It’s electric! Your new vehicle, that is. Committing to buying an electric vehicle isn’t just committing to save yourself time, energy, and money, but also to better serve the environment. That’s a two-for-one deal. Read on for the many benefits of buying an electric vehicle.
Charge at Home
One of the benefits of buying an electric vehicle is being able to charge your vehicle at home. Two levels for residential use offer various charging speeds to accommodate your lifestyle and type of electric vehicle. Most use a 120-volt Level 1 charging cable. The second, a 240-volt Level 2 charging station charges up to four times faster and is more efficient. Usually, the installation of a Level 2 charging station requires the help of an electrician.
Stafford Home Service Inc. is an Xcel Energy EV-trained company. We can upgrade your garage wiring and install a Level 2 charging station in your garage. Xcel Energy customers can choose an electric rate plan that fits their lifestyle and driving habits. Some plans offer lower charging electric rates.
Another benefit of an electric vehicle is eliminating trips to the gas station, not knowing how much you’ll have to spend to fill up your tank. The convenience of charging at home cuts the costs of running your vehicle in half.
Charging on the go is also convenient and affordable. St. Paul and Minneapolis are among the leaders in cities providing low-cost public charging stations. Public charging stations make it easy to plug in when you’re out running errands and need a quick charge. With public charging stations popping up all over the Twin Cities, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice when you’re away from home.
Reduce & Renew
Other advantages of buying an electric vehicle include environmental benefits. Xcel Energy currently provides more than 20 percent of electricity designated for EVs from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Customers with electric vehicles can opt to voluntarily enroll in programs that provide up to 100 percent renewably sourced electricity for EV charging.
Driving an electric vehicle that uses at least 20 percent renewable energy instead of gas will decrease oil dependency, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change.
Keep the Green
Switching to an EV can cost more on the initial purchase, but will save money in the long run with operating costs about one-third as much as gas-powered cars. Electric cars also don’t require nearly as much maintenance as gas-powered cars do. That means no oil changes, tune-ups, or exhaust system maintenance. Bliss.
It also might be helpful to consider federal tax credits and local incentive offers that can make purchasing an electric vehicle more cost-effective.
Being able to charge your car at home, as well as around town, reducing oil dependency, greenhouse gas emissions, and using renewable energy all while saving money are some of the many benefits of buying an electric vehicle.
Contact us today with any questions regarding the installation of a Level 2 charging station, or EVs in general. We’d be happy to talk it over with you.
