Driving electric cars is becoming the norm for many people these days. People that are looking to save money on their weekly commute. Not only this, but those that choose to do such will also help conserve the environment's integrity. Something that is needed today in abundance, given the current climate, especially in Brooklyn, New York. When you choose to buy green cars, you'll help bring more jobs, save yourself some money, and experience an entirely new way of living.
That being said, when you choose to buy electric cars, there is much more to worry about than just the cost of the vehicle. You’ll have to worry about keeping it charged. If you ever have any questions about electric cars, how they work, and how you can benefit from them, call our offices, and we’ll be more than glad to assist.
More and more car manufacturers today are getting into the electric industry. Both plug-in and hybrid cars are becoming immensely popular. The number of each sold yearly is on the rise and will likely only continue to rise. The change is happening fast, and some analysts even predict that by 2022, the overall costs of these vehicles will be more economical than that of buying a 4-cylinder today if you are in the market or have been considering one of these models.
New Yorkers are currently offered many rebates and discounts for investing in one of these models. Both state and federal grants and refunds are available for those residents interested. It is also likely that the rebates and discounts will apply to the installation of an EV charger, which you’ll need if you are going to make the transition. The very first EV to hit the market was the Toyota Prius. And it’s a model that’s still going strong. This design was somewhat of a battery/gas hybrid, which means it wasn’t an actual plug-in EV. Instead, it was more of a combination.
Understanding The Level 1 Chargers
With a model like the Tesla, one would need what is known as a standard Level 1 charger. This is your primary type of charger and is relatively common today. It comes with most traditional models and can be plugged into a 110 or 120-volt outlet. Despite the low voltage consumption, one will still need a dedicated circuit when utilizing one of these chargers. For enhanced protection, consider using a GFCI-type receptacle to help guard against shock.
Unfortunately, there is one major drawback with the Level 1 charger. This drawback is that achieving a full charge can take nearly 12 hours. Depending on the type of vehicle and manufacture. You can expect to get anywhere from 3 to 5 miles per hour for every hour of charge. This means that owners would need to charge up their vehicles every night.
Understanding Level 2 Chargers
Luckily, another option is available for those looking to utilize electric cars. This would be the Level 2 charger. This one can charge an entire car in about 4 to 6 hours. However, a Level 2 charger is much more prominent in size when compared to a Level 1. This charger is usually mounted to a garage wall, with an electrical cord protruding that can be hooked into your vehicle. Think of this as your gas station. If you are interested in an electrical model, you’ll want to look online for a charging chart. Many charging charts indicate the number of hours per charge and the battery life as specified use rates. Before investing in a model, you’ll want to consider this heavily, along with your driving distances.
Take Advantage Of Incentives And Tax Credits For Your Charger
Ever since 2015, the state of New York, along with other states, has been offering rebates and incentives on charging stations installed in the home. The only problem is, such rebates and incentives are limited on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you want to take advantage, you’ll have to make sure that you are one of the first to make a claim because plenty of people are investing in these cars. Power companies are even offering rebates and discounts so these models virtually pay for themselves today.