Are you considering an electric vehicle for your next car? If you live in the Bay Area, you aren’t alone; California has the most EVs and charging stations in the nation, and numbers are going up every day. However, if you’ve never driven an EV, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the pros and cons of owning an EV in the Bay Area, CA.
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Pros of Owning an EV
Saves Money
One of the most obvious benefits of owning an EV is the money-saving features. Since there’s no need to fill up at the gas station, an EV will save a decent chunk of money for those who drive in the Bay Area.
Less Maintenance
Another money-saving incentive of EVs is that they require less maintenance. That also saves you time on maintenance like oil changes and other services typically required by an internal combustion engine vehicle.
Tax Incentives
Both the state of California and the federal government have implemented tax incentives for EV buyers. You could receive a rebate on tax day simply by going emissions-free.
Convenient Charging
As a leader in the nation for EV ownership, drivers in the Bay Area enjoy convenient charging options. Public charging stations are everywhere, and you can plug in while you shop, eat, or hang out at home. You can also charge on the go at any public charging station or even at work.
Other Perks
Looking to save time on your commute? EV drivers are allowed to drive in the HOV lane regardless of the number of passengers. Plus, if you have the capability to install your own charging station at home, you may be eligible for rebates.
Cons of Owning an EV
Charging Takes Time
Despite the abundance of charging options, it still takes much longer to charge an EV than it is to put gas in a car. A low battery can often be avoided with strategic planning, but eventually, everyone will be caught off-guard by the need to plug in. Fast-charging is an option, which cuts down significantly on charge times.
Range Anxiety
Some Bay Area workers spend hours in their vehicle during a commute. Even though some EVs have a long driving range, fueling up isn’t as simple as a 5-minute stop. Forgetting to charge or taking a longer drive both cause range anxiety for many EV owners.
Explore EVs and More at Carnamic
Make your decision easier by test driving an electric vehicle at your nearest Carnamic! We have fully electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, so you can look at a wide variety of options to find the electrified model that’s right for you. Check out our inventory online and contact us to schedule a test drive at one of our Bay Area Carnamic locations.
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