With drivers becoming more concerned about fuel prices and the environment, electric vehicles are seeing a significant increase in demand across the U.S. Dallas is at the forefront of this automotive trend, thanks to its rapidly developing electric vehicle infrastructure. The city has one of the country’s highest densities of public charging stations, making it easy to juice up your electric vehicle. Keep reading as our Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) team in Plano, Texas, looks at why electric cars are so popular in Dallas and why you should consider jumping on the bandwagon.
How Popular Are Electric Vehicles in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area?
If you’re planning to switch to an electric vehicle for your daily commute in Texas, there’s no better place to do so than the Dallas-Fort Worth area. According to a recent StorageCafe study that analyzed the electric vehicle friendliness of over 100 cities, the North Texas metroplex ranked 15th in the U.S. as an electric-car hotspot. That’s higher than any other Texas city.
As of April 2023, there are more than 2.2 million electric vehicles nationwide. About 29,000 of that number are cruising the streets of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is an increase of 54% compared to last year. That figure will undoubtedly rise significantly as electric vehicles move closer to price parity with their gasoline-powered counterparts. New tax incentives have also made purchasing an electric car more feasible for car shoppers with average incomes.
One of the main reasons why electric vehicles are becoming increasingly sought-after in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is the great fuel savings they provide. On average, drivers in the metro area pay only $0.90 per eGallon to keep their electric cars charged. That’s a lot cheaper than the cost of fueling a gas-powered vehicle.
And local government agencies, utilities, and businesses in Dallas have made significant progress in developing the right infrastructure to drive electric vehicle uptake. The city now has two public charging stations per 10,000 households, many of which can charge multiple vehicles simultaneously. Many electric car owners who rent an apartment also enjoy great convenience, as almost 4.5% of apartment buildings have their own charging stations.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the number of charging stations increased by 58% nationwide from 2020 to 2021. As this trend continues, driving an electric car will become even easier. With government-backed incentives for both auto manufacturers and consumers, we expect the demand for electric vehicles will rise exponentially in the near future. It won’t be long before they dominate the automotive market. So if you’ve been contemplating switching to an electric vehicle, now is an excellent time to take the plunge.
What Are the Benefits of Owning an Electric Vehicle?
While it doesn’t yet provide the same refueling convenience as a gas-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle is still worth considering. From fuel savings to environmental protection, an electric vehicle offers several benefits that make it an attractive option. Here are a few reasons you should make your next vehicle electric:
Lower Fuel and Maintenance Costs
According to Consumer Reports, owning an electric vehicle can reduce fuel costs by 60% compared to driving a conventional vehicle, saving you hundreds of dollars annually. If you want to increase your savings further, consider charging your car at home and taking advantage of the special time-of-use rates many utility companies offer. Off-peak hours are typically from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., so you can keep your electricity bill low by plugging in your car overnight.
Besides significant fuel savings, you’ll also enjoy cheaper maintenance with an electric vehicle. An electric motor has far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine and doesn’t require oil changes, oil filter replacements, or new spark plugs. Also, regenerative braking can extend the life span of your car’s brake pads by using the motor to slow down your vehicle. All these features translate to lower maintenance costs.
Tax Credits and Rebates
Although buying an electric vehicle costs more initially than a gasoline car, it may qualify you for a federal tax credit, making it considerably more affordable. Applicable to plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, the tax credit ranges from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity. You may also be able to get rebates or incentives from local utilities when you buy an electrified vehicle or install a home charging station.
Better Driving Experience
An electric motor can instantly generate peak torque from a standstill without the buildup a gas engine needs to reach maximum power. So it delivers quicker acceleration, making it easier to perform passing maneuvers and highway merges while traveling around Plano and Dallas. An electric car also provides more composed handling because of the placement of its battery pack. As it’s in the center, it provides a lower center of gravity and enhanced stability around turns and winding roads.
Environmental Benefits
When running in full electric mode, an electric vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions, dramatically reducing smog and greenhouse gases, even after considering electricity generation. Besides helping the environment, a cleaner car also contributes to healthier air, which can lower the risk of pollution-related health problems. The world is already experiencing the effects of greenhouse gases and climate change, so you may want to do your part to protect the environment by driving an electric car.
Find Your Ideal Electrified Vehicle at Huffines CJDR Plano
The best way to determine whether going electric is right for you is to test-drive an electric vehicle. Serving Dallas, Plano, Garland, Richardson, Carrollton, Irving, Allen, and University Park, Huffines CJDR Plano has an extensive selection of new and used electrified vehicles for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a sedan, hatchback, coupe, crossover, SUV, or pickup truck, our dealership can help you drive home a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric model that meets your needs and expectations. Explore our fantastic inventory now and contact us to schedule a test drive.