Do Electric Cars Lose Performance?
Electric Vehicles are generally faster than their gas-powered cousins because their electric motor can instantly generate 100% of its torque. Electric motors are crazy fast. The performance version of Ford's new Mustang Mach-E reaches 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds.
Will an EV Save Me Money?
Often the common question is, Don't EVs Cost More? No, someone primarily charging their electric Ford at home can save almost $1,000 a year on gas alone. If gas goes back to $5 a gallon, it can save you closer to $3000/year if you drive around 15,000 miles annually. Fuel savings and decreased maintenance costs are two of the largest savings that can be found when switching to an electric car- among other maintenance advantages, including no oil changes. Additionally, due to the lower complexity of electric motors, maintenance savings depending on the model can total over $4,500 throughout the vehicle's lifetime. Considering the available tax credit of up to $7,500, an EV can pay for the investment in a year or two. Therefore, Yes, an EV will save you money over the vehicle's lifetime.
How Do EV Tax Credits Work?
Did you know that you may qualify for a federal tax incentive if you buy an electric vehicle? The Federal government policy allows you to claim up to $7,500 in credit against the federal income taxes you owe in the year you buy your new Ford Electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. Essentially, it reduces your tax liability for the year. If you're eligible for a refund, you'll get the amount of your credit you qualify for on top of tax return. However, buyers must still pay the price they negotiate for the EV vehicle. This is not an incentive that takes place at the time you purchase your vehicle at your local Ford dealer. It is important to note that leased Electric cars do not qualify for the tax credit or purchasing a used EV at this time.
The US Department of Energy lists all eligible electric vehicles and how much buyers can deduct for them.
Are Electric Cars Cheaper to Operate and Own Than Gas Cars?
Electric Vehicles are way cheaper than a comparable internal combustion engine as it doesn't have as many parts, and the elements it does have are simpler to repair and manage. No spark plugs, valves, fuel tanks, mufflers, starters, belts, hoses, or catalytic converter (among other items) need maintenance or replacing. It is true that the battery pack of your car likely costs more than $10k, but it's built to be modular so that you can fix one cell at a time, and with its comprehensive warranty, you shouldn't have an issue you'll have to deal with out of pocket.
All-electric vehicles are not dependent on gas and therefore require less scheduled maintenance. In fact, the All-Electric E-Transit model is estimated to require 40 percent less scheduled maintenance than the average gas vehicle over eight years/100,000 miles or whichever comes first.
For Example, the Mustang Mach-E scheduled maintenance cost is estimated to be 38% less than the average cost compared to a gas-powered 2020 Escape over five years/75,000 miles. Regarding fuel savings, based on standard fuel prices and vehicle usage assumptions, there is an estimated savings of $893 based on 10,000 miles per year for the Mustang Mach-E. Learn more about annual estimated EV costs and customize your savings.
Isn't Maintenance on an Electric Vehicle Expensive?
Electrical systems (battery, motor, and associated electronics) require minimal scheduled maintenance. A manufacturer's battery warranty typically covers eight years/100,000 miles, and the expected battery life is 10-20 years under normal operating conditions. EVs have less maintenance requirements because they have fewer moving parts and fluids to change.
Are Electric Vehicles Better for the Environment?
From an efficiency standpoint, it's tough to get better than an electric motor. Electric motors convert about 75% of their energy into power (instead of waste like heat). We've all seen how hot an internal combustion engine gets, which makes sense because they are only 20% efficient - 80% of the energy in a gallon of gas never makes it to the wheels and instead is lost to things like heat.
Not everyone has access to completely green sources of power like solar or wind. But the energy we get from our local power company has way less impact on the environment than an equivalent gallon of gas. Estimates show that EVs, regardless of your state, produce less pollution.
Can Our Electric Grid Handle EVs?
A resounding yes! Our current power system can handle millions of EVs. This is true because most charging happens at night when the demand for our electric system is quite low. This is why if you have Time of Use pricing on your meter, the rate is much lower after 11 pm. If anything, electric vehicles will eventually provide more stability to our grid if they can connect wherever they park. This is because their batteries can act as buffers during times of peak demand (think brownouts in California). This is not true in many markets today, but in the grid of the future, it's likely you could be paid a little bit when your car helps your utility out during moments of peak demand.
Are Electric Vehicles Safe?
HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs undergo the same rigorous safety testing as conventional vehicles sold in the United States and must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Ford electric Vehicle battery packs meet rigorous testing standards. Electric Vehicles are designed with insulated high-voltage lines and safety features that deactivate electric systems when they detect a collision or short circuit.
How Long Do Electric Vehicle Batteries Last?
If you're thinking about switching to an electric car, you may be wondering how long its batteries will last. Thankfully, most EV batteries will last anywhere from 10-20 years – that's significantly longer than most people own a vehicle and longer than your average gas-powered ICE (internal combustion) engine. The good news is that most auto manufacturers guarantee it, too. Manufacturers are so confident of the battery's road use that they offer an extended warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles. It's worth noting that EV battery technology is still evolving. Advancements should mean longer-lasting and cheaper batteries that are smaller and lighter.
EVs Don't Have Enough Range. Won't I Get Stranded?
No, you won't. The new Mustang Mach-E gets at least 300 miles to a charge. At the same time, the Ford F-150 Lightning can cruise for 230 miles with its Standard Range Battery and up to 320 miles with the Extended Range pack. Average drivers drive about 40 miles a day, and most EV drivers recharge their car at night at home, or EV drivers can get a full charge within an hour at a DC charging station.
How Far Can a Ford EV Drive?
Modern EVs are increasing in range, and Ford has ensured each electrified model has above average range. Most EVs will have 200 miles of range, with many climbing to 300 miles or more. On the other hand, according to Ford's telematics data, the average daily range for commercial vans in the U.S. is 74 miles, with the E-Transit providing up to 126 miles of range.
The Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning have trims that go up to 300 miles of range. With the average US driver driving about 40 miles a day, this is more than enough, especially when considering the EV can be charged to 100% every morning, unlike a gasoline car. With the optional extended-range battery pack, the F-150 Lightning has an estimated 320 miles of range in XLT, Lariat, and fleet-only Pro trim.
How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?
At-home charging can take as long as 10 hours for a full charge, and this is typically done overnight at peak charging hours, allowing you to wake up each morning with the equivalent of a full tank of gas. Using a DC fast charger on the road will significantly boost that time and allow for a full charge in less than an hour.
How to Find Charging Stations for Electric Cars?
Electric car infrastructure is rapidly expanding, and Ford's BlueOval™ Charge Network is North America's largest public charging network, with over 19,500 charging stations and growing. If you are not charging at home, customers can find a charging station easily through the FordPass app, letting drivers see the cost and even save their favorites. Find an EV charger near you!
How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle?
The cost to charge at BlueOval™ Charge Network stations varies by region. Most areas charge you per kilowatt-hour (kWh). You can see the cost to charge at BlueOval™ Charge Network stations in your FordPass® App. Most Level 2 charge stations offer complimentary energy, whereas the rest of the Level 2 chargers charge a fee per session.
ANY OTHER EV QUESTIONS?
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