Electric Vehicles Frequently Asked Questions

An electric vehicle is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. They also have a battery pack that stores the electricity used to power the motor.

Electric vehicles use an electric motor to convert electricity from the battery pack into motion. When you press the accelerator pedal, the motor draws power from the batteries and propels the car forward. When you brake or coast, the motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy back into electricity and storing it in the batteries through regenerative braking.

There are three main types of electric vehicles:

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These are fully electric vehicles that rely solely on a battery pack for power. They have no gasoline engine and must be plugged in to recharge.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These vehicles have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. They can run on electricity alone for a certain distance before the gasoline engine kicks in.
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): These vehicles also have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, but the electric motor is used only to assist the gasoline engine and cannot power the vehicle on its own.

The time it takes to charge an EV depends on the size of the battery and the type of charging system used. Level 1 charging, which uses a standard 120-volt household outlet, can take eight-12 hours to fully charge a battery. Level 2 charging, which uses a 240-volt outlet like those used for electric dryers, can charge a battery in four-six hours. DC fast charging can charge a battery to 80% in about 30 minutes.

If you're in Amherst, NY, you'll find plenty of charging options, including public charging stations and the ability to charge at home.

The range of an EV varies depending on the make and model, but most modern EVs can travel between 200-400 miles on a single charge. Some high-end models can even go over 500 miles. Keep in mind that factors like weather, terrain, and driving habits can impact range.

For those in Buffalo, NY, an EV with a range of 200+ miles is more than enough for daily commuting and errands around the city.

How much does it cost to charge an EV?

The cost of charging an EV is much lower than fueling a gasoline car. On average, it costs about half as much to drive an EV compared to a gas car. The exact cost will depend on electricity rates in your area and the time of day you charge.

The upfront cost of an EV can be higher than a comparable gasoline car, but prices are coming down as technology improves and more models enter the market. Plus, EVs are cheaper to operate and maintain over time, which can offset the higher purchase price.

Tonawanda, NY residents can take advantage of state and federal incentives that make EVs even more affordable.

EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline cars, requiring less maintenance. There are no oil changes, spark plug replacements, or emissions checks. The main maintenance costs are tire rotations and replacement, brake fluid changes, and coolant flushes.

You can charge an EV at home using a Level 1 or Level 2 charging system. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt outlet and is the slowest option. Level 2 charging requires a 240-volt outlet and a dedicated circuit, but it's much faster. Many EV owners install a Level 2 charger at home for convenience.

If you live in West Seneca, NY, you can easily charge your EV at home overnight and wake up to a full battery every morning.

Like all vehicles, EVs can experience reduced range in cold weather due to the increased energy needed to heat the cabin and maintain battery temperature. However, many EVs have thermal management systems that help minimize range loss. Preconditioning the cabin and battery while plugged in can also help.

Yes, EVs are much better for the environment than gasoline cars. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means they don't contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gases. Even when considering the electricity used to charge them, EVs have a lower carbon footprint over their lifetime.

Several incentives are available for buying an EV, including federal tax credits, state rebates, and local utility programs. The federal tax credit can be up to $7,500, depending on the vehicle. Many states offer additional rebates or tax credits. Talk to our financing specialists to see which incentives you qualify for prior to signing.

Yes, you can take an EV on a road trip, but it requires some extra planning. You'll need to map out charging stations along your route and factor in charging time. Many EV charging networks have apps that make it easy to find and use charging stations.

There are several common myths about EVs, including:

• EVs are slow and underpowered (false - many EVs have instant torque and fast acceleration)
• EVs can't go very far on a charge (false - most modern EVs have a range of 200+ miles)
• EVs are expensive to maintain (false - EVs have lower maintenance costs than gas cars)
• EV batteries are bad for the environment (false - EV batteries can be recycled and reused)