Get Ahead of the Curve: Why You Should Start Shopping for an Electric Car Now

electric vehicle© Melpomenem / Getty Images / Canva

It’s no secret that electric cars are the future of transportation. In fact, many experts unequivocally state that they will eventually replace gas-powered cars altogether. If you’re thinking about buying a new car in the next few years, you should start shopping for an electric model now. Here are a few reasons why:

Auto Manufacturers Are Phasing Out ICE Models

Over the past few years, there’s been a growing movement to electrify the automotive industry. Some of the world’s leading auto manufacturers have announced plans to phase out the production of gasoline-powered cars in favor of electric vehicles. This shift is being driven by a number of factors, including tightening emissions regulations, consumer preference, and the falling cost of batteries and other EV components. Let’s take a closer look at why automakers are making the switch to electric.

The Costs of Electric Vehicles Are Falling Rapidly

One of the biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of EVs has been their higher upfront cost compared to ICE vehicles. However, that cost gap is narrowing quickly as battery prices have fallen by over 80% since 2010. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the price of an electric car is expected to be on par with a conventional gasoline car by 2025. As the costs of EVs continue to decline, it’s likely that we’ll see even more people making the switch from gas to electric.

Embrace Tighter Emissions Regulations

Tougher emissions regulations are another factor driving the shift to EVs. In Pennsylvania, for example, Governor Tom Wolf has set a goal for the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26% below 2005 levels by 2025. One way to achieve this goal is by increasing the adoption of electric passenger vehicles. In order for automakers to sell their products in PA, they’ll need to meet these stricter emissions standards. As a result, we’re likely to see more manufacturers offering electric models in order to stay compliant with state regulations.

Faced with stricter emissions regulations and falling battery prices, it’s no wonder that automakers are increasingly shifting their focus to electric vehicles. As more manufacturers enter the EV space and competition increases, we can expect to see even more innovation and advances in this rapidly evolving industry.

Pennsylvania’s New EV Rebate Can Help You Save Money

If you’re looking to go green and save some money on your next car purchase, Pennsylvania has a deal for you. The state has revamped its rebates program to help more working-class Pennsylvanians afford an electric or low-emissions vehicle. Here’s what you need to know about the program.

The new program, which launched September 1, 2022, offers a $2,000 rebate for battery electric cars and trucks, a $1,500 rebate for plug-in hybrid cars and trucks, and a $500 rebate for all other alternative fuel vehicles, electric motorcycles included. The program will offer at least 1,000 rebates through the program until June 30, 2023.

To be eligible for the rebates, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania and meet income eligibility requirements. For example, a single person with an annual income of $54,360 or less would qualify for the maximum $2,000 rebate. A family of four with an annual household income of $111,000 or less would qualify for a $4,000 rebate.

To apply for the rebate, you’ll need to fill out an application and submit it along with proof of purchase or lease of an eligible vehicle. You can find the application on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle or a low-emissions vehicle, Pennsylvania’s new EV Rebate Program can help you save some money. The program offers substantial rebates on eligible vehicles, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new car. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website to learn more and apply for the rebate today.

Pennsylvania’s Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Pennsylvania is one of many states that have begun to invest in EV infrastructure. The state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan includes several different initiatives:

  • Building out of the current and future AFC network,
  • Ensuring charging capacity and redundancy on the AFC network,
  • Expanding charging to other non-interstate routes,
  • Providing mobile charging or towing services,
  • Providing charging at key public destinations,
  • Providing charging at mobility hubs, and
  • Providing charging infrastructure to support heavy and medium-duty freight movement.

In short, the goal of the plan is to make it easy for Pennsylvanians to switch to electric vehicles by providing more charging stations throughout the state. Let’s take a closer look at some of the initiatives in the plan.

Building Out the Current and Future AFC Network

AFC stands for alternative fueling corridors. These are highways that have been identified as having a high potential for electric vehicle usage. The plan is to build out the current AFC network so that it can accommodate more electric vehicles and provide longer-range options for drivers. This will involve installing more chargers along these routes as well as working with utility companies to upgrade power supply infrastructure.

Ensuring Charging Capacity and Redundancy on the AFC Network

One of the challenges with electric vehicles is that they take longer to charge than traditional gasoline cars. Thus, it’s important to have enough chargers available so that drivers don’t have to wait too long to get their cars charged up. The plan is to install additional chargers on the AFC network so that there is sufficient capacity for all the electric vehicles that will be using these routes. In addition, charger locations will be designed so that there is some redundancy in case one charger goes down.

Expanding Charging to Other Non-Interstate Routes

The focus so far has been on interstate highways, but it’s also important to provide charging infrastructure on other roads as well. This will make it possible for people who live in rural areas or who take frequent trips off the interstate to use electric vehicles without having range anxiety. The plan is to install chargers along these non-interstate routes so that people can easily charge their cars when they’re out and about.

Providing Mobile Charging or Towing Services

Chargers are not always conveniently located near where people need them. Thus, the state is considering providing mobile charging or tow services so that people can get their cars charged up even if there isn’t a charger nearby. This would be especially useful for people who live in rural areas or who take frequent trips off the interstate.

Pennsylvania’s Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure is an ambitious project that aims to make it easy for Pennsylvanians to switch to electric vehicles. The state is investing in charger infrastructure along highways and other roads, working with utility companies to upgrade power supply infrastructure, and considering mobile charging or tow services. These initiatives will make it possible for more people to use electric vehicles without worrying about range anxiety.

Now Is the Time to Buy an Electric Car

If you’re in the market for a new car, now is the time to start shopping for an electric vehicle. Auto manufacturers are phasing out ICE models and by 2020, all new cars will be required to have some form of electrification. In addition, Pennsylvania just launched a new rebate program that can help you save money on your electric car purchase. And finally, Pennsylvania has announced plans to invest in electric vehicle infrastructure over the next few years. So if you’re looking to go green and save money at the same time, an electric car is definitely the way to go.

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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.