EV 101
Economic Growth
Electric vehicles support over 65,392 Southeastern manufacturing jobs, an increase of 60% since July 2022. The region has also seen $60 billion invested in EV manufacturing, representing 98% growth from July 2022. The SE is in a unique position to lead in this space.
Lower Ownership Costs
EV owners can save over $700 a year in fuel and an additional $330 in annual maintenance costs. The retail price of EVs continues to decline and has reached parity in some models. Importantly, as of January 2024, the $7,500 federal rebate for a new EV will happen at the time of purchase lowering the price further.
Clean Air Healthy Florida
The transportation sector is the largest source of carbon pollution in the U.S. EVs in Florida emit 78% less carbon annually compared to gasoline-powered vehicles due to their lack of tailpipes. Transitioning our transportation systems to electric would eliminate tailpipe pollutants (like NOx, fine particulate matter, and carbon dioxide), reduce respiratory illness and save lives.
Resilience
EVs could actually make the grid more resilient by supplying electricity back to the network when it's needed most. EVs can charge on solar and wind generation when it’s abundant, be programmed to avoid peak hours when the grid is strained, and have the potential to put electricity back onto the grid when demand peaks, supporting the grid and preventing blackouts.
Retained Fuel Spending
If all of Florida's light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles were electric today, Floridian consumers would spend approximately $14.36 billion on electricity for charging. Over 70% of that spending – equal to $10.14 billion – would remain in the state where the electricity is sold. Therefore, electrifying transportation would retain an additional $1.9 billion when compared to Florida’s current spending on motor fuels.
Convenience
EV drivers never have to stop at a gas station, never need another oil change. With no oil and fewer moving parts, there is significantly less maintenance with an EV. Additionally, they can be powered at night while you sleep.
Types of Evs
How They Work
A plug-in hybrid vehicle can run on electricity and then switch to gas whereas an electric vehicle can only run on electricity.
A battery electric vehicle works by an electric motor that is powered by a rechargeable battery pack. The range that the vehicle can travel before being recharged depends on the size of the battery pack. An electric vehicle has a single-speed transmission so has instant acceleration and with no tailpipe and emits no direct emissions.
Batteries
Safety
Discussion of Electric Vehicle safety primarily focuses on safety resources and safety features. Understanding both puts a driver in the best possible position for a safe ride.
FACT VS. MYTH
Myth: EVs are too expensive for Floridians.
Fact: Consumers can save thousands on fuel and maintenance costs by purchasing EVs!
Fact: The federal government has enacted four tax credits that make it more affordable to purchase or lease an EV and to install charging infrastructure.
Myth: I’m going to get stranded driving an electric car.
Fact: All EVs can charge using a J1772 charging plug. Most EV drivers plug in overnight and travel is becoming easier with more fast-chargers coming online.
Myth: There isn’t an EV to meet my driving needs.
Fact: EV range is increasing, and most drivers can meet their daily travel needs with an EV.
Myth: EVs create just as much pollution as gas vehicles.
Fact: Zero-emissions vehicles mean less climate pollution, even when powered by today’s mixed sources of electric power.
Fact: EV car batteries are better for the environment and their components can be recycled.
- International Council on Clean Transportation – EVs are better for the environment than gas vehicles.
- Union of Concerned Scientists– EV Batteries are recyclable.
Myth: EVs don’t perform in cold weather.
Fact: EVs work in cold places and winters in the US. 80% of new cars in Norway are electric!
Myth: EVs are a trend that will phase out.
Fact: EV sales had their BEST month ever in US December 2023!
Shopping for an EV
PlugStar Is a resource from Plug In America that is a one stop shop for purchasing an EV.
PlugStar Shopping Assistant Use this resource from Plug In America to answer questions and see which EV is best for you.
Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search from the Department of Energy show all electric models currently available.
Looking for an economical buying option? Used electric vehicles are available through many dealers. Check out Plug In America’s Used Electric Vehicle Buyer’s Guide for everything you need to know about vehicle conditions, battery warranties, and incentives before you visit a dealership.
Numerous incentives are available for EV buyers. Before you buy, be sure you visit our Federal and Florida Incentives page to increase the value of your purchase!
- What electric vehicles do you have available to test drive? Do you allow drivers to test drive vehicles for multiple days to learn more about the vehicle?
- What is the full range of this vehicle?
- What is the size of the battery in kWh? How fast can the battery charge? (this varies by manufacturer/model).
- Does the vehicle come with a standard, Level 1 charging cable?
- Does the dealership have Level 2 or DC Fast Charging capabilities on-site and is it free for those who purchase a vehicle?
- Can anyone at the dealership do maintenance on an EV? Do you know of anywhere local that does EV maintenance or repairs?
- Does your dealership offer anything included with the purchase of an EV? For example, a pass for charging.
- For used EVs-How old is the vehicle? What does the range of the vehicle look like now compared to brand new?
Most manufacturers have EV models available. The U.S. Department of Energy maintains an “Alternative Fuels Data Center” (AFDC) where you can find and compare EV models.
MPGe-This abbreviation stands for “miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent.” It measures the fuel efficiency of vehicles that run on non-liquid fuels like electricity. The EPA uses the precise amount of electric energy that’s equal to the energy in one gallon of gasoline or 33.7 kilowatt-hours. EVs Typically get over 100MPGe that means spending less on fuel
Charging rates-The rate that electric vehicles can charge depends on the capability of the car. It also depends on the capability of the charging station. It will charge at whatever rate is lower. For example a 50 kW vehicle can only charge at a rate of 50 kW even if the charging station is capable of delivering energy at 350 kW. Conversely, higher capable vehicles can charge at lower capable stations, but they are limited to what the station can provide. This means if you purchase an EV with a lower charging rate it will take longer to charge when using DC fast charging.
The rate that electric vehicles can charge depends on the capability of the car. It also depends on the capability of the charging station. It will charge at whatever rate is lower. For example a 50 kW vehicle can only charge at a rate of 50 kW even if the charging station is capable of delivering energy at 350 kW. Conversely, higher capable vehicles can charge at lower capable stations, but they are limited to what the station can provide. This means if you purchase an EV with a lower charging rate it will take longer to charge when using DC fast charging.