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Electric Vehicles
There’s never been a better time to drive electric.
It’s an electrifying age for cars. With more vehicle and charging options, there’s never been a better time to drive electric!
Understand EVs
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered by electricity with a rechargeable battery.
Many people still have misperceptions about what EVs can or can’t do. Here’s the truth:
What’s the difference between a hybrid and electric vehicle?
Driving electric comes with multiple benefits:
Saves Money
Electricity is cheaper than gas. In Washington, driving electric only costs 2-3 cents per mile.
No Tailpipe Pollution
Electric vehicles don’t even have tailpipes! EVs produce zero climate or toxic air pollution. Compare that with a gas car, which produces 20 pounds of pollution per gallon burned.
Less Maintenance
Electric engines have fewer moving parts so they don’t need oil changes or other maintenance.
Quiet Drive
Electric vehicles make much less noise than gas cars, no matter how fast you go.
EV Resources:
Learn About Incentives for EVs
Federal Tax Credit
You can receive a federal tax credit of $1,875 - $7,500 for purchasing a new EV.
Once an auto manufacturer sells a certain number of vehicles, the tax credit is phased out. For example, since Tesla and Chevrolet have both sold over 200,000 vehicles, customers who purchase one of their vehicles can only receive a $1,875 tax credit (as of September 2019).
Washington State Sales Tax Exemption
Starting August 2019, Washington offers a tax incentive for the purchase of new or used EVs. Consumers can avoid sales tax on up to $25,000 of the purchase price of a new car, and up to $16,000 for used cars.
To be eligible, vehicles must:
- Be capable of traveling at least 30 miles on battery power alone.
- Have a purchase price of less than $45,000 if new or $30,000 if used.
Local Utility EV Incentives
Several utilities in the Puget Sound region offer additional incentives and EV information to eligible customers.
Currently available EVs (or coming soon)
Check out these websites to see the latest list of available electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles:
Learn more with these EV resources
Electric vehicles and charging options:
- Charging Plug-In Electric Vehicles at Home -- U.S. Department of Energy
- Charging An EV -- Go Electric Drive
- Home Chargers -- PlugIn America