Electric Vehicles
Learn More About Electric Vehicles at Fred Beans Automotive Group
Many brands have been adding electric vehicles to their lineup, with some making the change to be completely electric in the near future. With all of the many EV options available, you may be wondering if it's time to upgrade to an all-electric car. We understand that this is a big purchase that most likely comes with many questions and concerns. To help, our Fred Beans team is here to assist you in finding, purchasing, and servicing your new EV. We recommend taking a closer look at the information below and we welcome you to reach out to our team with any other questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Ownership
Buying and owning an electric vehicle is a different process than a gasoline-powered version. But many drivers around Philly Metro, the Delaware Valley, and beyond find it to be a great option they wished they had switched to sooner. To help put your mind at ease, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about EV ownership and what it entails.
What is an Electric Vehicle and How Does it Work
An electric vehicle is a car, truck, SUV, or van that is fully powered by one or more electric motors. These motors draw power from a rechargeable battery pack and convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the wheels of the vehicle. The batteries are predominantly lithium-ion batteries that are lightweight, have a longer lifespan, and are easy to recharge. When it's time to recharge, all the owner of the vehicle has to do is plug the vehicle into an electrical system (preferably one designed to recharge a car). This will get the battery charged up and ready for your next driving adventure.
What Are the Benefits of Driving an EV?
Being behind the wheel of an electric vehicle comes with many advantages. Not only do you get to cut out filling up your vehicle at the gas station and dealing with the rising price of gas, but you are also helping to save the environment with your no-emissions vehicle. Other benefits include - reduced maintenance costs, potential tax incentives, quieter driving sounds, instant torque, home charging, and more.
Does Cold Weather Reduce an EV's Efficiency or Performance?
Yes, as with most batteries, cold weather can affect the battery life and power. Cold temperatures tend to slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, which means it will have a harder time getting up to speed. You'll also find that cold or hot temperatures pull more from the battery to provide you with the heat or air conditioning that you need. Thankfully, there are ways to counteract cold-weather issues. Battery heaters are available, and it's recommended to preheat your vehicle while it's still charging.
Can I Charge My EV at Home?
Absolutely, you can charge your electric vehicle at home. Most EVs come with several charging options. A Level 1 charger can be plugged into a standard 120-volt household outlet. While Level 1 charging takes a lot longer than the other methods, it is extremely convenient. Level 2 chargers are available to install in your garage or driveway. Level 2 chargers use similar outlets to a dryer outlet and will need to be installed by an electrician. Once they're ready to go, though, you'll be able to charge quicker right from your Pennsylvania or Delaware Valley home.
How Does EV Fast-Charging Work?
The fastest charger available is an EV Fast Charger. These quick charging stations are available all over PA and beyond. Many fast chargers can fill your car's battery to 80 percent in as little as 20 minutes, all because they deliver a direct current of power to the battery. Of course, this time varies depending on your vehicle, the type of EV Fast Charger you're using, and other factors.
Is an EV Less Expensive to Own Compared to a Gas-Powered Car?
Electric vehicles are more expensive to buy but tend to be less expensive over the long term. Most EVs don't require as much maintenance as a gasoline-powered vehicle. Without having to get oil changes or pay for gasoline, you could save a significant amount by purchasing an electric model.
Don't Wait! The EV Tax Credit Expires September 30th!
Buying an EV may come with a tax credit, but only if you purchase an electric vehicle before September 30th, 2025. This tax credit is given to taxpayers who buy a qualifying electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle before 9/30/2025. You must meet income limits and the vehicle you're interested in must meet several IRS limits, but if they do, you could be earning up to $7,500 on a new EV or up to $4,000 on a used EV. If you're interested, we recommend talking with our team to learn more about your EV tax credit options.
Which EV Models Are Eligible for the EV Tax Credit?
To be completely sure that an EV qualifies for the remaining tax credit, we suggest talking to our finance team. However, here are a few cars that may be eligible for either a partial or full tax credit.
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
- Chevy Equinox EV and Chevy Blazer EV
- Kia EV6 and Kia EV9
- Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Hyundai IONIQ 9
- Honda Prologue
- Cadillac LYRIQ and Cadillac OPTIQ
- And many more!
If you're interested in buying an electric vehicle, we encourage every Southeastern, PA, Central, PA, and beyond driver to explore our new hybrid and EV lineup, as well as our used hybrid and EV vehicles. We offer a wide range of new and used EVs for you to take a closer look at and we'd love to help you save as much as you can with our vehicle specials, tax credits, and more.
Visit Fred Beans Automotive Group to Find Your Electric Vehicle
If you have any other questions about buying or owning an electric vehicle, don't hesitate to reach out to our Fred Beans Auto Group team. We're here to help you however we can, and we'd love to get you in the driver's seat of a new or pre-owned EV today.