Benefits of having an electric car
There are many benefits to owning an electric car and it's not just helping out the environment. Electric Vehicles also offer a better driving experience, a monetary savings on fuel, and they also require less maintenance.
Now more than ever, there are even incentive programs and perks you can take advantage of if you choose to go electric. Make sure you check them out below!
Smooth Driving
Electric cars have a fast and smooth acceleration.
Luxury Experience
Electric cars offer a technology-rich experience.
Saves Time & Money
You'll take fewer or no trips to the gas station.
Less Maintenance
Unlike traditional cars, electric motors don’t require oil changes.
Environmental Impact
By choosing to drive electric, you are helping cut down on air pollution and reducing your carbon footprint.
Rewarding Perks
Electric cars have incentive programs that save you money and even pay you! (See below).
Batteries and Charging Explained
When it comes to electric vehicles (EV) there is a lot to know! With plugs, batteries, and charging stations things can get a little confusing, so we've sorted it out and summed up the most important information below.
Chargers 101
In order to charge your EV it must be connected to the electric grid, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment, or EVSE for short. The EVSE or "grid" provides power to the charging station that charges the EV's battery. There are three main types of chargers which correlate with the maximum power the EVSE can provide.
Level 1 (used to charge smaller, back-up batteries in case of emergencies):
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Charges though a 120 V AC plug
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Does not require installation of chargers
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2-5 miles of range per hour of charging
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Commonly used at home and sometimes at work
Level 2 (used for every day driving):
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Charges though a 240 V (residential)/208 V (commercial) plug
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Requires installing a charger
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10-20 miles of range per hour of charging
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Commonly used at home, work, and public charging stations
DC Fast Charge:
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Charges though a 480 V input
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Requires highly specialized, high-powered equipment and special equipment in the vehicle itself
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60-80 miles of range in 20 minutes of charging
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Commonly used at public charging stations
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Plug-in hybrid EVs typically do not have this option
Aside from the 3 basic types of charging, wireless charging is an up and coming innovation in the EV space and is currently supported by some EV models.
There are plenty of factors that come into play when determining charging time and it can vary anywhere from less than 30 minutes to over 20 hours. Things like the EVSE, type of battery, battery life, and capacity all factor into charging times.
Plugs 101
When it comes to plugs the SAE J1772 is the most common connector and receptacle. The SAE J1772 receptacle allows for both Level 1 and Level 2 charging. This plug is also supported by all major charging system manufacturers - meaning your electric car will be compatible with most workplace and public charging stations. The only connector that the SAE J1772 will not support are the fast charging ones.
Because the Fast Charge stations do not have a standard connector, SAE International recently passed a standard for fast charging stations. This will allow the fast charging DC pins to become compatible with the SAE J1772, allowing all level charging (Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charge) to use the same receptacle. Although the SAE J1772 is the standard connector some EVs use a different connector when it comes to fast charging. The CHAdeMO is another fast charging connector that is used in models like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Yet, other EVs like the Tesla Supercharger are only compatible with Teslas. Today, more and more charging stations are becoming Fast Charge friendly and offering both SAE and CHAdeMO.
For a complete guide on charging make sure to check out Charge Hub's Guide: Electric Cars & Charging
2020 Guide On How To Charge Your Electric Car With Charging Stations
Where to Charge?
To search for public places you can charge your EV, check out AFDC and PlugShare.
Where to Buy?
Would you rather have your own home chatging station? Below is a selection of popular 240V chargers perfect for a home charging station.
Take Advantage of These Perks
When Buying an Electric Car
NY State Rebate
New York State is issuing a rebate of up to $2,000 for new car purchases or leases. In addition, the state also approved a Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500.
The NY State Drive Clean Program does not have an end-date, only a budget cap. Currently, only $6.6M of $55M has been utilized (12%), so don't delay and make sure to start shopping for your electric car today!
Get Paid to Charge
Charging your Electric Car
SmartCharge is a program that is paying NYC and Westchester residents to charge there cars during off-peak hours. SmartCharge also tracks your driving efficiency, greenhouse gas savings, battery health and monthly earnings in the SmartCharge Rewards Dashboard.
When you sign up for SmartCharge you could earn up to $1,000/year!
Getting a Home Charger
Quick & Easy Setup
Amazon Home Services is introducing a new program for electric car customers that simplifies the process of installing a Level 2 home charger.
The Amazon Home Charger Program is a 100% digital and easy to use. You can set up an appointment from the comfort of your home, in just a few minutes.
Save up to $2,000
on an Electric Car
Contact us today and we will set you up with one of our knowledgeable sales team members. They will help guide you to the getting the most savings when you purchase an electric vehicle at Plaza Auto Leasing. With a wide selection of inventory we will be able to provide you with the electric vehicle of your dreams.
Don't delay this offer ends when the state reaches it's $55 million cap!
Get Paid to Charge Off-Peak Hours
Below are some rewards you can expect to receive just for signing up for the SmartCharge program. Check out the video for more information!
A bonus $150 for each vehicle you enroll
An extra $25 when you use promo code CHARGE25
Access to a personalized dashboard with valuable stats on your driving efficiency, carbon footprint, battery health, and more!
...and more when you start charging!
Setting up a Home Charger with Amazon
Amazon has made it simple for you to install an electric car charger in your home. All you have to do is answer 3 simple questions about your home and pick a a date and time for the technician to come install your home charger. That's it!
Easy setup
Convient Scheduling
Vetted Professionals
Happiness Guaranteed