The Shock of the New: The Benefits of an Electric Vehicle

President Joe Biden has set a goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by 2050 to combat climate change, and a large step towards this goal is making vehicles greenhouse-gas emissions-free. Basically, vehicles need to go electric, and many auto manufacturers are already well on their way towards achieving that. One of the companies leading the way is Ford, which has committed to producing EVs, including such new models as the Ford Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV and the Ford E-Transit electric cargo van. That means that the inventory at DePaula Ford, your electric car dealer in Albany, is about to get a lot more interesting.

Ford has also been working to build the largest electric vehicle charging network in North America while moving to make all Ford vehicles in Europe emissions-free by 2026. But what does this mean for you? What are the benefits of driving an EV? I’m sure many of you have noticed that the price tags on EVs and hybrid vehicles are larger than similar models with conventional internal combustion gas engines. So why pay the higher initial amount upfront in buying an EV?

At DePaula Ford, we can show you that buying an EV like a Mustang Mach-E will save you money in the long run by reducing your out-of-pocket costs for fuel. An EV will require less maintenance, also saving you money, and will have zero emissions, so you will have no problem with future inspections. In addition, there are potential tax credits in owning an EV. EVs also have roomier and quieter interior cabins as well as improved safety features. We are proud to be able to offer you the opportunity to be at the head of the pack in moving to an electric, emissions-free future with the new electric vehicle offerings coming from Ford.

EVs Have Lower Costs to Maintain

When you buy a car with a conventional gas engine, your expenses don’t stop with the initial purchase price. First of all, you are going to have to pay attention to fluctuating gas prices, knowing that the slightest changes could send prices spiraling upward, costing you more money. While there have been periods of low prices, in general, gas prices have consistently trended upward.

Second, there are so many working parts in an internal combustion powertrain that you will need to get your car serviced about every 5,000 miles. This means an oil change and oil filter change, as well as the need for additional fluids like your transmission fluid. Also, the longer you own the car, the more frequently you will need to change the oil and other key fluids or replace broken parts.

Buying an EV will save you money in two ways. First, you will no longer have to pay for gas. Instead, you can safely and conveniently charge your EV’s battery at home or at any of a number of charging stations that have been popping up all over the United States faster than mushrooms after a rainstorm. Ford has been doing its part with the FordPass Charging Network, the largest public charging network in North America offered by an automaker.

You can also have the convenience of charging your EV at home with either a Level 1 (120 volt) or Level 2 (240 volt) charging station. Ford includes the Ford Mobile Charger with every Mustang Mach-E that makes it easy to charge your Ford EV either at home or on the road. There is also an available Ford Connected Charge Station that will make charging at home even easier with the 20-foot lightweight cord. Either way you go, you won’t have to waste time waiting in line at service stations. You can sleep while your EV charges.

EVs also have fewer moving parts than other types of vehicles. The electric motor is simply powered by the EV’s battery. Not only is this type of engine incredibly efficient, using between 60% to 100% of the energy produced from the battery as compared to about 12% energy efficiency on a gas engine; it is also a simpler machine. Say goodbye to all those costly and annoying oil changes. While you will still have some routine maintenance, the total number and cost will be greatly reduced with an EV, allowing you to realize great savings over time.

EVs Provide More Interior Space for Passengers and Cargo

One thing you are sure to love about EVs like the Mustang Mach-E is the increase of cabin room provided through the elimination of the gas powertrain. All that space occupied by the engine in the front end of the vehicle is now an extra compartment for storage and transportation. Some folks have even dubbed this area a “frunk” for the front-end trunk. This adds a full 4.7 cubic feet of cargo storage space to your Mustang Mach-E.

So, where are your engine and battery? On most EVs, you are literally riding on the engine and battery, which are safely and securely stored beneath the seats. Also, there is no gas tank on an EV, freeing up even more space and giving you and your passengers greater room to stretch out on long rides.

EVs Offer Safer Driving

Most EVs built today offer drivers a safer drive while also giving passengers a quieter ride. For example, Ford has equipped the 2021 Mustang Mach-E with a host of safety features as part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. This cutting-edge technology gives you active safety features like Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert so that you can safely change lanes without worrying that another car may be in the way.

Ford is also launching Active Driver Assist. This feature allows you to drive the Mustang Mach-E hands-free on certain roads that are specifically equipped hands-free highways. These roads have been mapped to interact with the Active Driver Assist system so that your Mustang Mach-E will be able to steer itself around turns while maintaining lane position. This is the latest in “self-driving” EV technology, designed to improve highway safety for you and the other drivers.

While you enjoy the improved safety features of your EV, your passengers will appreciate having a quieter cabin. That is because fully electric vehicles produce little or no noise. This is a big change from vehicles that run on gas or diesel engines that can seem quite loud, especially at higher gears.

EVs Are Better for the Environment

EVs have little or no environmental impact. The operation of an EV produces no greenhouse gasses as a waste product, which is a far cry from conventional vehicles that run on gas or oil. You may not realize this, but every year, cars and trucks account for a large percentage of air pollution in America. Many think that this will result in even greater regulations reigning in the manufacture, sale, and operation of vehicles with internal combustion engines. For example, a new set of emissions standards will apply to vehicles manufactured after the 2026 model year, which will only drive the greater production of EVs by automakers like Ford.

While we all benefit from having a cleaner environment, you may also benefit personally by owning a zero-emission EV. In New York State, for example, you are allowed to use HOV and carpool lanes at all times in a clean energy vehicle like an EV, even if you are driving alone. This reward for being a good citizen also allows you to shave time off your daily commute. It truly is a win-win for you and the environment.

EVs Can Save You Money on Your Taxes

The Federal government offers tax incentives for driving an EV. Many states and municipalities offer these tax breaks for EVs as well. Depending on where you live and your annual earnings, you may be able to save up to $14,620 in taxes over 5 years of owning an EV. It starts with qualifying for federal income tax credits that can be as much as $7,500. This tax incentive to buy an EV can put money back in your pocket, while you are also saving on not having to buy gas and pay for as many maintenance visits.

The Future Is Now With an EV

All the trends show that EVs are the future of the automotive industry in America. The Federal Government is pushing for tougher emission standards, while automakers like Ford are taking the lead in producing newer and more innovative EVs like the Mustang Mach-E and the infrastructure for EVs like public fast-charging stations and hands-free driving highways. You can be a part of this future by making your next car an EV. Stop by our dealership and learn all about the new EV offerings from Ford so you can drive into the future in style.