The EV Roadmap
Switching to an Electric Vehicle Made Easy
Thinking about going electric? Look no further!
Our nonprofit has curated top-notch EV resources and insights to help ensure a smooth and successful EV purchase or lease.
96% of EV owners surveyed said they'd purchase another EV as their next vehicle. Source: AAA
Why settle for gasoline when there is a better alternative?
The EV Savings Calculator
For drivers who use a lot of gasoline (e.g., fill your tank 2x/week or more), trading in your gas vehicle for an EV is often cheaper from day one, even with an auto loan. Check out Coltura's EV Savings Calculator to find out how much you could save by going electric!
Stop 1 - Learn About EVs
The Perks of Driving an EV
Many new and used EV models are already less expensive than equivalent gasoline-powered vehicles. Depending on how much you drive, your fuel savings could range from big to enormous – electricity costs on average are about $1.50 per gallon equivalent. With fewer parts (about 20 compared to 2,000 in a gas car), EVs are easier and cheaper to maintain - roughly half the cost of maintaining a gas vehicle.
You can also forget about oil changes, smog checks or trips to the gas station. Most people simply charge their vehicle overnight.
Breathe Easier with EVs
Vehicle emissions are responsible for 80% of smog-related air pollution, heightening the risk of asthma, heart and lung disease, dementia, and cancers, particularly in children. With an EV, you and those around you can breathe cleaner, safer air.
Read more about the dangers of gasoline and vehicle pollution.
EV Charging 101
One main consideration for an EV is charging your vehicle. Fueling an EV is different from fueling a gas powered car, and change can feel scary at first. But most people adjust easily within a few days of switching to an EV, and those with home charging quickly come to enjoy the convenience and time and cost savings. Plus, no more gas station fumes!
Finding Charging Stations
Most EV drivers charge at home each night, and wake up every morning with a full charge. If you live in an apartment or don’t have off-street parking, there are many public chargers available, likely near where you live or travel – and some are even free! If you plan to take a road trip, just a little planning will ensure you can find charging stations along the way. Google Maps and other travel apps include EV charging station info and are improving all the time. Plugshare also has an EV charging map of the US.
More info on finding public charging stations here
Home Charging
This is a big consideration as most people charge their EVs at home overnight. People with relatively short commutes can charge by simply plugging into a normal household 110 volt outlet (“Level 1” charger) to get 40 to 60 miles of charge overnight. If you need more range or to charge your car faster, you’ll want to install a 240 volt outlet like the one an electric clothes dryer uses (“Level 2” charger) to get about 25 miles of charge per hour for a full charge overnight.
You can learn more about charging an EV at home with our free cheat sheet.
EV Incentives
Discover which EV rebates and incentives you qualify for based on your income and where you live. Note that many incentives are “stackable”, meaning you can combine them. Incentives can total $20,000 or more! Or avoid the hassle, and get a concierge service such as Plug In America’s EV Support Program to find you the best deal with all available incentives.
Use this checklist for EV incentives and find EV rebates and incentives.
Looking to Save Money on an EV?
Our nonprofit has collected some of the best resources on purchasing or leasing an EV in 2024 and put them into an easy-to-use cheat sheet.
Simply enter your email to access the Purchasing An EV Cheat Sheet as well as sign up for other EV news and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Stop 2 - Finding the Right EV For You
Find A New EV
More than 40 electric vehicle models are available in the US - with that number steadily increasing. Many of the latest EVs get around 300 miles of range per charge - some besting the range of gas-powered cars on a full tank. For the vast majority of people, this range easily covers their daily commuting needs. Electric car batteries also can last for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Use our searchable and sortable list of EVs available by range and price
You can also check out the 10 least expensive new EVs available in the US
Find An EV Lease Deal
Some EV lease deals are as low as $10 per day.
Leasing is particularly advantageous as EV technology evolves quickly. Leasing is especially attractive as EV technology advances rapidly. A standard 3-year lease allows you to upgrade to a newer EV model with improved range and enhanced battery technology.
Check out the best EV lease deals here.
Find A Used EV
With the influx of new EVs hitting the market, the used EV market is growing. If you're not set on owning a newer model with extended range, you can find rock-bottom deals. Across many parts of the US, you can find used electric vehicles priced at $6,000 or less.
The most economical options for used EVs boasting over a 200-mile range include the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf. For those prioritizing extended range, the Tesla Model 3 is a top affordable choice.
The federal tax credit of up to $4,000 is now available for certain used EVs.
You can search cargurus.com or other used car websites for the EV make and model you want in your zip code.
Search here for the best deals on used EVs in your area or learn more about buying a used EV in our Used EV Guide.
Stop 3 - Test Drive An EV
A test drive provides a firsthand experience of the quiet and seamless operation characteristic of EVs. It is a chance to dispel concerns and experience firsthand the practicality and comfort EVs can provide.
Individual EV owners utilize platforms such as Turo to offer their vehicles for daily, weekend, or weekly rentals. Charging an EV is convenient: simply plug it into a standard 110-volt outlet at home and gain 40 to 60 miles of range overnight. For longer trips, public charging stations are accessible and can be activated using a credit card. Locate nearby charging stations here.
Stop 4 - Getting Your Financing In Order
Driving an EV can lead to long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs, but securing the right initial financing is key.
Many EV manufacturers and dealerships provide competitive financing options. Check to see if your dealership offers any low-interest loans or special promotional rates for EV purchases.
Be sure to also compare auto loan rates from banks and credit unions. Credit unions often offer their members more favorable interest rates. Getting pre-approved can provide a better understanding of your loan eligibility and terms.
Alternatively, online financial institutions often offer appealing loan options with easy application processes. Comparison websites can help you locate better rates and terms.
Loan calculators can also help you ensure the payment comfortably fits your budget by estimating monthly payments for various loan amounts, interest rates, and terms.
Here’s are some additional tips:
- Begin by reviewing your current financial situation. A clear picture of your income and expenses can help determine how much you can comfortably set aside for a car payment.
- NOTE: Take into account how much you’re currently spending on gasoline. If you use a lot of gas, you’re coming up with a large monthly amount to pay for that. Switching to an EV could actually save you money, with your gasoline savings more than covering the costs of your EV car payment! Check out this EV Cost Savings Calculator to see how much you could save.
- Get your credit report from the leading credit bureaus and correct any errors. A higher credit score can secure better interest rates and loan terms.
- Investigate incentives and rebates - they can be massive. It’s well worth spending some time to look into what might be available to you. You can look into federal and state incentives, utility company incentives and manufacturer incentives. Start here.
- If you have a vehicle to trade in, you can get an idea of its value with a search on Kelly Blue Book.
- Making a larger down payment can reduce the loan amount, lower monthly payments, and potentially secure better loan terms.
- Getting pre-approved by multiple lenders can give you an edge in dealership negotiations
- Carefully review the loan terms, such as the interest rate, repayment duration, and any extra fees. Make sure you understand all aspects of the agreement before putting pen to paper.
Buying an EV is a forward-thinking investment that can benefit both the environment and your wallet. Carefully assessing your finances, exploring financing options and tapping into available incentives, can help you secure the funding to make your EV dream a reality.
Stop 5 - Go To The Dealership Or Order Online
When it comes to buying your electric vehicle (EV), you have two main paths to explore: a hands-on dealership experience or the ease of online shopping.
Stepping into a dealership offers a dynamic, interactive experience where you can get up close and personal with your future EV. You can take the car for a test drive, feeling the power and precision firsthand, and chat with experts who can answer all your questions. This lets you personally gauge the vehicle's features and performance, making your decision feel more concrete and informed.
On the other hand, online shopping for your EV offers convenience at your fingertips. You can scroll through a wide array of models, comparing specifications, and even customizing your dream vehicle—all from the comfort of home. Online platforms provide a treasure trove of detailed information including customer reviews. You are also more likely to find transparent pricing without hidden fees. Plus, many services offer home delivery, meaning your new EV could be parked in your driveway without you ever leaving the house.
If the thrill of testing your future car is important to you, a dealership could be right for you. But if a smooth process where you can search for more information with the added bonus of home delivery sounds appealing, online ordering might be a better match.
Keep in mind you can also look for EV lease deals and used EVs using the information above in this article.
If you would like to be connected with EV dealers in your area, please sign up at the bottom of our EV calculator.
Conclusion
As with acquiring any vehicle, it’s worth doing your homework. Think about the features that you need and want, your price point and compare the options available - including purchasing new or used and leasing.
There are many advantages to EVs and you have more options now than ever before. We appreciate you giving EVs consideration over a gas vehicle. Fewer gasoline vehicles on the road is better for everyone.
Still want more info? Check out our EV Cheat Sheet.
Disclaimer: Information provided are estimates for the purpose of informing consumers of options and pricing that may be available to them. Your final price will vary.