Electric Vehicles: Complete Overview

Electric Vehicles: Complete Overview

Today's drivers are curious about Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford electric vehicles, wondering what the electric vehicle cost is and if there are enough EV charging stations to support this all-electric shift. If you need answers to these important questions, this EV overview is for you.

Whether you decide to take home one of our Ford electric cars or you prefer another auto brand, you deserve the facts. Scroll down to explore key topics like these:

  • What type of electric cars should I buy?
  • Are electric vehicles cheaper than gas models?
  • Are there tax credits for electric vehicles?
  • How do I charge my EV or PHEV?
  • What do we know about electric vehicle safety?
  • What are the environmental pros and cons of electric models?

What are Battery Electric Vehicles?

There are two types of electric cars: Battery Electric Vehicles, also called EVs, and Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, also known as PHEVs. BEVs or EVs are electric vehicles that use fully rechargeable batteries and no gasoline, while PHEVs use a combination of electric battery power and gasoline.

Both BEVs and PHEVs give you much higher fuel economy than a standard fuel-injection engine and use electric chargers to refill their batteries. These chargers can be installed at your home and accessed nationwide at public charging stations.

EV Affordability

EV Affordability

The most obvious EV savings come from driving range. Some Ford electric vehicles like our Mustang Mach-E models give you up to 320 miles of EPA-estimated range1 – making electric powertrains far more efficient than gas engines for daily commutes or longer road trips.

Repairs and maintenance are another key factor in electric car affordability. A gas-powered car typically needs a battery replacement every three to five years; electric car battery life is usually 10 to 20 years. So, unless you keep your vehicle for multiple decades, you likely won't need an EV battery replacement. EVs also don't require oil changes, generally making maintenance appointments less frequent.

Lastly, many electric models also come with federal and state tax incentives to give you money back when you file your tax forms. Ford electric vehicles, like the F-150 Lightning, are eligible for the 2024 EV tax credit,2 and at this time, Arizona drivers can even transfer their tax credit at the point of sale to effectively turn it into an immediate discount!3

Electric Car Charging

Electric Car Charging

A professional can place a Level 2 electric car charger inside your garage or on the side of your home for easy access. Most electric cars, trucks, and SUVs can also recharge on standard wall outlets. When you buy or lease Ford electric vehicles, 2024 models have an available Ford Mobile Charger that can be used on 120-volt or 240-volt outlets, meaning you can charge up at a friend's house during dinner!

Technology makes it easy to find public electric car chargers while you're on the road, and here's how: Most EVs and PHEVs come with integrated navigation features that can give you turn-by-turn directions to the nearest charging stations, and some even provide an EV charging stations map to highlight every station along your route.

Ford electric vehicles have access to the largest network of BlueOval Charge Networks in North America, and you can also use any Tesla public charging station, too. Ford electric car charging stations are simple to find with the FordPass mobile app and Apple® Maps navigation.

Electric Vehicle Safety Standards

Electric Vehicle Safety Standards

New automotive technology sometimes stirs up new safety concerns for drivers, but you can breathe a sigh of relief when searching for a new EV or PHEV. Electric powertrains are generally safer than internal combustion engines and tend to have lower centers of gravity to reduce rollovers. EV regenerative braking also helps preserve your vehicle's brake life and performance.

The new Ford electric vehicles you'll find at Jones Ford Verde Valley come with Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety systems, too, so when you take home a Ford electric car – Mustang or Lightning – you'll gain enhanced features like BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.

Tips for Buying Electric or Hybrid Vehicles

Tips for Buying Electric or Hybrid Vehicles

Before buying or leasing an electric or hybrid model, you'll want to find a comprehensive EV range comparison to find the best new Ford hybrids and EVs for your driving needs. You'll also want to make sure the model you want qualifies for tax credits to maximize your savings. As you shop around, ask each dealership about complimentary mobile battery chargers and any current lease incentives.

Contact us at Jones Ford Verde Valley to start your electrified vehicle adventure today. You've got questions, and we've got answers, plus a stunning lineup of Ford electric vehicles for you to test drive!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of batteries are used in electric vehicles?

BEVs and PHEVs typically use lithium-ion batteries because of their high efficiency, long lifespan, and compatible energy with common home and public chargers. Electric batteries can usually provide between 250 and 350 miles of all-electric driving in EV models.1 Talk with our team about how a Ford Mach-E can reach an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range!1

How do electric vehicles benefit the environment compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles?

Because EVs are zero-tailpipe emission vehicles, they are extremely environmentally friendly. PHEVs use a combination of gas and electric power, so when you switch to all-electric mode in your plug-in hybrid vehicle, your tailpipe emissions are also zero. Reducing our automotive emissions is one of the best ways we can fight climate change and protect Earth's natural resources.

What are the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining an electric vehicle?

The initial purchase price of an electric vehicle should be your biggest expense because EVs typically cost less to maintain than gas-powered models. If you keep your electric vehicle for more than 10 years, you may need to purchase a new battery, but you will not need to pay for oil changes because they don't use oil. Many EVs and PHEVs are also eligible for tax credits.


1EPA-estimated driving range based on full charge. Actual driving range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, high-voltage battery age and state of health.

2At the time of writing. Incentives are subject to change without notice and are intended for informational purposes only. Please note that this is not tax advice. Consult with your tax adviser for further details and to determine eligibility.

3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.edmunds.com/electric-car/tax-credits-rebates-incentives/arizona/#:~:text=As%20of%20January%201st%2C%202024,credit%20into%20an%20immediate%20discount

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