Dublin Chevrolet is a Chevrolet dealer and a new car and used car %PREFERRED_STATE% Chevrolet dealership

Is An Electric Vehicle Right For Me?

The future of the automobile industry is electric. Every year electric cars are getting better and cheaper and every year more and more consumer are purchasing electric cars. Depending on where you live, you likely see many electric cars every day. There are some key differences between electric cars and the gas powered cars that you are used to.

Here we'll explore both the benefits and the disadvantages of owning electric.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Electric

Is Your Daily Commute Under 330 Miles?

Most of today's electric vehicles have a driving range-per-charge between 50 to 330 miles. If your daily commute is under 250 miles per day, there is likely an affordable EV model that will fit your needs.

BUYER TIP

When you're looking at EVs, be sure to check the "range-per-charge" for the vehicle. This is the number of miles the car can typically drive between full charges. For example, if the range per charge for an EV is 100 miles and your daily commute is 30 miles, you should be able to go about 3 days between charges (30mi + 30mi + 30mi = 90mi). EV range varies significantly between models.

Do You Frequently Take Long Road Trips?

Long road trips can present challenges for today's electric vehicles. Public charging infrastructure and battery technology is continually improving, but planning is still required for long trips. There are many EV models available with a range-per-charge of 150 to 250 miles. There are some high-end EVs that can get over 330 miles on a single charge.

Does Your Household Have More Than One Car?

If you live in a household with more than one car, an EV likely represents a big opportunity for your family to save a lot of money, while improving the quality of our environment. Use an EV for commuting and use the other vehicle for long distance drives... it's just that easy!

Do You Have Off-Street Parking At Your Home?

Plugin electric vehicles require charging. Charging can be done with a standard 120V outlet or you can have a 240V charger installed in your garage or driveway. Known as "Level 2 EVSE equipment," 240V charging reduces charging time substantially, is more energy efficient and some EVSE models allow you to schedule charging times, which may allow you to take advantage of special electric rates.

Do You Want to Save Money AND Pollute Less?

EVs cost less to drive and pollute less, period. An EV uses electricity that is typically generated from sources that are cleaner than burning gasoline or diesel in a vehicle.

An All-Electric EV Might Not be Right For You at This Time If

You commute 300+ miles per day.
You do not have off-street parking, it may be difficult to charge your EV at home.
You regularly take long road trips, EV charging may not be convenient. Note, BEVs have ranges from 80 to more than 300 miles per charge, which is similar to the range of some gas-fueled cars.

BUT, keep in mind, EV range is steadily increasing every year, and there is probably a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that would be a good fit for you. While PHEVs still use gasoline and require oil changes, many models have an all-electric range that will meet your daily commuting mileage needs.

Things to Know About EVs

Battery Electric Vehicles have a battery and an electric motor instead of a gas tank and an internal combustion engine. Sometimes BEVs are also referred to as "All Electric Vehicles" or "Plug-in Vehicles" (not to be confused with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). They run entirely on electricity and do not produce any exhaust from the burning of fuel.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor AND a gas-powered internal combustion engine. Some PHEVs operate exclusively, or almost exclusively, on electricity until the battery is nearly depleted, then the gasoline-powered engine turns on to provide power. Like Battery Electric Vehicles, PHEVs can be plugged in to charge the battery when the vehicle is not in use.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor AND a gas-powered internal combustion engine, and don't plug-in for charging. HEVs can have substantial range on a single tank of gas, but they still burn fossil fuel, produce carbon emissions, require trips to the gas station and scheduled engine-maintenance. An HEV may be an ideal choice for those with extended commutes and limited charging system access.

The Benefits

Electric vehicles offer several advantages over conventional internal combustion vehicles. These include, but are not limited to: Lower operating costs, Reduced emissions, low maintenance needs, high performance, and convenience.

Save Time and Money

Without all of the usual engine upkeep — oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, engine belt replacements — you’ll spend less time and money on maintenance. Plus, when compared to a new gas-powered vehicle of the same size, the EPA estimates that EV vehicles could save you as much as $5,000 in fuel costs over five years.† Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for state or local rebates and incentives too. Plus, EVs come with a long battery warranty and great financing options. But savings are just the beginning – the perks of living electric go on and on.

Easy Charging

Charging is as easy as plugging in your smartphone. Your EV comes equipped with Level 1 charging which means you can simply plug in anywhere there’s a 3-prong outlet. Get a quicker charge with an in-home 240-volt charging unit or you can always top off your charge on the go – just search for a public charging station near you using the myBrand Mobile App† with Energy Assist. Energy Assist helps you locate more than 40,000 compatible charging stations — and they’re all available to you regardless of the charge point operator. Whether at home or away, EV makes plugging in as simple as 1-2-3.

Innovative Technology

Enjoy next level tech and design. Everything from battery life to driving history is easy to view on the tablet-like display screen. You can even track real-time vehicle information to help you maximize efficiency. Even more, the revolutionary Ultium Platform is engineered for range, power and flexibility to charge fast, run long and fit every type of vehicle. An innovation that’s powering General Motors’ plan to offer 30 new EVs globally by 2025. Which means the day will soon come when everybody can drive an EV.

Fun to Drive

Ready to go electric or just explore the idea? Consider the redesigned 2022 Bolt EV, all-new 2022 Bolt EUV, or the first ever Electric Silverado EV - , they take you where you want to go, 100% gas-free. Impressive range,† eye-catching style, spacious interior and surprisingly strong acceleration make it fun to drive on any road. Go from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds with the Bolt EV or in as little as 4.5 seconds in a Silverado EV! But the best part about your new EV? How fast you’ll get used to driving by gas stations. Come test drive an EV today and see for yourself!

Charging is Easy

Charge Anywhere

Offers about 4 miles of range per hour of charge and is a great option for overnight charging. Just plug in anywhere there’s a 3-prong outlet.

Actual charge times will vary based on battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and outside temperature.

Charge At Home

Offers up to 25 miles of range per hour of charge time and is the fastest, most recommended way to charge at home (professional installation required).

Actual charge times will vary based on battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and outside temperature.

Charge On The Go

Offers up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charge time† and is available for public use.

Actual charge times will vary based on battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and outside temperature

The Disadvantages

It is important to consider both sides of the equation when deciding if an EV is right for you. Despite the massive push in this country to move to a greater number of electric vehicles, there remain several potential disadvantages or cons of owning and operating an electric car. These disadvantages include finding charging stations, charging times, higher initial costs, limited driving range, and battery packs can be expensive to replace. There is no doubt that the future is electric and as both the adoption rate of EVs increase and the underlying technology matures these downsides will become less and less of a factor.

Finding a Charging Station

Currently, there is no real comparison between the #s of gas stations vs charging stations. For many who might charge at home every night and don't regularly need access to other charges this is only a minor factor. There has been a rapid increase in the number of charging stations across the country in the last 5 years. According to statista.com, the US has over 130k charging stations.. This number will only go up as adoption of EV increases. There has also been a big push from automakers to help accelerate the growth of charging stations which should help alleviate this issue in the years to come. One example is the recent GM partnership with EVgo (the largest public fast-charging network in the US) to add more than 2,700 more stations in public venues over the next five years.

The Driving Range on a Full Charge

The range of electric cars has increased with battery technology in recent years. It is now not uncommon to see new electric cars with an effective range over 300 miles. The 2023 Bolt EUV is rated for 250 Miles on a full charge, and the 2023 Silverado has a listed 400 mile range on a full charge. For comparison, gas powered cars can typically boast a range around 400 miles per tank of gas. If you do frequent long drives, then the range should absolutely be a consideration in your purchase decision.

EV Battery Information

Electric vehicle batteries are typically designed to last for the expected life of the vehicle, but battery life should be considered when calculating the extended cost of ownership, as all batteries eventually wear out and must be replaced. Battery replacement is typically costly, but keep in mind that gas powered vehicle equipment, such as motors and transmissions, have a lifespan too. The rate at which batteries expire depends on the type of battery and how they are used.

The failure rate of some electric vehicles batteries already on the road is as low as 0.003%. There are also high mileage warranties on electric vehicle batteries available with many manufacturers. Several manufacturers offer multi-year and 100,000 mile+ warranties on the batteries in their vehicles. Review manufacturer information carefully when selecting an EV model.

EV Vehicles from Chevrolet

Living Electric

2024 Silverado RST

Introducing the first-ever all-electric Silverado.

Smart. Agile. Aerodynamic. Fast. Not typically what you think of when you think of a truck.

But Silverado EV isn’t just a truck. It’s a category-defying, boundary-breaking game changer.

Learn More

Browse Inventory

2023 Bolt EUV

What does an all-electric future look like? It looks sleek, with bold styling that gives way to a roomy, refined interior.

It looks bright, with an illuminated charge port for convenience and flair. The all-electric future looks like the New Bolt EUV. And it’s here today.

Learn More

Browse Inventory

2023 Bolt EV

Technology: Limitless. Seamless.

Performance: Hello open roads.

Charging Made Easy.

2023 Bolt EV comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist * – a suite of our advanced safety features designed to let you go confidently ahead.

Learn More

Browse Inventory

2024 Equinox

There's a reason the Equinox is the best-selling Chevrolet nameplate behind the Silverado pickup truck—but it's not because the compact SUV is especially compelling.

Learn More

Browse Inventory

2024 Blazer

The Blazer EV is an all-new model within the Blazer family, with its own distinct body and interior—it’s not a gas Blazer fitted with an EV propulsion system. It's offered in two trims, with the mid-range LT and RS models launching first.

Learn More

Browse Inventory

Already an EV Owner?

Ev Charging Station Home Installation

The ability to charge at home plays heavily into a consumer’s decision to purchase an electric vehicle. This partnership removes perceived barriers to finding a reputable, cost-friendly EV charging station installer. Through Qmerit, EV owners will be able to fill out a simple online survey and be provided with up to three competitive installer quotes. The survey will ensure quotes are precise based on the unique characteristics of the owner’s home.

Find Out More