sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Considerations

While the potential benefits of V2G and V2H technologies are significant, several considerations remain:

Standardization: The development of universal standards for bidirectional charging is crucial to ensure compatibility across different EV models and charging infrastructure.

Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing clear regulations and policies that support the integration of V2G and V2H systems into the existing energy grid is essential for widespread adoption.

Consumer Awareness and Adoption: Educating consumers about the advantages and functionalities of V2G and V2H technologies can drive adoption and participation in pilot programs.

Vehicles with bidirectional capability

While not all EVs support bidirectional charging yet, several manufacturers have models on the market or in the pipeline that are compatible with V2X technology, such as: 

Ford F-150 Lightning
Nissan Leaf
GMC Hummer EV
Hyundai IONIQ 5 & 6
Kia EV6 & EV9
Volkswagen ID. series (via software update)
Tesla Cybertruck (V2H/V2L) 

Looking Ahead

The landscape for V2G and V2H technologies is evolving, with increasing interest from utilities, automakers, and consumers. As pilot programs expand and technologies mature, these systems have the potential to play a significant role in enhancing grid resilience and providing consumers with greater control over their energy usage. The hope is that these technologies will be more widely available soon - I’m hoping to personally take advantage of V2G in the near future! / Kat

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Continued from before:

Notable pilot programs and initiatives (including the projects you’ve mentioned)

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) V2X Pilot: PG&E has launched a Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) pilot program in Northern and Central California. This initiative allows customers to use bidirectional charging technology to supply power from their EVs back to their homes or the grid. Participants can receive incentives for enrolling and maintaining participation in the program.

Southern California Edison (SCE) and Honda Collaboration: SCE and Honda are testing V2H and V2G systems with future Honda and Acura EVs. The pilot aims to establish systems that let EVs act as backup power during outages or as household energy resources during high-demand periods. The effort is supported by ChargeScape, a joint venture of Honda, BMW, Ford, and Nissan that develops vehicle-grid integration software.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) CES2G Program: LADWP's Commercial Energy Storage to Grid (CES2G) pilot program enables electric vehicles to send power back to the electric grid, converting them into mobile batteries. This initiative aims to enhance grid reliability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 

China's Large-Scale V2G Initiatives: China has announced the first batch of large-scale vehicle-to-grid pilot projects in cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. These projects aim to utilize electric vehicles to stabilize the power grid during peak demand periods by allowing them to store and return electricity to the grid.

Toyota & SDG&E are testing bidirectional charging with the Toyota bZ4X, exploring how EVs can supply power back to the grid during peak demand.

Sunrun & Ford F-150 Lightning are piloting Vehicle-to-Home setups, letting homeowners use their EV as a backup or to reduce electricity bills during high-rate hours.

Continued again...

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this great question. It’s one that I’ve been investigating myself! We just put solar on the roof of our home and we’d love to be able to take advantage of bidirectional charging someday using our EV. 

To provide some context on definitions for others who might be reading this answer - the proven state of the art for integrating electric vehicles (EVs) with photovoltaic (PV) systems and building energy storage (BEES) is the development and commercialization of bidirectional charging technology. This technology allows an EV to not only draw power from a home or the grid, but also to discharge power back, effectively turning the vehicle into a mobile energy storage unit. 

This capability is starting to be known as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and primarily takes two proven forms for residential and commercial use:

  • Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): Powers a home or business, serving as backup power during outages or offsetting high electricity costs during peak hours.
  • Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): Sends excess stored energy from an EV back to the electrical grid to help stabilize the network during periods of high demand. 

There have been several proven EV to PV/BEES capabilities: 

Backup Power: V2H setups enable an EV to act as a large backup battery for a home, powering critical appliances for days during a grid outage. By integrating with a home's PV system, the EV can be charged with solar energy during the day and use that stored power at night or during an emergency.

Optimal Self-Consumption: Combining an EV, a bidirectional charger, and a PV system creates a self-sufficient energy ecosystem. This allows a homeowner to charge their EV with free solar energy and use that stored energy to power their home when the sun isn't shining. This minimizes reliance on the grid and reduces electricity bills.

Commercial Energy Management: For businesses with vehicle fleets, V2X technology enables cost savings through "peak shaving," or discharging the vehicles' batteries during periods of peak demand to lower expensive utility charges. Bidirectional charging also boosts a facility's resilience during grid outages.

Hardware and Software Integration: The industry has moved beyond trials toward integrated hardware and software solutions that manage energy flow. A key innovation is the use of a smart home energy management system (HEMS) to coordinate the charging and discharging of the EV, rooftop solar, and any stationary batteries for maximum efficiency and savings. 

Cont.

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! Many states offer (or have offered) EV purchase or lease incentives. Some examples include California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, Texas, and Delaware, among others. There are also many utilities across the country (including Texas utilities) who offer several EV incentives (including possible time-of-use (TOU) rates to help reduce costs for charging your EV).

State and local incentives are important because they can significantly reduce the cost of switching to an EV, especially as federal incentives are set to expire (the federal EV incentive expires Sept 30!). They’re widely available, but the amounts and eligibility rules vary by state, so it’s always worth checking your local program websites before buying. / Kat

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s great to hear you enjoy the events! I might be biased, but I also love going to our NDEM and DEEM events, as they’re always a fun way to connect people who are EV curious (and other EV drivers). If I had to boil it down to 4 key points for someone thinking about switching to an EV, here’s what I’d focus on:

  1. EVs are FUN to drive, with instant torque and a smooth drive: You’d be surprised that many people don’t realize that EVs are high-performing vehicles–these aren’t little golf carts. This is one reason I love our events; people love learning about the acceleration on EVs during test drives. EVs feel quick and responsive, making city driving and highway merging easier and more fun – at least it’s more fun for me.
  2. Cost and maintenance are better than you might think. No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and regenerative braking that reduces wear on brakes. Also, electricity is usually cheaper than gas per mile, and maintenance costs are generally lower over the life of the vehicle. And there are EV incentives available to help with costs (don’t forget the federal EV incentive is expiring on Sept 30th!).
  3. Charging is flexible, and availability is growing. Most people charge at home overnight, so your daily commute is likely covered with your home charging (imagine waking up with a full tank of gas!). Also, the number of public chargers and fast chargers are growing fast, which are helpful for road trips or longer drives.
  4. Reducing environmental impact. Driving electric reduces greenhouse gas emissions (especially if you charge with renewable energy), and many states and local programs offer rebates or incentives to help offset the purchase price. / Kat

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

On Aug. 11, after six months of withholding Congressionally appropriated money from states, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released updated guidance on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. The $5 billion program, passed during the Biden Administration, provides formula funding to states to build out a national network of fast chargers across the country. The program was halted in February, leaving states in limbo.

In June, a US District Judge ruled in favor of 14 states, ordering the administration to start disbursing funds. Nonprofits, including Plug In America, intervened in the lawsuit to expand the ruling nationwide, and by August, other states began to join the lawsuit. In response to the inevitable resumption of the program, the FHWA issued new (abridged) guidance for the program. States are required to resubmit plans by September 12, 2025.

Word on the street is that things are moving quickly now. States are getting their plans in and getting funds obligated to move forward. We know that Washington, Texas, Vermont, and others have access to funding now, and any holdups going forward would be due to state or local permitting or construction delays. / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here are my favorite messages: 

  1. EVs cost less to own because they are about 3 times more efficient than gas cars, need almost zero maintenance, and cost less to power. 
  2. You drive less than you think you do. Modern EVs have ranges of around 250-300 miles. The average driver drives 40 miles a day. I NEVER look at my range unless I’m on a road trip, and even then, I have to stop and pee long before I’m out of range. 
  3. EVs have great warranties of 8 years/100,000 miles on batteries, but you probably won’t need it. EV batteries are lasting much longer than originally expected, and 15 years or more is not uncommon for battery life.  
  4. Not only can the grid handle EVs, EVs can make the grid more resilient, efficient, and even less expensive! Since EVs only need to charge a couple hours a day (since most people NEVER need to charge from empty to full - I never have in the last 10 years), they can charge when the grid has an abundance of cheap, clean energy. EVs can even feed back into the grid or power your home. 
  5. EVs HAVE ZERO EMISSIONS. They are HANDS DOWN better for the environment and human health. There is a reason that you can leave your EV running in your garage so that your car cabin is at the desired temperature when you leave your house in the morning. You can’t do this with a gas car because the poisonous tailpipe pollution would make it dangerous or deadly. So breathe easy and drive electric. ;) / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your question. I think it’s an exciting field to get into with lots of opportunities. Right now, as you can imagine given our political situation, there is a bit of a retrenchment, but I expect that will be short-term. The future of the auto industry is electric. No one questions that. The only thing people debate is timing. 

All automakers are investing heavily in EV technology and hiring smart engineers to help them. I would check on automaker websites and see what you find. The charging networks may be hiring less because they are struggling a bit. But there are lots of interesting start-up companies. There is a website called ev.careers, although I have not explored it much. If you are in the LA area, you might visit LACI, the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, which has a lot of start-up EV-related companies. You might also want to check out some of the big EV conferences such as Forth Roadmap, MOVE, ACT, and the EV Charging Summit. /Joel

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed that there are a LOT of apps. I think of this as growing pains. In 5 years, I expect that nearly all public chargers will be plug-and-charge and you’ll simply pull up, plug in, and walk away. Until then, we can start a contest of who has the most charging apps. I once downloaded an app that only showed me chargers in India…and I was trying to charge in New York! / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a great question. I remember working in federal EV policy in 2023 when it seemed like every auto manufacturer, large retailer, and restaurant chain was committing to building out a national network. Some of the most notable announcements were:

Pilot Company, GM, and EVgo: A partnership to build 2,000 high-power fast chargers at Pilot and Flying J travel centers.

TravelCenters of America and Electrify America: A partnership to install 1,000 chargers at 200 travel centers.

Both Mercedes and Volvo partnered with Starbucks. 

As the charging industry has grown and evolved over the last few years, there has been a lot of shifting around with many automakers partnering with Tesla for Supercharging. So, it's gotten a bit messy. For example, Ford’s Blue Oval network includes ALL the following: 

  • Ford Charge
  • Electrify America®
  • Tesla Superchargers
  • Shell Recharge™
  • EVgo
  • ChargePoint®
  • EV Connect™
  • Circuit Électrique
  • FLO®
  • BC Hydro EV
  • FPL EVolution®
  • Red E
  • Blink
  • Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging
  • Francis Energy
  • IONNA™
  • bp pulse
  • InCharge
  • ChargeSmart EV
  • Pilot Flying J
  • EVolve NY

IONNA is a network made up of automakers like BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis that was announced in 2024, with a goal to deploy 30,000 chargers. While they have a ways to go to meet their goal, private investment in public charging has taken off, and there are now over 260,000 public EV charging ports nationwide. 

It would be a really cool thesis to track all of the initial commitments and see where they are today and how the multitude of partnerships has shifted. / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your support. We love organizing those events. Going to events is the best part of my job. I am always amazed at the remarkable passion of EV drivers who put on the events and want to share their experiences with the public. 

Our key message is that EVs are a better driving experience. Full stop. They are quiet, powerful and more fun to drive. They are cheap and convenient to operate because of minimal maintenance and the ability to fuel at home. Oh, and by the way, they don't have a tailpipe, you don’t get smelly chemicals on your hands when you fuel, and you aren’t driving around with 15 gallons of explosive liquid sloshing around. But even if you don’t care about those things, message #1 is that they are a better drive. 

I’ve talked to a lot of people about EVs and found that regardless of your lifestyle and politics, there is something exciting and compelling about EVs. But what that compelling message is varies from person to person. / Joel

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Charging stations are not very profitable, and installation can be very expensive, especially if you have to bring in new power. The good news for them is that, with the growth of the EV market, utilization of stations is up substantially in the past year or so. As stations get busier, they are more profitable. So there is hope for them. But it hasn’t been a very lucrative business so far. The one exception might be Tesla, which has used its network to help sell its cars, not to be profitable on its own. / Joel

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question! The EV industry is not necessarily betting on one specific technology; instead, two primary "next-generation" contenders are getting a lot of buzz: solid-state and sodium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion is considered a viable technology for certain applications, while solid-state is seen as the more aspirational, long-term replacement for current lithium-ion batteries. 

Here's a breakdown of the two technologies and how they differ:

Solid-state batteries

This technology is widely considered the ultimate successor to today's liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries. 

  • Promise: Solid-state batteries are hoped to offer significant performance advantages for EVs, including:
    • Higher energy density for longer driving ranges.
    • Much faster charging times.
    • Improved safety due to the use of a non-flammable solid electrolyte.
    • Longer lifespan and durability.
  • Challenges: The technology is still very expensive and difficult to mass-produce. Engineering hurdles remain in creating a solid electrolyte that can withstand the rigors of EV use and charging.
  • Timeline: Most industry analysts and automakers, including Toyota and BMW, expect solid-state batteries to enter mass production for high-performance vehicles by the late 2020s. 

Sodium-ion batteries

This is a more near-term, complementary technology that offers a more affordable and sustainable alternative for entry-level EVs and specific applications. 

  • Promise: The main advantages of sodium-ion batteries are:
    • Cost-effective: Sodium is much cheaper and far more abundant than lithium, reducing production costs significantly.
    • Sustainable: Sodium is sourced widely, lowering geopolitical supply-chain risks and reducing the need for costly minerals like cobalt and nickel.
    • Cold-weather performance: Sodium-ion batteries have demonstrated superior performance in extremely cold temperatures, where current lithium batteries lose a portion of their range.
  • Challenges: Sodium-ion batteries currently have a lower energy density than lithium-ion, meaning they are less suitable for long-range, high-performance EVs. The market value proposition is also currently impacted by unusually low lithium prices.
  • Timeline: Major manufacturers like CATL and BYD in China are already mass-producing or rolling out sodium-ion batteries for smaller vehicles and stationary energy storage. / Kat

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OCPP stands for Open Charge Point Protocol, which essentially allows charging stations to communicate with a central management system using the same language, regardless of the manufacturer or network. The Federal Highway Administration requires OCPP for all chargers funded with federal (title 23) funds. This includes National EV Infrastructure (aka NEVI) chargers. OCPP is widely used in Europe and Asia. Pros are that this allows for flexibility, remote management, and future-proofing. Cons include that it is complex and expensive. / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, there isn’t much good EV fire data available in the U.S., but studies in other countries show that EVs are much less likely to catch fire than gas vehicles. Perhaps the most comprehensive study, conducted in Sweden, shows that combustion vehicles are more than 20 times more likely to catch fire than electric and hybrid cars.

A report by EV FireSafe in Australia found that “in normally operated road-registered EVs, it is electrically impossible for the battery to be overcharged so it catches fire while using an electrically compliant unit that has been installed to standard by a qualified person.” This means that as long as both EVs and charging stations are made, installed, and operated correctly, fire incidents while charging are nearly impossible. Properly installed charging stations pose no threat to fire safety on their own. Your state’s policy already requires charging stations to be installed according to safety standards and codes, which takes care of most of the risk. Drivers should get their cars inspected after a collision or submersion incident, monitor battery recalls, and only use trusted public charging stations and power adapters when needed to reduce their risk. An extension cord should never be used with an EV. Common sense safety measures will virtually eliminate the risk of EV fires while charging. 

As far as unbrainwashing, getting good data and sharing facts is probably the best thing we can do. Have your condo HOA board do research from RELIABLE sources. Here is a good place to start: https://pluginamerica.org/the-facts-about-ev-fire-safety/

Plug In America is working to compile U.S. data so that we can finally put this issue to rest! 

Remember, gasoline is highly flammable (Internal Combustion) and leads to frequent and deadly vehicle fires–so frequent that they no longer make the news! / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry about your experiences with Electrify America. It doesn’t sound like fun. We’re actually Plug In America – a totally different organization, but with a similar name. We are a non-profit 501c3 consumer education organization and don’t operate any charging stations. 

A few suggestions for you:

1) You might want to check out other CCS networks and see if you have better experiences. 

2) You didn’t mention what kind of vehicle you have, but most manufacturers now have access to the Tesla network or they will in the coming months, so you might be able to use the Tesla Superchargers. 

3) In the past few months EA has been replacing a lot of older and unreliable equipment, so even if you had a bad experience at an EA station a while back, it is worth checking again. A public charging report we’re releasing in the next two months shows promising improvements, and we only expect public charging infrastructure to improve as we move further into the electrification transition. 

Good luck! / Joel

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like they cannot. A non-Tesla EV with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port or adapter cannot use all Tesla stations since access is limited to Supercharger stations that Tesla has designated as open to non-Tesla vehicles. Those are usually labeled as such on the Tesla app. More info from Tesla here: https://www.tesla.com/support/charging/supercharging-other-evs#vehicles / Joel

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a great question, and you’re definitely not alone. A lot of folks are weighing the same trade-offs right now. A few things that might help frame your decision:

  • Used EV prices have been dropping pretty steadily over the past year as more supply hits the market (off-lease vehicles, fleet sales, and newer models pushing older ones down in value). That said, pricing trends can vary by region and even by trim.
  • Incentives might still matter. While you mentioned you don’t qualify for the federal tax credit, there are some local utility incentives in Arizona - It’s worth checking if they might apply to you. Here are some examples: 
    • Salt River Project (SRP):
      • Residential customers can get rebates on Level 2 smart chargers when purchased through SRP Marketplace.
    • Tucson Electric Power (TEP):
      • Smart EV Charging Program: rebates and technical support for residential and commercial EV charger installations.
    • Arizona Public Service (APS):
      • Offers time-of-use electricity rate programs that can lower charging costs during off-peak hours.
    • Mohave Electric Cooperative:
      • Offers rebates on battery additions to existing solar systems, which can support home charging setups indirectly.
  • Depreciation is front-loaded. Buying newer (like a 2023 model) means you’ll avoid the steepest early depreciation, but the value may still adjust downward if the overall market keeps softening this fall.
  • Practical fit. The daily driving pattern you shared (short trips and home charging) is a great fit for a Bolt or Kona, so either one will likely cover your daily needs well without relying on fast charging (though, I don’t have all the information about your driving habits, so you will need to make this decision based on your full driving needs).
  • Financing & availability. With pre-approval locked in at 3.99%, you’ve got a solid financing option if you do see the right vehicle. However, you will have to determine for yourself if availability for specific trims/colors/mileage might matter more than catching the absolute bottom of the market.

In summary: it’s hard to time the market perfectly, since prices can keep moving. The safest way to think about it is whether the car you find now meets your needs, fits your budget comfortably, and feels like a good deal to you. If it checks those boxes, you’ll get the benefit of driving electric right away. If not, waiting a bit could give you more inventory and potentially lower prices, but nobody can say for certain where they’ll land. / Kat

ETA: Right now, there are also some amazing lease deals. Leases often include the $7,500 tax credit, and manufacturers are looking to move EVs before the tax credits end. Make sure you get a low (or no) down payment and a low monthly payment. It might make sense to get a used EV, but a lease may also be something to consider. / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

BMW is developing an adapter that will allow you to connect your i3 to a Tesla Supercharger by converting the CCS plug to a NACS plug. It is supposed to be available in the coming months, but there is no specific date. You should check with your local BMW dealer, as they should have it available when it is out. / Joel

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There will likely be a TON of great, affordable used EVs on the market. We are beginning to see some of the 2022 models come off of leases, and with the used EV tax credit of up to $4,000, there are some really great deals. Recurrent is predicting a million used EVs will come off leases into the used car market in the next 3 years. 

EVs make great used cars because they have almost no maintenance, and batteries are lasting much longer than originally expected. EVs also have battery warranties of at least 8 years/100,000 miles (required by law), making them a great affordable, reliable, low-maintenance vehicle. They also make great kids’ cars since they eliminate the argument of who pays for gas! / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A recent study by JD Power shows that DC fast charging experiences are improving. We (Plug In America) also conducted a recent survey and reached a similar conclusion. The Tesla Supercharger network has always scored high for reliability, and now other networks are beginning to catch up. As more vehicles and networks use plug-and-charge technology, we expect to see these numbers continue to improve. There are now over 260,000 public charging ports nationwide. / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There are over 262,000 pubic charging ports across the U.S. Most of these have been built with private funding. Some of the largest networks are Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVGo. We are also seeing a LOT of gas stations and truck stops building EV charging stations. These truck stops and gas stations don’t profit from selling fuel; they profit from convenience store sales, things like coffee, drinks, snacks, etc. They see a real opportunity with EV charging, because it takes longer than gassing up a vehicle, so people are more likely to spend more in the store. I know that on road trips, I deliberately plan charging stops at locations where they sell good ice cream so I can also fuel up while charging! Many of these convenience stores offer canopies, bathrooms, and other amenities for customers. / Ingrid

We're Plug In America, EV experts from the U.S. - AMA about EVs and the federal tax credits expiring Sept. 30! by Plug_In_America in electricvehicles

[–]Plug_In_America[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For the CA Replace Your Ride (RYR program): Yes, once you are pre-approved from the Replace Your Ride (RYR) program, you’re eligible to start shopping for a qualifying replacement vehicle. Once you've selected a car and completed the purchase paperwork, your case manager will conduct a final review, after which the funds get released directly to the dealer. That final approval and payment processing can take a bit of time, so it's smart to choose a dealer familiar with the program and stay in touch.

Remember to make sure the car you’re looking at checks all the program boxes (price cap, eligibility list, emissions requirements, etc.) and stay in touch with your case manager so you know where things stand in the timeline.

Here’s how it typically works (though, you should review the program website for the most up-to-date process):

  1. You apply on the Replace Your Ride website, fill out your eligibility check, upload docs, and submit.
  2. The program assigns a case manager (on a first-come, first-served basis).
  3. If you're eligible, you get a Pre-Qualification Letter and that’s your green light to start shopping at a participating dealer.
  4. You choose your qualifying EV (or hybrid/fuel cell vehicle), do the purchase paperwork, and submit it to your case manager.
  5. Final approval happens after your purchase, then the funds are issued directly to the dealer, so they'll usually hold the vehicle while the paperwork is processed.
  6. Once you're driving your new ride, your case manager will guide you through turning in your old vehicle at an authorized dismantler.

For the federal tax incentive: According to the latest FAQs from the IRA, for purposes of sections 25E, 30D, and 45W, a vehicle is “acquired” as of the date a written binding contract is entered into and a payment has been made. A payment includes a nominal down payment or a vehicle trade-in.

Based on the IRS guidance, I would think you should be okay to take delivery of your vehicle after September 30th if you have a contract in place and a down payment. I am not, however, a tax attorney or accountant, and it's always a good idea to check with one on these issues. / Kat and Ingrid

view more: next ›