| |
Electric fuel becomes commonplace The era of electricity becoming a mainstream transportation fuel is imminent. Major automakers such as General Motors with its Chevy Volt as well as the Nissan Leaf are already shipping tens of thousands of vehicles in the United States alone. These cars are either all electric in the case of the Nissan Leaf, the Fisker Karma, and the Mercedes fortwo smart car, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in the case of the Chevy Volt. Expected shipments in 2012 include the plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius, and the all-electric Ford Focus and Tesla Model S. Over the next few years, nearly every major automobile and truck manufacturer has announced plans to begin selling vehicles that accept electricity as fuel. These include Honda, Renault, and BMW. The plug-in hybrids offer fuel equivalency of up to 80 miles per gallon! |
| |
Getting there from here Aside from acceleration and speed (test them out…these cars sure pack a punch!), prospective drivers are most concerned about what happens if the batteries run out. Range anxiety is a real threat to the EV marketplace, and one that CarCharging is focused on solving. |
| |
U.S. Grants and Tax Initiatives In an effort to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and to commit America to a clean environment, the United States Government is utilizing grants and tax incentives to jump start the EV industry. In September of 2008, Congress approved a $25 billion automotive retooling program earmarked for the electric car industry. The fact that the government is strongly committed in its support of the EV industry bolsters our work and increases confidence in the electric vehicle industry. |
| |
Alternative Fuel Incentives for EV Drivers – Up to $7,500 Federal Tax Credit for purchase of new electric cars – based on battery size. – Various states have incentives that provide EV owners other tax credits. Check with your state tax bureau for more information and to see if you qualify. |