Whether it’s about generous government credits, new models hitting the market, or sheer enthusiasm to never buy gas again, electric vehicles (EVs) have serious momentum. Even consumers who’ve held out for an all-electric pickup truck have multiple options to choose from nowadays.

EVs hover around 1% of total cars on American roads in 2022, but EV registrations increased 60% in the first quarter of the year. And car companies are investing billions to improve their EV capacity, especially battery technology itself. It’s all part of a large-scale effort to drive down costs.

It’s getting easier to find the EV that’s right for you, but you have a few choices to make. So which EV is best? Start with something simple! Do you want an all-electric engine, or a vehicle that uses a battery along with a gas tank?

Types of EVs

Battery Electric Cars (BEV)

BEVs use an electric battery only, and models today can go 400 miles (and more) without stopping. That covers a lot of Texas routes!

Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

PHEVs run on battery-powered electricity first, with a gas tank at the ready once the charge is gone. PHEVs charge via plug, and can easily reach 300 miles of range. 

Hybrid Electric Cars (HEV)

HEVs run on a combination of battery-powered electricity and gasoline but cannot be plugged in to charge. Many HEV models can go over 500 miles on a tank of gas.

Range

Want an easy way to focus your search for an EV? Consider your usual driving routine. 

Maybe you have a short commute to work but drive out of town regularly. Consider models with ranges that are comparable to your longest drive, and then research charging stations near that destination. And for those who seldom drive more than 25 miles a PHEV works great, providing an all-electric charge for short drives around town.

Body Type

Among a sports car, a sedan, an SUV, a compact, or a truck, what’s your choice? They’re all available as EVs now.

Rivian makes both an all-electric SUV and a truck. Porsche has debuted sports cars with two and four doors, both all-electric. Volvo makes two sedans, among a range of all-electric and hybrid vehicles. And the Toyota Prius, one of the best-known hybrid electric models on the market, is just one example of compact car style.

Price

That leaves the most important consideration of all: price. For an easy way to size up the used EV market try some different mileages.

A quick search of 2022 used EVs on one popular online resource showed models with less than 50,000 miles selling for under $22,000. For models with less than 100,000 miles prices dropped below $15,000. And removing all mileage restrictions turned up models for less than $9,000.

New EVs may have financial incentive programs available from the government. Refer to the resources below to see if you qualify.

State of Texas Incentives

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) provides rebate incentives statewide for qualifying EV purchases and leases. For research on what’s available to you visit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality website.

Federal Incentives

There may be up to$7,500 available to cover the costs of some new EVs. To view a full list of federal incentives consult Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit information.

The Future of EVs

EVs look like the way forward. California just passed legislation that phases out gas-powered car sales by 2035, and Ford is rolling out an all-electric version of the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. each year since 1981, the F-150 truck. Fortunately it’s easy to find your place in this trend, save money otherwise spent on gas, and take advantage of government credits.

To learn more about electric vehicles, email EV_Services@cirroenergy.com or click the link below.