July 28, 2016

Looking for a new commuter car? Want something for errands in town? Thinking about the future? Mid-budget electric vehicle (EV) models are pushing 120 MPGe per charge while luxury makes have far surpassed that range.

Charging stations are popping up across the state, and, according to ChargePoint, there are about 38 charging stations across town and nearly 50 on campus, with plans for more in the works.

If rooftop solar is in your future, then getting an electric vehicle first will help establish your EV’s energy demand up front.

The top electric new car deals for July were the 2016 Chevy Spark EV, the 2016 Kia Soul EV, the 2017 Chevy Volt, and the 2016 Nissan Leaf, according to Cars Direct. Of these four deals, three appear to be available with our local dealers here in town.

So why travel far and wide? Get your zero emissions ride right here in town.

If you’re more inclined to travel for the best deal, check out the Charge! website.

Rebates cover part of costs

Most electric or plug-in hybrid models earn you a rebate up to $2,500 from the State of California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (see cleanvehiclerebate.org). New hydrogen fuel cell vehicles rate $5,000. Federal tax credits are generally about $7,500 (see https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml).

 

Best EV Lease Deals April 2016
Best EV Lease Deals April 2016 from InsideEVs and CarsDirect.

Electric vehicle websites

Go to CarsDirect for this article on the best green cars.

Try Green Car Reports for guides, specs, and news.

Check out InsideEVs for information about cutting edge industry news.

Advice from an EV owner and advocate

For advice about buying an electric vehicle, check out this Cool Davis blog post from SacEv member Eugen Dunlap.

Used EVs for sale by owner

Try the SacEV Plug-in Electric Vehicle Marketplace if you’re looking for a used EV.

Public charging stations

Find out about public charging stations via the ChargePoint web and app service.

Sierra Club Rev Up EVs Campaign

The Sierra Club has launched the Rev Up EVs campaign and an EV Buyer’s Guide to go along with it.

A Sierra Club article discusses the California Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and the lack of availability of EVs on the market.

National Drive Electric Week is coming this September

This September 10th through 18th, 2016, is a “nationwide celebration” that includes EV parades, ride-and-drives, electric tailgate parties, awards, and more. The Sacramento EV group is joining the California Auto Museum’s annual CruiseFest Saturday, September 10, from 4-9pm with the latest EV models on display and the electric vehicle version of speed dating – test driving several models back to back.

Be on the lookout for local events here in town in observance of National Drive Electric Week and for reviews of alternative fuel vehicles on the Cool Davis website during the month of September.