Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive, cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered vehicles, and contribute fewer emissions into the air. With tax incentives available and a fast-growing network of charging stations, find out if owning an EV is the right choice for you.
Understanding EVs
Understanding EVs
Benefits of Plugging In
88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always.
Which EV is Right for Me?
Owning an EV
Understanding Charging
Charging times vary depending of the type of charger used.
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.
Charging from Home
For plugin hybrid vehicles a standard outlet (Level 1) will be enough for overnight charging. For battery electric vehicles, a Level 2 charger will require professional installation by a licensed electrician. If you live in an apartment or condo, consider talking with the property owner about installing a charger or use a nearby public charger. Talk to our sales staff to find out more about charging from home.
Battery Care
Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number will continue to increase. If you can keep your battery between 20% and 80% charged most days and avoid extremely hot temperatures, you can expect your maintenance to be minimal.
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Trees For Test Drives
Help Us Plant 100,000 Trees!
We've partnered with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships across the country to plant 100,000 long leaf pine trees across Eglin Air Force Base located in the Florida Panhandle. Between April 22nd and December 31st, we'll plant one tree for every qualifying test drive completed.
Here's how it works. After you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or 40+ mpg vehicle, scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Fill out and submit the short form telling us about your experience and we'll plant a tree on your behalf! It's that easy.
Here's how it works. After you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or 40+ mpg vehicle, scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Fill out and submit the short form telling us about your experience and we'll plant a tree on your behalf! It's that easy.
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.
Explore Greener Options from Volkswagen
Green cars are changing our environment for the better. We offer a ton of information about this technology, as well as new and used models that fit in this category. Visit our Volkswagen dealership in Salem soon to learn all there is to know about green cars and SUVs.
The Perks of Going Green
Our environment is of utmost importance. We need to do all we can to keep our air clean, trees growing, and seas unpolluted. One of the many ways we can do that is by switching to a greener car or SUV.
You can also find impressive incentives when making this leap, including federal tax breaks and more. Customers love the money they save at the pump with these more efficient vehicles as well. There is no going wrong when going green.
Trees for Test Drives
We aim to keep our communities and environment as clean as possible. To do that, we work with charities and other donors to achieve our goals. Now, we are working with the Arbor Day Foundation and GreenCars to plant more trees.
Every time you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or over 40 MPG vehicle, you will find a QR code hanging inside. Simply complete your test drive and scan that code to find the tree-planting form. After you submit that form, one of the 100,000 trees will be planted near the Florida Panhandle.
All About Hybrids
Hybrid vehicles combine combustion and electric power to give you a greener commute. This means your ride will utilize its fuel more efficiently, increasing the MPG by an astonishing amount. If you are looking for fewer trips to the gas station, a hybrid is the right choice for you.
There are a handful of different Hybrid types available on the current market. The first is standard hybrids or mild hybrids. This means they will not need an exterior charger to keep their battery alive. There are also plug-in hybrids that do need this exterior component but also come with a more powerful electric capability.
Hybrid VW Models
Many cars and SUVs in the Volkswagen lineup have offered hybrid options in the past. This includes the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Passat. Whether you are looking for a reliable daily drive or a sedan that can handle a weekend getaway with ease, these are the models for you. Let our professionals show you through our available VW hybrids soon.
All About Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles replace the engine we all know completely. This means you will have no need for fuel. When you make the switch to an all-electric vehicle, you will seriously reduce your carbon footprint. This is why EVs are known as green vehicles.
Charging is one of the many differences EVs bring to the table. Many of these cars and SUVs will come with a charging station that can install in your garage. That, along with the growing infrastructure of public charging stations, you should have no problem owning an EV.
Volkswagen EV Options
Volkswagen is changing the game with its new electric SUV. The new VW ID.4 is a stunning EV that will make your drive an always enjoyable experience. Throughout the exterior, you get these long lines and modern curves. Inside, there are enough premium materials and technologies to impress and modern shopper.
Learn More About Going Green with a VW Today
Visit our Volkswagen dealership soon to learn more about green cars. We can show you around our available models and get you in one for a test drive. After you experience the quality of a hybrid or EV, you will want to take it home.
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