Gas prices are through the roof and we're feeling the pinch at the gas station. Is now the right time to invest in an electric vehicle?
There's no sugarcoating it: Automobiles leave a big footprint. Extracting petroleum products from the earth and shipping them around the planet is both energy-intensive and damaging (let's not forget about oil spills!). There's also the tailpipe emissions problem: vehicles in the US are responsible for a whopping one-third of all air pollution in the country.
The rollout of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and traditional hybrids is good news if you’re looking for an alternative to the combustion engine, and that's because these models provide energy-efficient transportation while lowering/eliminating tailpipe emissions, diminishing noise, and reducing operating costs.
On today's show my guest and I outline 5 things to consider before purchasing or leasing your next vehicle. Jon Linkov is the Deputy Autos Editor at Consumer Reports and he brings a wealth of real-world knowledge as both a tester of cars and an owner of an electric vehicle to our conversation.
Here's a preview:
[2:30] The major differences as well as the minor intricacies that distinguish hybrids and plug-in hybrids from electric vehicles
[9:00] The price problem: Weighing sticker prices with federal and state rebates and gasoline costs
[13:00] Everything you need to know about the $7500 US Federal Tax Incentive on (some) electric vehicles
[17:30] Should we be concerned about running out of charge? All-things charging, charging stations, at-home charger installation, and the average driving ranges of top EV models
[22:00] Do EVs and hybrids need more frequent — and more expensive — maintenance? (Hint: the answer is no.)
[24:00] Jon's thoughts on whether alternate technologies are actually fun to drive
Resources mentioned and further reading:
- How to Decide If a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Fully Electric Car Is Right for You (via Consumer Reports)
- The Environmental Impacts of Cars, Explained (via National Geographic)
- More Americans Would Buy an Electric Vehicle, and Some Consumers Would Use Low-Carbon Fuels, Survey Shows
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