Electric Vehicles

Dollars & Sense

• Rebates: Get up to $2,000 off the purchase or lease of an EV with New York State’s Drive Clean Rebate program.
• Federal tax credits: Get up to $7,500 for the purchase of a new EV and up to $4,000 for used models.
• Drivers of most electric cars can qualify for discounts on NYS Thruway tolls through the Thruway Authority’s Green Pass Discount.
• Save on operating costs and stop paying for gas or diesel, and oil changes. 

Benefits & Considerations

• Savings: Compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs are more energy efficient and cost about 50 to 70% less to operate per mile.
• Performance: EVs deliver fast and smooth acceleration, with pickup that is intuitive and responsive to the driver.
• Convenience: Save time and money with an EV with fewer or no trips to the gas station. Electric motors also require less maintenance since they don’t require oil changes.
• Cleaner: No more smog, stinky exhaust fumes, and oil stains.
• Quieter: Turn down the engine noise and turn up the tunes on your car stereo.

Questions for Your Contractor

• What kind of service will the EV need?
• How long does the battery take to charge (slow and fast charge)?
• Does my EV come with a Level 2 charger?
• Who do you recommend for my home EV charger installation?
• What is the size of the EV’s battery?
• What is the range of this car on a single charge?
• How long is the warranty on the car and battery?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a battery-powered EV and a plug-in hybrid?

Battery-powered cars have an electric motor, are only fueled by electricity, and have a long battery range. Plug-in hybrids have an electric motor and gas engine, are fueled by electricity and gas, and have a medium battery range.

What models and types are available?

EVs come in all shapes and sizes, from small hatchbacks to luxury SUVs. Consumer Reports estimates that by the end of 2024, there will be more than 70 EV models on the market — a massive increase from 2020, when there were just six models.

Are EVs expensive to maintain?

In general, EVs have fewer maintenance needs than a vehicle with a gasoline engine. EVs don’t need oil-and-filter changes. That means you won’t be visiting your dealer at regular mileage intervals. Like standard cars, EVs do still need items like tires, wiper blades, brake pads, and cabin air filters replaced.

How many miles do EVs get on a charge?

Many of today’s models get more than 250 miles on a full battery.