All forms of electric vehicles (EVs) can help improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions.
The United States became a net exporter of petroleum in 2020 with exports surpassing imports, although imports of 8.32 million barrels per day in 2022 remained an important part of balancing supply and demand for domestic and international markets. Overall, the transportation sector accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and 70% of U.S. petroleum consumption. Using more energy efficient vehicles like hybrid and electric vehicles supports the U.S. economy and helps diversify the U.S. transportation fleet. The multiple fuel sources used to generate electricity results in a more secure energy source for the electrified portion of the transportation sector. All of this adds to our nation’s energy security.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) typically use less fuel than similar conventional vehicles because they employ electric-drive technologies to boost vehicle efficiency through regenerative braking—recapturing energy otherwise lost during braking. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are both capable of being powered solely by electricity, which is produced in the United States from natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, wind energy, hydropower, and solar energy.
Although energy costs for EVs are generally lower than for similar conventional vehicles, purchase prices can be significantly higher. Prices are likely to equalize with conventional vehicles, as production volumes increase and battery technologies continue to mature. Also, initial costs can be offset by fuel cost savings, federal tax credits, and state and utility incentives. The federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credits are available are available to consumers, fleets, businesses, and tax-exempt entities investing in new, used, and commercial clean vehicles—including all-electric vehicles, PHEVs, fuel cell EVs—and EV charging infrastructure. Some states and electric utilities also offer incentives, many of which can be found in the Laws and Incentives database. For more information on available incentives, connect with your local Clean Cities coalition.
Use the Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare lifetime ownership costs of individual models of electric vehicles and conventional vehicles.
Electric vehicles can reduce fuel costs dramatically because of the high efficiency of electric-drive components. Because all-electric vehicles and PHEVs rely in whole or part on electric power, their fuel economy is measured differently than that of conventional vehicles. Miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles are common metrics. Depending on how they are driven, today's light-duty all-electric vehicles (or PHEVs in electric mode) can exceed 130 MPGe and can drive 100 miles consuming only 25–40 kWh.
HEVs typically achieve better fuel economy and have lower fuel costs than similar conventional vehicles. For example, FuelEconomy.gov lists the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid at an EPA combined city-and-highway fuel economy estimate of 50 miles per gallon (MPG), while the estimate for the conventional 2023 Corolla (four cylinder, automatic) is 35 MPG. Use the Find A Car tool on FuelEconomy.gov to compare fuel economy ratings of individual hybrid and conventional models.
The fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty all-electric vehicles and PHEVs is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle, but in the right applications, all-electric vehicles maintain a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over their conventional counterparts.
All-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging because the electric grid is near most locations where people park. To safely deliver energy from the electric grid to a vehicle’s battery, an EV charging station, sometimes referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is needed. Drivers can charge overnight at a residence, including multifamily housing, as well as the workplace or a public charging station when available. PHEVs have added flexibility because they can also refuel with gasoline or diesel (or possibly other fuels in the future) when necessary.
Public charging stations are not as ubiquitous as gas stations. Charging equipment manufacturers, automakers, utilities, Clean Cities coalitions, states, municipalities, and government agencies are rapidly establishing a national network of public charging stations. The number of publicly accessible charging stations in the United States reached more than 53,000 in 2023, offering more than 137,000 charging ports, according to the Alternative Fueling Station Locator. Search for electric charging stations near you.
Electric and hybrid vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions when operating in all-electric mode. HEV emissions benefits vary by vehicle model and type of hybrid power system.
The life cycle emissions of an electric vehicle depend on the source of the electricity used to charge it, which varies by region. In geographic areas that use relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity production, electric vehicles typically have a life cycle emissions advantage over similar conventional vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. In regions that depend heavily on conventional electricity generation, electric vehicles may not demonstrate a strong life cycle emissions benefit. Use the Electricity Sources and Emissions Tool to compare fuel-cycle emissions by vehicle type and state.
The advanced batteries in electric vehicles are designed for extended life but will wear out eventually. Several manufacturers of electric vehicles are offering 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranties. Predictive modeling by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory indicates that today’s batteries may last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates (8 to 12 years in extreme climates). In addition to climate, other factors impacting battery life include driving and charging patterns, battery cell chemistry and design, and the vehicle-battery-environment thermal system.
Check with your dealer for model-specific information about battery life and warranties. Although manufacturers have not published pricing for replacement batteries, some are offering extended warranty programs with monthly fees. If the batteries need to be replaced outside the warranty, it may be a significant expense. Battery prices are expected to continue declining as battery technologies improve and production volumes increase.
Did you know that the transportation sector is responsible for 28% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—many of which come from passenger cars? If you currently drive a traditional gasoline-powered car, switching to an electric vehicle (or “EV”) is one of the best ways you could reduce your carbon footprint and help make a positive impact on the environment every day. Here are some of the top reasons you should consider swapping out your gas-powered car for a fully electric vehicle:
One of the main advantages of electric vehicles might seem obvious, but it’s far too important to overlook: the environmental benefits. Electric cars produce significantly fewer emissions than gas-powered cars—not just while in use, but also throughout the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. This makes EVs a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, which is more important than ever. Plus, with no tailpipe emissions, electric cars can also help reduce air pollution, especially for the most vulnerable communities who are disproportionately harmed by transportation emissions and air pollutants.
Research has increasingly shown that electric vehicles are at least as safe as gasoline- and diesel-powered cars. In fact, the president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) stated that “we can now say with confidence that making the U.S. fleet more environmentally friendly doesn’t require any compromises in terms of safety.” Several EVs were awarded the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, including the Audi Q4 e-tron, Subaru Solterra, and Volkswagen ID.4, so drivers who care about both safety and the environment have a variety of great options to choose from.
With fewer parts, no internal combustion engine, no oil, less brake wear, and parts that require little to no regular maintenance, electric cars have lower repair and maintenance costs than their gas-powered counterparts—for an average of $4,600 of savings over the lifetime of the car compared to gas-powered vehicles! Fewer maintenance costs and requirements can save EV drivers lots of time, money, and headaches.
How nice would it be to no longer have to stand outside at a dirty gas station in the hot summer air, freezing cold, or pouring rain every few weeks? With an electric car, you can charge it overnight at your home (the same way you plug in your phone every night), and you’ll only need to stop and charge on longer road trips. Plus, you can save an average of up to $1,000 each year on gas money! Over the lifetime of the car, those savings can really add up.
Electric vehicle purchases can qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500, and many cities and states offer additional financial incentives to choose an electric car. Check out this list from the Department of Energy of all the rebates, tax incentives, and other programs offered in each state—and see how much you could save by choosing an EV!
Electric cars often have a higher sticker price than gas-powered cars. But between the lower fuel costs, the lower maintenance and repair costs, and the tax rebates available, the total cost of owning an electric car over the vehicle’s lifetime is less than the total ownership cost of a gas-powered car. Over the vehicle’s lifetime, EV owners can save up to $10,000! By switching to an electric car, you can save green while going green.
The number of public charging ports in the U.S. has consistently grown in recent years to more than 140,000 across the country, and that number will only continue to rise as federal, state, and local governments invest more in charging infrastructure. In fact, a study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows that the U.S. is on track to install 1.2 million public chargers by 2030! There are also a number of smartphone apps that have become valuable resources to help EV owners find charging stations, even in the most remote parts of the country.
Whether you’re looking for a sedan, SUV, hatchback, or even a pickup truck, there are already several great electric car options on the market—and the number of options will only increase in the coming years, as nearly every major car manufacturer in the United States has announced plans to ramp up the production of electric vehicles. No matter what type of car you’re looking for or what your budget is, you’ll be able to find your ideal EV.
There are many benefits that exist to incentivize and reward electric car ownership. For instance, if you drive an EV, you can enjoy perks such as preferred parking spaces, access to some HOV highway lanes, free metered parking, and free and reduced tolls. Plus, many EV owners enjoy the smoother and quieter driving experience. One study even found that driving EVs can reduce stress and improve mental health, as drivers in EVs were more focused, calmer, and happier than drivers in gas-powered cars! If you’ve never driven an EV, try test driving one at a local auto dealer and experience it for yourself.
By switching from a gas-powered to an electric car, you can support the growth of the EV industry and help increase demand for electric cars and EV infrastructure—which will help make it easier for even more people to make the switch. Fewer gas cars and more EVs on the road will ultimately lead to cleaner air and a healthier environment for us all.
Swapping out your gas-powered car for an electric car is a great way you can reduce your transportation emissions and help fight climate change. Once you make the switch, make sure your EV is charged with 100% clean, pollution-free energy from wind and solar sources—with zero dirty fossil fuels—by choosing Clean Electricity for your home. It’s one of the easiest and most impactful ways you can help protect our planet every day—without having to change your daily routine. Learn more about how you can sign up with CleanChoice Energy today to help create a better environment for future generations.
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