If you’re looking for a new car, consider going electric. Here are some great reasons to make the change.
Save Money on Transportation
No oil changes. No spark plugs. No smog checks. No mufflers. No timing belts. No fuel filters.
That’s a lot of savings. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, which means fewer components that can break down. Their electric motors also provide regenerative braking, reducing wear on the brakes. As a result, EVs typically require less maintenance than gas-powered cars, saving time and money.
Buying or leasing an EV can also come with upfront savings thanks to state incentives. Charge Up New Jersey can save you as much as $4,000, right at the point of sale. That’s on top of more affordable models — some MSRPs of $35,000 or less — plus additional dealer savings like low or 0% financing, cash bonuses and special lease offers.
To find out how much you can save by going electric, check our Online Resources.
Convenience and Reliability
The two eligible EV types share many of the same benefits over gas-powered cars, including drastically reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Of the two types of EVs, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have the best savings opportunities since they will never require oil changes, new spark plugs, or emissions testing.
Did you know EVs offer regenerative braking? Regenerative braking utilizes the motor to slow the vehicle rather than the brake pads, extending the brake system lifespan and transferring braking energy to charge the battery, which extends the driving range. There are a host of other features that result in minimal maintenance for all EV types.
Strong Safety Record
Safety is a top concern with all vehicles, and EVs are no different. All vehicles go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet standard vehicle regulations, but EVs undergo additional tests for limiting battery spillage, proper securing of the battery, and isolating the chassis from the vehicle’s system to prevent electric shock.
Many EVs are designed with the battery pack positioned in the center of the vehicle, which lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, provides superior weight distribution and stability, improves cornering, and minimizes rollover risk.
Reduced Environmental Impacts
Since transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey and about 30 percent of the state’s total smog comes from motor vehicles1, your car is a good place to start cutting air pollution. Even limited exposure to high levels of air pollution can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs, especially for children and senior citizens. If you have a pre-existing respiratory condition, air pollution can aggravate and intensify your symptoms. Moving to an EV will help do your part to reduce these harmful irritants and may help increase EV adoption in your community.
For communities in areas with high air pollution, the effects may be much worse. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer and damage to immune, neurological, and reproductive systems. The effects of air pollution are not always obvious, but its effects on public health are a serious matter.
Performance and Style
A feature of EVs that many don’t realize is how fun they are to drive. In fact, some of the fastest accelerating cars in production are electric. EVs have quick acceleration due to instant torque provided by electric motors.
EVs also are known for having great handling. Many EVs are designed with the battery pack positioned in the center of the vehicle, which lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, providing superior weight distribution and stability, improving cornering, and minimizing rollover risk. Whether you want an SUV to haul the kids and their sports equipment, or a small sedan for commuting, there is an EV to fit your lifestyle. To see all available models, check out the vehicles eligible for an incentive Eligible Vehicles.
