Benefits of Buying an EV

There are three kinds of electric vehicles; hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV). Hybrid vehicles use a combination of gas and electric power, providing excellent fuel efficiency by using electric power first and supplementing the request for additional power by activating an internal combustion engine. Hybrid EV batteries use the gas engine to stay charged. A PHEV bridges the gap between hybrid and full-electric by using a larger electric vehicle battery to power one or more electric motors than a hybrid and is recharged by being plugged in. PHEVs also give drivers the option to choose between hybrid, gas-only, or full-electric power. Lastly, BEVs have no internal combustion engine, operating solely on electric power with a large rechargeable battery and one or more electric motors.

Of course, driving a hybrid or electric vehicle reduces or eliminates your carbon footprint. However, electric vehicle drivers tend to save an average of $700 monthly on fuel. This is because the electricity it takes to charge an EV is a fraction of the cost of filling the tank of a car. In comparison, one gallon of gasoline is the equivalent of paying just ten cents per kilowatt of charge. While most EV owners plug their cars in overnight so that they wake up to a fully charged battery, public charging stations are becoming more common at malls, grocery stores, rest areas, and other places so that you'll never be far from a charge.

Just because EVs use little to no fuel doesn't mean they aren't any fun! In fact, EVs provide better acceleration and low-end power than internal combustion engines. This is because an ICE provides the most possible horsepower when the engine RPMs reach their peak, most often between 7,000 and 8,000 RPMs. Acceleration comes from torque, and with a gas engine, there is a slight delay between when you hit the gas pedal and when you reach the quick speed. The torque also tapers off when you reach a higher RPM, as oxygen density in the intake system is reduced. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, have all of their torque instantly available, no matter if you're at a dead stop or already cruising at a highway speed. While an EV only needs time for the electrons to flow, an ICE needs additional time for the fuel and air to expand and burn inside the cylinders.

Of course, the performance and fuel-saving benefits of owning an EV are great, but there is even more of a reason! This is that you can get up to a $7,500 federal income tax credit for owning an EV! The total amount of the credit for your vehicle varies depending on the capacity of the battery used to power it. There are a series of requirements for a vehicle to be considered for the tax credit. First, the car must be purchased new by the taxpayer. Also, the electric vehicle must be made by the manufacturer, meaning a conventional vehicle converted into an EV does not qualify. Qualifying vehicles also must be charged by an external power source.

As EVs become more common, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep are throwing their hat in the ring. Chrysler, with the Pacifica Hybrid, mating a 3.6L V6 engine with a PHEV powertrain featuring two electric motors and a rechargeable battery pack. Meanwhile, Dodge revealed the 2023 Dodge Hornet R/T, which uses a PHEV powertrain, mating a 1.3L turbocharged I-4 engine to a rear-axle-mounted electric motor and rechargeable battery pack. Dodge has also revealed plans for the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona SRT. And lastly, Jeep already has the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe, featuring a 2.0L turbocharged engine, two electric motors, and a rechargeable EV battery.  However, Jeep has big plans for furthering its electric vehicle portfolio by making the 4xe powertrain available to the entire lineup by 2025 and making 50% of all sales electric by 2030.

Here at Pearson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we are proud to offer a selection of Chrysler and Jeep PHEVs with more options on the way! Our options include but are not limited to the 2023 Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Touring L, and many more! Browse our extensive Chrysler and Jeep PHEV inventory right here on our website to find the right one for you. Then, when you're ready, visit us in-store for a test drive to experience the electric power firsthand. We hope to see you soon!