Acceleration & Responsiveness
Acceleration like you've never felt before. All torque, no shifting, will quickly and quietly move you safely in and out of traffic. Today's technology uses electric motors with instant reaction and quick response to changes in traffic.
Innovative
Driving electric offers an innovative driving experience in every sense of the word. State of the art technology combines performance and efficiency that is pure fun to drive. Drivers love the forward thinking incorporated in the EV experience.
Safety
EVs are smart vehicles, an iPhone on wheels! Onboard computers and cameras offer greater safety features than old cars on the road. Autonomous features are many, including blind spot warnings and crash-avoidance. All drivers, new and experienced, deserve such protection.
Go Far
Range can play a big role in deciding what EV is right for you. Marin residents drive about 27 miles a day. For longer trips, many EVs go hundreds of miles without a chargeand more are on the way. Another option is a plug-in car with a gas extender (PHEV). While not as green as pure EVs, they are far better than gas or gas-hybrid cars.Level Two Charging
If you regularly drive more than 40 miles a day or just like having a faster option at home, install a Level 2 charger, also known as a “home charger,” “wall charger,“ “home charging station
There are numerous options on the market, and the top rated models are discussed below. Level 2 chargers provide electricity to the car at 240V and provide about 25 miles of range per hour.
All About Electricity Costs and Plans
Fuel Cost
Driving an EV can save you money since electricity is less expensive than gasoline and EVs
are more efficient than gasoline vehicles. Electricity prices are also generally much more
stable than gasoline prices.
Benefits of EV Rate
Most Marin residents are currently billed on a tiered rate: the more energy you use, the higher the tier and the higher the rate. EV owners can switch to a time-of-use rate, where energy charges vary based on the time of day, without tiers. Since the cost of electricity during the off peak night time hours is much lower than the cost at, peak hours, switching to the EV rate and charging at night can be a big money saver.
Exceptions
If you want to charge during the day, or have heavy daytime usage needs (e.g. a pool or air conditioning), the EV plan may or may not be best for you.
PG&E offers electric vehicle rate plans for residential customers that are time of use plans which means costs are lower from 11 p.m. tp 7 a.m. when demand is lowest, making this the best time to charge your vehicle.
Charging at Home Guide
EV drivers can enjoy the ease and convenience of charging at home. We've created a Home Charging Guide with everything you'll need to know, including charging with renewables, getting best electricity rates, installing a charger and recommendations for home charging stations.
Electricians, Stations and Cost
A qualified licensed electrician should install a charging station. In general, a home charging station will cost around $300-$600. This does not include installation, which can cost anywhere from $200 - $2000, depending on the situation with your home electrical system.
Amperage Capacity
Consider a 40 or 50 amp home charge, even if your current EV takes less. This way, you will be investing in a charger that will be adequate as future EVs improve their charging speeds.
HOME OWNER ASSOCIATION CONSIDERATIONS
HOA's likely require architectural approval for charging station installation on
HOA common property. Check with your HOA Board of Directors to determine if they have planned for charging stattion installation. If not, please contact us at info@drivecleanmarin.org for sample rules and sample carport architectural application.
Additional Resources for our edification:
Sierra Club EV Myths v. Reality
https://www.sierraclub.org/articles/2018/11/electric-vehicles-scary-myths-vs-enticing-reality-part-1?mc_cid=44dbb94d9c&mc_eid=6be6a9eb5a
Charging on the Road
Charging stations may not be as visible as gas stations, but there are many. See our On the Road Charging Guide for station information, essential apps and vendor charging cards.
Save 50% carbon
Driving an EV on green power reduces your carbon footprint by 50%. We don't need to wait for government to act. We need Marin to lead the way.
Drive your Gas Car Until it Dies?
Myth: Driving my gas car creates less carbon than buying and driving a new EV.
Fact: Manufacturing and driving an EV has less, much less, carbon than continuing to drive a gas car. Even a Prius is 60% more polluting than an EV.
Clean Air
There should be no compromising on clean air. Localized air pollution from tailpipes affect everyone, especially cyclists, kids at school pick up lines, runners, the elderly...well, everyone! With no tailpipes, EVs clear the air.
Rebates and Incentives
EVs are eligible for a $7,500 tax credit. Additional California and PG&E rebates are available (MCE customers included). Your car dealer will help guide you in the process, but here are the links if you want to research now.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml
http://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng
Total Cost of Ownership
When it comes to total cost of ownership, EVs come in miles ahead of traditional cars. Electricity rates can be 1/2 of gasoline and historically are more stable than oil. There are few moving parts in EVs resulting in very little maintenance aside from tires and windshield wipers. Most maintenance comes as free software updates.
Cost of Energy
When you charge your EV at home, your electricity cost will likely be only half your current gasoline expense! In addition, electricity prices are much more stable and rooftop solar provides even more savings. See our Home Charging Guide with everything you'll need to know about charging at home.
100% Battery Electric Vehicles Currently on the Market
100% BEVs are the most advanced driving solution and are completely emissions free.
100% Battery Electric Vehicles Coming Soon
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
(Electric Vehicle with back-up gas engine)
Plug-in hybrids combine some electricity-only miles with gas extender for longer trips. When car shopping, always ask for the vehicles that plug-in.
Plug-in Hybrids Coming Soon
How much will it cost to buy and drive an EV?
The total cost of ownership over the life of an EV is lower than a similar model of gas car. When you purchase or lease an EV you can claim federal tax credits as well as state and utility rebates, often amounting to $10,000. Maintenance on an EV is significantly less because EV motors have few moving parts. No oil changes ever again! Fueling your EV with MCE Clean Energy Deep Green, 100% renewable energy, costs about 60% less than gasoline. Alternatively, invest in solar rooftop and enjoy fixed costs for years to come.
It’s only one car, will driving an EV really make a difference?
Yes! Driving is 53% of our carbon footprint. With over 1 million EVs on the road in the U.S., they are already making a difference. If everyone in California switched to driving electric, we would more than fulfill our commitment to the Paris Climate Accord. Everytime we buy gasoline, we support Big Oil--and they actively work to dismantle environmental protections. Let’s drive our values and build a sustainable future for our kids.
Isn’t it better for the environment to keep driving my existing car instead of buying a new EV?
It is better to manufacture and drive an EV now than continue to burn gasoline because gas is extremely carbon-intensive. Even a Prius has 60% more carbon emissions than an EV. Emissions from manufacturing a new car are only about 7-9% of total car emissions. Drive on MCE Clean Energy Deep Green and every mile will be tailpipe-emissions free. Driving an EV matters, really matters! EV driving is the single most important action you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, smog levels, and respiratory issues. No refineries, no pipelines.
On average driving is about 50% of a Marin resident’s footprint. Transportation accounts for 49% of California’s emissions. Driving on energy from your rooftop solar or from MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable energy has zero tailpipe emissions! Drive an EV and breathe easy.
How far can I travel?
EVs now offer a wide choice of how far you can on one charge. Battery prices have dropped a staggering 80% in the past six years resulting in a longer range and a lower price. Consider one of the models has over 200 mile range if you travel far regularly or just don’t want more flexibility and less concern. In an EV with a 200 mile range you can travel to nearly any point in the Bay Area and return without charging.
If your EV is your primarily for around the town and into San Francisco, nearly any EV will meet your needs.
If you want to charge while on the road, tens of thousands of charging stations can be found in every reach of the Bay Area and beyond. Bet you didn’t even know they were there!
To apply for an HOV decal, go to: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/decal
How do I charge my EV at home and on the road?
Click here for our at home and on the road charging guides.
What are environmental impacts of the battery and how long will the battery last?
Most EV manufacturers provide a 100,000 warranty on the lithium ion battery. If you were an early Prius adopter, you might remember the concern about the battery life. Tens of thousands of drivers are reaching 150,000 miles with their original battery.
Second-life: Used batteries serve a valuable role for secondary uses, such as storing energy for buildings, homeowners, and utilities. Many batteries will be able to store enough renewable energy for your entire home.
Recycled: Once the battery has reached its maximum second-life value, it can then be recycled.
Don’t let battery worries stop you from driving electric. Lease an EV and know that the battery will have a long life powering your car and then provide much needed renewable storage on the grid.
Should I buy or lease?
If you are considering a plug-in hybrid, you might want to consider leasing, as many new 100% battery-electric vehicles with high range are coming to the market in the next year or two. Note that all tax credits and rebates apply to leases and purchases.