Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive, cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered vehicles, and contribute fewer emissions into the air. With tax incentives available and a fast-growing network of charging stations, find out if owning an EV is the right choice for you.
Understanding EVs & Hybrids in Houston, TX
Understanding EVs & Hybrids in Houston, TX
Benefits of Plugging In
88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always.
Which EV is Right for Me?
Exploring Green Cars and SUVs in Houston, TX
Green cars are changing the way we drive through the Houston area for the better. Our professionals are here to teach you all about hybrid and electric technology so that you can find your next green car with ease. Here is a bit about what you can expect from a green car or SUV.
Learning About EVs
Making the switch to an electric means you are going to get a powerful battery and a series of motors instead of the combustion engine we all know. This means that your entire drive will run on electric power. EVs are measured in range instead of fuel economy, meaning how far they can take you on a single charge.
Speaking of charging, this is one of the largest differences between an EV and a standard car or SUV. Many new electric vehicles come with their own charging systems. These chargers can usually be installed in your garage with ease.
The Benefits of an Electric Vehicle
Helping our environment stay clean is extremely important. This is much easier when driving to work in an electric vehicle. Thanks to the lack of a combustion engine, you will reduce your carbon footprint during any commute.
Another huge benefit of an EV is the fewer moving parts. This means less can go wrong, and you'll visit your local service center less frequently. Driving an electric car or SUV is sure to be quieter, cleaner, and easier, making it a very smart choice for any modern shopper.
Possible Electric Options
Acura is well known for its innovative nature. To prove that point, they have announced an upcoming electric SUV that will blow you away. The 2024 Acura ADX will be the brand's first EV to join the lineup. With electric power and the luxurious design of this manufacturer, the 2024 Acura ADX is not a model you will want to miss.
Learning About Hybrids
Hybrids add to the combustion engine by introducing a more powerful battery. That means you are getting the best of both worlds when driving any hybrid. In fact, most hybrid cars and SUVs can travel for miles at a time on solely electric power.
There are a handful of different hybrid types to choose from. The most common are mild hybrids, or those that don't need an external charging source. These models utilize features like regenerative braking to keep the battery alive. Then, you have plug-in hybrids that bring a more dynamic system to the table but do need an external charger.
The Benefits of a Hybrid Vehicle
Thanks to the combination of electric and combustion power, your engine will utilize its fuel more efficiently. This is something any shopper can get behind when buying a hybrid car or SUV. You are going to love the fuel economy these models bring to the table.
To further those savings, choosing a hybrid can also lead to some impressive incentives. Some hybrid models can even qualify you for federal tax benefits and more. Simply ask one of our professionals about these savings during your next purchase.
Possible Hybrid Options
There have been many hybrid cars and SUVs to come from Acura. Daily commuters love models like the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid. This sedan adds an innovative nature to your drive. There are also larger options, including the MDX Sport Hybrid. Families throughout the area choose this model for its spacious interior and premium safety features.
Visit Our Electric and Hybrid Lineup Soon
We are more than happy to explain all the benefits of an electric or hybrid car during your next visit. Stop by our dealership soon to experience the quality of this innovation for yourself. You will not be disappointed by all these models bring to the table.
Owning an EV
Understanding Charging
Charging times vary depending of the type of charger used.
Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 2-5 miles of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plugin hybrid vehicles but not battery electric vehicles.
Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician and charge about 10-20 miles of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.
Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 60-80 miles of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.
Charging from Home
For plugin hybrid vehicles a standard outlet (Level 1) will be enough for overnight charging. For battery electric vehicles, a Level 2 charger will require professional installation by a licensed electrician. If you live in an apartment or condo, consider talking with the property owner about installing a charger or use a nearby public charger. Talk to our sales staff to find out more about charging from home.
Battery Care
Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number will continue to increase. If you can keep your battery between 20% and 80% charged most days and avoid extremely hot temperatures, you can expect your maintenance to be minimal.
Ready to Shop?
Want to Learn More About Electric Vehicles?
Trees For Test Drives
Help Us Plant 100,000 Trees!
We've partnered with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships across the country to plant 100,000 long leaf pine trees across Eglin Air Force Base located in the Florida Panhandle. Between April 22nd and December 31st, we'll plant one tree for every qualifying test drive completed.
Here's how it works. After you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or 40+ mpg vehicle, scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Fill out and submit the short form telling us about your experience and we'll plant a tree on your behalf! It's that easy.
Here's how it works. After you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or 40+ mpg vehicle, scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Fill out and submit the short form telling us about your experience and we'll plant a tree on your behalf! It's that easy.
Common Questions
A federal tax credit of $7,500 is available on most EV models. Depending on where you live, state and local incentives may also be available. Check with your sales associate to find out if the model is eligible for incentives.
Other advantages of owning an EV include:
- Eligible EVs may also qualify for HOV lane access, which are normally restricted to vehicles with multiple passengers.
- Many electric companies offer lower rates based on the time of use. With EVs, you can save money by charging during off-peak times.
- If you're able to charge from work or home, there's usually no need to stop to refuel like you would in a gas-powered vehicle.
- EVs produce zero tail-pipe emissions resulting in cleaner air and better health.
This will vary depending on the local price of electricity and gas and where you are charging (at home or public charger), but most EV owners can expect to save on fuel cost. A recent Consumer Reports study found the “typical EV owner who does most of their fueling at home can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fueling costs over an equivalent gasoline-powered car.”
Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.
https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/A recent Consumer Reports study found “maintenance and repair costs for EVs are significantly lower over the life of the vehicle – about half – than for gasoline–powered vehicles, which require regular fluid changes and are more mechanically complex. The average dollar savings over the lifetime of the vehicle is about $4,600.”
Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.
https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/Gas powered vehicles offer a range of 300-400mi. Battery electric vehicles offer a median range of 250mi. For EV owners who charge at home, this is more than enough for daily use. For longer drives beyond the range of your vehicle, check a public charger map for charger availability along your route.
- Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 2-5 miles of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plugin hybrid vehicles but not battery electric vehicles.
- Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician and charge about 10-20 miles of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.
- Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 60-80 miles of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.
Yes, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can be used at home. In fact, the standard 120V outlet supports a Level 1 charger. Level 2 chargers require 240V and can be installed by a licensed electrician. If you do not own your home, you may need to work with your property owner to install a Level 2 charger.
Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number should continue to increase.
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