Category: EV 101

General information about electric vehicles.

Top 10 Electric Vehicles Based on Value for the Dollar

The electric vehicle (EV) market is growing rapidly, with automakers offering more options across different price ranges. If you’re looking for an electric vehicle that delivers the best bang for your buck, it’s essential to consider factors like price, range, performance, features, and incentives. Here’s a list of the top 10 electric vehicles available in the U.S. based on overall value for the dollar in 2024.

1. Tesla Model 3

Starting Price: $40,240
Range: 272–333 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Tesla Model 3 remains a top contender in the EV market due to its competitive pricing, strong performance, and industry-leading software features such as Autopilot. Its long driving range, efficient charging network, and resale value make it a great value. Tesla’s Supercharger network is also a significant plus, giving it an edge in convenience.

Tesla Model 3

2. Chevrolet Bolt EV

Starting Price: $27,495
Range: 259 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market, offering a long range at a low price point. It provides a surprisingly spacious interior for its size, a decent tech package, and great efficiency. Plus, it qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, which makes it an incredible value for budget-conscious buyers.

3. Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting Price: $41,450
Range: 220–303 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most stylish and innovative EVs on the market, blending futuristic design with excellent performance. It offers advanced tech, fast charging, and a comfortable interior. With a long range and plenty of standard features, it delivers a lot of value for the price, especially considering Hyundai’s warranty.

4. Kia EV6

Starting Price: $42,600
Range: 232–310 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Kia EV6 shares a platform with the IONIQ 5 but distinguishes itself with a sportier design and driving dynamics. It offers a spacious cabin, advanced technology, and ultra-fast charging. Kia’s solid warranty and excellent features for the price point make the EV6 a strong value proposition.

5. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting Price: $42,995
Range: 250–312 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E combines the iconic Mustang brand with electric power, providing excellent performance and driving dynamics. The Mach-E is a well-rounded EV with a spacious interior, decent range, and strong tech features. It’s a great option for those seeking a balance between performance, comfort, and value.

6. Nissan Leaf

Starting Price: $28,040
Range: 149–212 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable EVs in the U.S. market, making it a top pick for budget-conscious buyers. While it doesn’t offer the longest range, it excels in city driving and shorter commutes. The Leaf has proven reliability, low maintenance costs, and qualifies for federal and state incentives, making it a budget-friendly EV option.

7. Volkswagen ID.4

Starting Price: $38,995
Range: 209–275 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a practical and family-friendly electric SUV that offers plenty of value for its price. With a comfortable interior, solid range, and an easy-to-use infotainment system, it provides a balanced package for buyers looking for an all-electric crossover. Plus, it comes with three years of unlimited DC fast charging at Electrify America stations.

8. Hyundai Kona Electric

Starting Price: $33,550
Range: 258 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Hyundai Kona Electric is another affordable EV with an impressive range for its price. It combines nimble handling, a comfortable ride, and a comprehensive list of standard features. With Hyundai’s long warranty and competitive pricing, it’s a strong value in the electric crossover segment.

9. Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Starting Price: $28,795
Range: 247 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV offers the same solid value as the Bolt EV but with more space and SUV-like styling. It delivers a competitive range, a comfortable ride, and access to GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system (available in higher trims). The price point, coupled with federal and state incentives, makes it a solid option for those needing more space than the Bolt EV offers.

10. Rivian R1T

Starting Price: $73,000
Range: 270–400 miles
Why It’s a Value Leader:
The Rivian R1T is a luxury electric pickup truck with serious off-road capability and high-tech features. While it’s on the higher end of the price scale, it’s one of the few electric trucks currently available, and it offers excellent value for buyers who want a premium, adventure-ready EV. Its high-quality materials, ample range, and innovative features (like the Gear Tunnel and built-in kitchen option) justify the price for those who can afford it.

Final Thoughts

These electric vehicles offer a blend of affordability, range, features, and performance, making them some of the best values on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly EV like the Chevrolet Bolt or a higher-end option like the Rivian R1T, there’s a value-packed electric vehicle to suit your needs. With federal tax credits and state incentives, the cost of going electric is more attainable than ever.

Complete List Of EVs and PHEVs Available In USA: Aug 2024

Interested in an electric vehicle or PHEV, not sure what your choices are? The Electric Vehicle Association has created a handy guide to see all the options in detail, and is recently updated. Feel free to click on the link below to download a copy.

NOTE: Not all vehicles are sold in every state, so check with your local dealer for availability.

https://www.shift2electric.com/_files/ugd/49f443_ada61819dfba40c98ad92f60932b33d3.pdf

Great Questions about Electric Vehicles: Part 4

We had a local resident email us with some AMAZING questions about electric vehicles. They were so good, we decided to share them with you on our web page. This is Part 4, talking about vehicle costs, and charging with solar power.
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Q: Will electric cars ever be affordable for those on fixed income?

While EVs tend to be more expensive at purchase, there are a few factors that help make that initial purchase less painful. The main one is something called “total cost of ownership.” That means while EVs tend to cost more when you purchase them, the money you save from reduced maintenance and fuel costs more than make up for the initial expense.  Imagine no oil changes, no radiator flushes, no belts and timing chains to replace, and far less wear to your brakes.

The second one has to do with federal incentives available starting in 2023.  There is a program for tax incentives for new AND used EVs as part of the IRA infrastructure bill that tries to offset some of that initial expense of going electric. For new EVs that qualify, you can receive up to a $7,500 tax credit; used EVs that qualify can receive up to a $4,000 credit. But what if you don’t owe that much in taxes?  Here’s a little secret: if you lease ANY new electric vehicle, you can get $7,500 off the initial price! 

The third idea: consider a used electric vehicle. Due to the fact that many EV enthusiasts lease an EV for three years, in order to get the newest and latest technology, that means a large number of used EVs in great shape are available every year. And as we mentioned in the previous post, even used EVs can qualify for a tax credit – as long as they fall within the parameters, like being more than two years old, and less than $25,000 sale price.

Q: What should one know before assuming they can charge their EV with a solar panel? How many solar panels are needed for one EV? How long does charging take with solar panels?

While many EV drivers use solar panels, it’s not exactly a cut-and-dried solution. Typically, these two things are done separately – solar panels to power your home, and an EV that is powered from the grid.  A solar system that also uses batteries can be used to charge the vehicle, directly but these will vary widely, depending on the company and your local utility’s energy program.

Most people who install solar do it primarily to handle the home’s energy needs, which will also “help” charge the car. Again, a battery system can be used for this, but everyone’s situation is different. If you want a system to power your entire home, as well as your vehicle, it will determine how many panels your home would need.

Another alternative is to use what’s known as community energy. Companies like Arcadia Power allow you to sign up, link to your utility, and use wind or solar energy to power your entire home. It requires no installation or complicated home electrical wiring. Arcadia claims renewable credits on your behalf, and you can truly say your home AND car are 100 percent powered by renewables.

Q: What if the sun isn’t shining? What if power goes out during charging, will it harm the battery in any way? Will it automatically restart charging when the power comes back on?

No harm will come to the EV’s battery if the power goes out – happens at my home more than I care to admit, due to local utility outages. It’s literally just like your cell phone – charging will typically resume as soon as the power comes back on.  However, if your home had some kind of battery storage, the charge may not be interrupted at all. It would depend on what type of system you install on your home.

And if you do decide to install solar on your home, we cannot stress this enough: hire a reputable, licensed contractor. Ask for references, and talk to other clients. Here in Las Vegas, we like to recommend Robco Electric. Their company has done countless solar AND electric vehicle charging installations, and they’re good friends of NVEVA. Ask for Krystal, and tell her the NVEVA sent you!

NOTE: NVEVA does NOT use affiliate links at this time.

Great Questions about Electric Vehicles: Part 2

We had a local resident email us with some AMAZING questions about electric vehicles. They were so good, we decided to share them with you on our web page. This is Part 2, talking about battery life, and used EVs.
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Q: How long should one expect an EV battery to last? I’ve heard 15-20 years, but how much life can one really expect if the vehicle is kept in an extreme climate?

Every new all electric vehicle in the US comes with a 100,000 mile warranty on the main battery – some are even more. And typically battery life is based on miles, not years.  While the technology is still advancing, the current accepted standard for an EV battery is somewhere over 200,000 miles – some claim much higher.

While heat can definitely be an issue, most EVs made today have a liquid temperature management system – basically a radiator for your battery, which keeps its temperature cooler in summer, and warm in winter. 

If the battery temperature is moderated properly, there’s no reason to think the battery can last hundreds of thousands of miles. Liquid temperature management helps a lot. For cars without a liquid system, things like parking in a garage or covered parking may help the long-term life of the battery.

Q: Is it ever worthwhile to purchase a used EV? How does one evaluate the remaining life of the battery? Does the mileage matter? Does one need to know where the vehicle came from (extreme climate, rental agency, etc)?

Buying a used vehicle – gas or electric – requires the same type of homework, with just a few more steps.  Like any car, you’ll want to check for any remaining warranty available, damage or repair report (like a CarFax), and the like. 

For an EV, it’s best to ask for what’s called a State of Health report.  This can tell you if the battery has suffered any degradation over time, and is typically expressed in percentage of new (i.e., 92 percent). A reputable dealer will be able to get that report for you. 

And don’t forget – there may be tax advantages to getting an EV – new or used – if the vehicle you choose makes the qualifications (See our blog on Tax Incentives for details.)

Next: let’s talk end of battery life

Great Questions about Electric Vehicles: Part 1

We had a local resident email us with some AMAZING questions about electric vehicles. They were so good, we decided to share them with you on our web page. So here goes:

Q: What does it cost to charge an EV at home? 

The two main factors for charging cost are the rate for electricity, and the size of the battery. According to their website, NV Energy charges $0.16 per kwh.  Now let’s say your car’s battery holds 60 kwh.  The cost of charging from 0-100 percent should be about $9.60.  However, most of the time, you wouldn’t let the battery get down to zero – not a good idea for several reasons.  So your average charge will be much less.

Q: Is it safe to charge an electric car in a closed garage?

The answer is definitely yes!  In fact, most drivers charge at home something like 90 percent of the time.  EV charging causes no fumes to be emitted – unlike fueling up with gas or diesel – so there’s no danger of vapor catching fire in your garage.

But I’m sure you’ve heard the stories about electric vehicles catching fire. That sells a lot of newspapers!  However, the facts are much different.  A recent insurance liability study showed that regular gas and diesel vehicles catch fire at a rate 60 to 100 times more often than EVs! So in a way, EVs are actually safer to keep in your garage!

Q: What does it cost to charge an EV at a charging station?

Before we go there, let’s do a very brief explanation about EV charging.  Basically there’s three levels.  Level 1 is plugging into a normal outlet at your home, at 120 volts.  Level 2 is the equivalent of plugging into an electric dryer outlet, at 240 volts.  Level 3 charging (also called DC Fast Charging) is what you find at gas stations and EV fueling stations like a Tesla Supercharger.  They are MUCH more power – 440 volts and above.

Level 1 is the slowest, and can take many hours to charge fully.  Level 2 is 4-10 times as fast, and can charge the car in a few hours.  Level 3 will typically charge a car within a few minutes.

If you do need to use a charging station outside your home, the price may vary widely, especially depending on if it’s Level 2 or 3.  First off, many shopping malls and stores don’t charge at all. It’s often a free service for their customers – but not everywhere, and that could change at any time. Chargers at gas stations and EV stations are typically Level 3, and these will always be a paid service.  Rates can vary widely, but are still significantly cheaper than buying gasoline or diesel.

Some brands like Tesla have software to show you where charging stations are located, and how much they cost.  Others use software like PlugShare to locate stations when needed. Your experience will vary, depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and what brand of vehicle you purchase.

Next: Battery life, and used EVs

How EV charging works: Cables and connections explained

Since an EV uses electricity and not gasoline, the common question is, “How do I fill it up?” In essence, it’s really not that complicated. But just like you had to learn the difference between gasoline and diesel, or low octane versus high octane, EV charging has a few different levels available – three, to be exact.

Level 1: Home outlet

Level 1 Charger. Image courtesy evchargesolutions.com

Every EV sold comes with what’s referred to as a Level 1 charger. These chargers plug into a normal wall outlet, just like your TV or vacuum cleaner. They use a standard 120 volt outlet common to all households in the US. Because it’s not that powerful of an energy source – delivering a maximum of 15-20 amps – charging an EV this way can take a while. In the case of a short range EV like a Nissan Leaf, the battery can often be charged overnight (approximately 10 hours or more). Longer-range vehicles like a Chevy Bolt or Tesla will take significantly longer to fully recharge an empty battery.

Level 2: Electric dryer outlet

Level 2 charger. Image courtesy Lectron (via Amazon)

The next step up is a Level 2 charger. This is the equivalent power of an electric dryer outlet, delivering 220 volts of power at 32-40 amps. It’ll work roughly 3-8 times faster than a Level 1 charger. A short range EV would be fully charged in a few hours. Longer-range vehicles may be fully charged overnight, and for that reason, people who own these models often install a Level 2 charger at home.

In many areas of the country, Level 2 charging stations are available in a number of public areas including shopping malls, public buildings, universities and more. In Las Vegas, any Level 2 charging station in a public area is available to use free of charge. You’ll need an account with ChargePoint to use them, but that’s free too. (We’ll discuss that in detail farther down the page.)

Level 3: Maximum power

Electrify America Level 3 Charging Stations.

Level 3 charging stations – also known as DC Fast Charging – offer the highest levels of power available. These outlets exceed 400 volts and over 60 amps of power to deliver charge very quickly. It’s commonly quoted that even long-range EVs can charge to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes. All Tesla Superchargers fall into this category, along with offerings from EVGo, Electrify America and others.

As a trade-off versus Level 2 chargers, all Level 3 chargers require payment to use. In Las Vegas, we have a total of 12 DC Fast chargers not made for Tesla. The Linq Casino here just opened a new Tesla Supercharger with over 20 charging stations, so they continue to grow very rapidly as well.

Another important note: Not all EVs come with Level 3 charging by default. If you’re EV shopping, ask specifically about DC Fast Charge capability.

There’s a great article on the ChargePoint website that explains charge levels in greater detail.
https://www.chargepoint.com/blog/level-your-ev-charging-knowledge/

Making the Connection

So now that you know the charge levels, what about actually connecting your car to the charging station? Yes, unfortunately, there are a number of different port configurations, which means you can’t charge just anywhere. Fortunately, this is a much smaller problem in the US in recent years. We’ll talk about the ones that are most common here.

CHAdeMO port

The CHAdeMO port was most common on the earlist versions of the Nissan Leaf. Newer versions now include this port along with the now-more-common CCS combo port, which we’ll talk about next.

CCS Combo port

CCS Combo (aka J-1772) port. Image courtesy GreenCarReports.com

The CCS Combo port (also known as a J-1772 port) is the common standard among Level 2 chargers in the US. Its advantage is that a vehicle with this port and Fast DC Charge capability can also do Level 3 charging using the same connector.

Tesla Charge port

Tesla charge port. Image courtesy Wikipedia.

Tesla is one of the leading brands of electric vehicle, and their commitment to building Supercharger stations across the world is remarkable. But, they use a proprietary connector, so only Teslas can use their Supercharger stations. BTW, using these chargers is definitely not free, even for Tesla owners.

UPDATE: Ford recently announced starting in 2024, their EVs will come with the Tesla charging port, and access to a large portion of Superchargers.

How can I find a charging station?

There are a few different phone apps and websites to help you find a charging station, should you need to fill up away from home. The three most common are:

  1. PlugShare. PlugShare’s website and app offer the ability to filter locations based on your car’s connector, and other criteria which is brand-agnostic. That way you won’t pull up to a charger with the wrong port. PlugShare.com
  2. ChargePoint. ChargePoint has probably the largest network of charging stations in the US. Their website is very useful, but you’ll probably find yourself in the car when you need it, so the app is a must have. You’ll need to register for a ChargePoint account in order to use them, but signup is free. (Here’s a hint: get the physical charge card mailed to you as well. Some stations don’t respond well to the app.) ChargePoint.com
  3. EVGo. EVGo is the owner of all Level 3 (or DC Fast Charge) stations in the Las Vegas area. A total of 12 EVGo stations are available as of this writing, and all are located at Terrible Herbst locations. There’s a cost to use based on subscription plans and time of use, but when you need a fast fill up it’s your fastest option. EVGo.com
  4. Tesla Superchargers. If you own a Tesla, you already know about their extensive network of Superchargers. Apps for locating those stations are built into the car’s software, so no additional effort is needed.

See? It’s a lot of information, but no matter what EV you drive, you don’t have to know everything. But if you still have questions, don’t be afraid to ask us about it.

The Las Vegas EVA is a chapter of the Electric Vehicle Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

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Electric cars are the smart choice for Nevadans

In the July 25, 2021 edition of the Las Vegas Sun, I had the opportunity to share my experience purchasing my first electric vehicle, and how new clean cars standards proposed for the state of Nevada could make it much easier for future EV buyers.


https://m.lasvegassun.com/news/2021/jul/25/electric-cars-are-the-smart-choice-in-nevada/

EV Cost to Drive #5: Service Locations

As a new first-time owner of an electric vehicle, I thought it would be helpful to do a series of posts on some of the questions I had getting my first EV, a 2016 Chevy Spark EV, in January 2019.

Our last topic on the EV front concerns getting your vehicle serviced, should any problems arise with the electric propulsion system.

For EV enthusiasts (these are the ones that buy the cars new), availability of service is less of a problem. EVs called “compliance vehicles” are sold only in states with stricter emissions laws (typically places like California, Oregon and Maryland) and are therefore serviced there. But now that a lot of EVs are coming off leases, they are being shipped all over the country. The question becomes: can I get someone nearby to work on it if I have problems?

One of the criteria before purchasing my vehicle was availability of service by a local dealership. In Nevada, EVs aren’t that common yet, especially compliance vehicles. In order to get an EV serviced, a garage or dealership needs technicians who are trained to work on them. Quick example: I got into a fender bender within a month or two of getting my Spark, and had to have a fender fixed. A few body shops simply refused to service my car, saying their techs were not trained to work on EVs. The same goes for dealerships.

Nissan’s Leaf and Chevy’s Volt and Bolt are sold nationwide, so their dealerships have trained technicians in all 50 states. Other brands I looked at did not have certified shops anywhere in Nevada, so for me, I had to take them off my list.

Long story short, there is a lot to consider when it comes to electric vehicles. The good news is, there are a lot of compelling reasons to look into getting one for yourself, and the reasons NOT to do it are getting fewer and fewer. And for some people, their driving habits, needs and geographic location may make an EV purchase very difficult. But through this series, I hope you have good information to make your own informed choice. But our hope is you’ll look at EVs a little closer the next time you’re car shopping.

EV Cost to Drive #4: Range

As a new first-time owner of an electric vehicle, I thought it would be helpful to do a series of posts on some of the questions I had getting my first EV, a 2016 Chevy Spark EV, in January 2019.

Next on the EV discussion, let’s talk about the biggest factor besides the initial cost, and that’s range.

The #1 reason people don’t purchase EVs – even more than price – is range anxiety. The question is always, “Will this car get me where I’m going without running out of juice?” This is a legitimate concern, and depending on your answers to these questions, plus factors like your budget, may tip the scales for – or against – an EV. Let’s hit them quick.

1. Distance. How far is your drive? Is it a daily commute across town, or are you a sales guy traveling city to city? You need to factor in what your driving habits require. In my case, my commute is 25 miles round trip on surface streets. Even a short range commuter car like my Spark EV handles it well.

2. Terrain. My drive is all downhill to work, all uphill back home. I use very little capacity getting there, and a lot more coming back. For me it evens out, but if you’re in very hilly terrain, it can affect your range.

3. City vs. highway. Gas vehicles get better mileage on the highway. EVs are exactly the opposite: Range is better in city driving. This is due to lower speeds and lots of stop lights, which engages regenerative braking.

4. Access to charging stations. If your business has charging stations on site, you may be able to charge each time you get to work. Or there may be places on your route to charge should your battery start to run out of electrons. Even in a long-range version, factoring in where stations are along your route can decide whether an EV is right for you.

5. Weather. Wet or dry weather doesn’t affect EV’s, but cold weather especially shortens battery range. Hot weather can also affect it, and may hurt battery life in the long run. Which brings us to our last factor.

6. Liquid temperature management system. Living in an extreme environment like Las Vegas, having an active temperature management system for the battery was critical. A liquid cooled (or heated) battery becomes more important the more extreme your climate. In the desert, it’s very important, in order to keep capacity loss to a minimum.

In our last installment, we’ll talk about getting your vehicle serviced.

EV Cost to Drive #3: Insurance & Fuel

As a new first-time owner of an electric vehicle, I thought it would be helpful to do a series of posts on some of the questions I had getting my first EV, a 2016 Chevy Spark EV, in January 2019.

This time around talking EVs, let’s talk bigger concerns – like fuel, insurance and the cost of battery replacement.

If you’re concerned about the long-term costs of owning an EV, I’ve often been told a good rule of thumb is to check the vehicle’s auto insurance rates. Insurance companies know if a vehicle is expensive to repair in the case of an accident, plus they include other things like availability of parts, which all factor into the ultimate premium you’ll pay. For example, Teslas tend to rank a bit higher, because availability of parts is a problem compared so a major company like GM or Ford. In my case, the insurance on my Spark EV is just a few dollars higher than my wife’s 2007 Pathfinder. That would be good enough, but I’ve also reported vehicle usage at 8,000 miles a year for the Spark, and only 4,000 miles for our Pathfinder. Nearly the same rate for twice as many anticipated miles – not bad.

What about fuel – in our case, electrons versus gas? I’ve been keeping pretty meticulous records of my driving and fill-ups since purchasing the Spark in January. My bill for fuel has ranged from 5 to ten dollars per month. Driving the same number of miles in our Pathfinder would have cost me between $110 and $130 per month in gas. In addition, all Level 2 charging stations in my area are no cost to use, so that can drop your bill even further.

(NOTE: Part of my savings comes because NV Energy (our electric utility in Las Vegas) offers special rates for EV owners for off-peak charging. With their program, my rates at night are less than half of the standard rate. Of course, all utilities are different, so check with your local utility if they offer such a program.)

Of course, everyone’s biggest concern is battery replacement cost. Now there’s no doubt a battery pack for an EV will be expensive if it needs to be replaced. Estimates I’ve seen range anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 – about the same cost if you blew an engine in a gas vehicle. But there are two factors to keep in mind.

1. Manufacturer’s warranties. Major brands have learned that the fear of battery failure is a major concern among potential buyers. And much like the rest of your vehicle, it has a warranty covering battery life. What about used vehicles? In most (but not all) cases, the warranty transfers to other owners. If you’re really concerned, look at certified Pre Owned vehicles. My Spark EV is a CPO, and the battery warranty extends to 100,000 miles.

2. How often do battery failures actually happen? The vast majority are not failures, but a loss of storage capacity or range. This is covered in the warranty, and each brand is different. It can also be affected by how the battery was cared for – factors like how often was it “fast charged” versus lower level charging, whether it was kept in extremely hot conditions, etc. While EVs are certainly sturdy and built for long term use, even an electric vehicle needs a little TLC!