There’s never been a better time to switch to an EV

COURTESY OF EFFICIENCY MAINE

Electric vehicles (EVs) are changing the way the world drives. Drivers in Maine are making the transition to EVs because of their many benefits. They can:

• Save you money on fuel — The cost of using electricity to power a car is less than the cost of using gas. For instance, at today’s gas prices, a typical driver of a popular electric pickup truck can save 50% in fuel costs compared to the alternative with a combustion engine. See the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Cost Calculator to find out how much you could save.
• Improve your driving experience — Electric motors have quick, smooth acceleration, and are quiet. Many EVs also feature advanced driver assistance systems. 
• Reduce maintenance woes— Electric motors have few moving parts, which translates to fewer annual repairs. Fully electric vehicles never need an oil change.

There are two major categories of electric vehicles. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are solely powered by electric motors. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by a combination of electric motors and a gas engine. BEVs can travel farther on electricity than PHEVs because they have larger batteries. However, PHEVs have a longer total driving range and can operate without being charged. For a list of rebate-eligible EVs, see this list on the Efficiency Maine website.

Efficiency Maine offers instant rebates for eligible BEVs and PHEVs at participating Maine car dealers. Additionally, BEVs and PHEVs purchased directly from a manufacturer (such as Tesla and Rivian) may qualify for post-purchase rebates. Qualifying low- and moderate-income Mainers, Maine governmental entities, tribal governments, commercial fleets, and select non-profit organizations can receive enhanced rebates up to $7,500. And Efficiency Maine rebates can be combined with federal tax credits of up to $7,500.

To learn more about EVs and Efficiency Maine’s rebates, visit efficiencymaine.com.