest models. Whether you’re considering new or used, be sure to check out a comprehensive list of EV incentives. This tool by the Union of Concerned Scientists is a good place to start. It allows you to customize the EV you’re considering, plus your local energy mix, to see how that affects the car’s emissions and costs.
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