Top reasons to drive an electric vehicle

Have you been considering switching to an electric vehicle? If you’re not sure about making the switch, we’re here to guide you toward deciding whether electric is right for you. Hint: We think it is! 

We’re officially living in the future. While we’re not yet piloting flying cars or teleporting from place to place as some have predicted in the past, vehicles are becoming more modern. Electric vehicles might even hit a new level of momentum as more models become available. 

Thinking of going electric? Here are the reasons why you should. 

Financial reasons to drive an electric vehicle 

1. Save on a Level 2 charger. 

Save $250 instantly when you purchase a Level 2 charger from SRP Marketplace™. 

2. Have a $50 credit added to a future bill. 

SRP customers who make the switch to electric and join SRP’s EV Community will receive a $50 credit toward a future statement. 

3. Electricity is much cheaper than gas.  

On average in Arizona, “filling up” with electricity costs $1.06 per “eGallon” compared to $3.60 per gallon for regular gasoline, according to the Department of Energy. And for EV drivers on the SRP Electric Vehicle Price Plan™, the savings are even greater thanks to super off-peak charging prices. 

4. Electric vehicles require minimal maintenance. 

When it comes to fully battery-powered electric vehicles, fewer moving parts mean fewer breakdowns, repairs and parts replacements. There is no oil and thus no oil changes, and because of regenerative braking systems, the brakes on an EV don’t need to be replaced as often as those on a conventional vehicle. 

5. You could get a tax break. 

Did you know that the federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 on brand-new and used all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars? Learn more and see how much each model qualifies for at FuelEconomy.gov. 

Check to see if your EV qualifies for a tax break. 

6. Vehicle registration fees are cheaper for an electric vehicle. 

In Arizona, you’ll also enjoy lower registration fees when you go all-electric. Through 2022, the registration for fully battery-powered electric vehicles is calculated based on 20% of the EV’s value versus 60% of the value of a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine. 

Be sure to read our blog post about electric vehicle price and range myths vs. facts. 

7. Electric vehicle options are increasing. 

As electric vehicle adoption increases, more models are becoming available. There are currently about 29 EV models available for sale in Arizona, with more being announced all the time as car manufacturers electrify a larger percentage of their fleets. This means there are more options available across price points and vehicle types. 

8. There are also more used EVs available. 

While tax credits aren’t available on used EVs in our state, many electric cars are purchased on lease. This means that there is typically a large inventory of 3-year-old EVs with low mileages and great warranties. 

9. Range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past. 

In a 2018 AAA survey, 58% of consumers said they wouldn’t go electric because they feared they would run out of charge while driving. As battery technology improves, so does the range on EVs. In fact, many new battery electric vehicles can drive between 205 to 350 miles on a charge. Some can travel even farther. 

Electric vehicle charging is becoming more prevalent

10. The public charging network is expanding. 

The network of charging stations continues to expand throughout Arizona and beyond. While most EV drivers use a Level 1 or Level 2 charger at home, there is always the option to charge publicly when necessary. Some of these public chargers are even free! Find them through PlugShare or the Alternative Fuels Data Center. 

11. More employers are installing workplace chargers. 

As more drivers invest in EVs, companies are looking for ways to provide perks to employees who are driving low- and zero-emission modes of transportation. To date, more than 230 electric vehicle chargers have been installed at Valley businesses thanks in part to SRP’s Business EV Charger Rebate Program. (Be sure to share it with your employer if they haven’t installed chargers yet!) 

Time-saving reasons to buy an electric vehicle 

12. You’ll get around faster with HOV lane access. 

Tired of sitting in rush-hour traffic? If you get a fully battery-powered EV, you can join Arizona’s energy-efficient plate program to get full access to the carpool lane at any time, regardless of the number of passengers in your car. 

13. You’ll never visit an emissions testing station again. 

If your EV of choice is fully battery-powered, you can skip the emissions testing station, saving time and money when it’s time to renew your registration. 

14. You can skip the gas station. 

Likewise, with a fully electric vehicle, you’ll have no need to stop at the gas station each week — unless, of course, you just need to get some snacks. 

Environmental, health and safety reasons to buy an electric vehicle 

15. EVs are better for your health. 

Vehicles that burn gasoline and diesel produce harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde and diesel particulate matter. These compounds are known or suspected to cause cancer and other serious health conditions, according to the EPA. By switching to an EV, you’re doing your part to improve public health. 

16. Low- or no-emissions electric vehicles are better for the environment. 

By choosing to drive an EV, you’re helping to lessen exhaust emissions that contribute to climate change and smog. This reduced air pollution improves public health and reduces ecological damage. And as electricity generation becomes cleaner, emissions will continue to go down over time. 

Learn more about SRP’s growing renewable energy portfolio. 

17. You’ll lessen noise pollution too. 

Analysts at the clean technology firm CleanTechnica cite several studies that noise pollution is also bad for our health. Ever notice how silent EVs are? Feel calm and cool when you’re cruising in your EV and not contributing to the problem. 

18. EVs are safe.  

EVs must undergo the same rigorous safety testing and meet the same safety standards required for conventional vehicles as well as additional EV-specific safety standards. And because EVs tend to have a lower center of gravity, they’re less likely to roll over. 

It’s awesome to drive an electric vehicle

19. Driving an EV is good for the country.  

According to Energy.gov, “our reliance on petroleum makes us vulnerable to price spikes and supply disruptions. EVs help reduce this threat because almost all U.S. electricity is produced from domestic sources, including coal, nuclear, natural gas and renewable sources.” 

20. EVs offer instant torque and outstanding performance.  

Only EV drivers know the joy of the rapid, responsive acceleration made possible by an electric motor. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked. 

21. EV drivers are extremely satisfied. 

According to last year’s SRP EV Community survey, 84% of EV drivers said they would recommend an EV to others. 

22. Plus, you can join SRP’s EV Community. 

As soon as you drive home in your EV, you’ll be able to join SRP’s EV Community. As part of the community, you’ll have access to special offers and opportunities and pocket a $50 bill credit just for signing up. 

23. SRP in partnership with Qmerit introduces the Home EV Charger Installation Program. 

Sold? Browse the U.S. Consumer’s Guide to Electric Vehicles to discover the newest models, including the EPA-estimated driving ranges and charge times for each. 

How to get your home EV-ready 

Switching to an EV means that you’ll need a place to charge your vehicle. Learn more about what it takes to prepare your home for an electric vehicle charger.