Electric Vehicles Buyer's Guide in Des Plaines, IL

What is the Electric Vehicle Tax Credit, and How Do I Find Out if I'm Eligible?

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credit is a federal incentive designed to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. Depending on the specific vehicle you buy, you may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $7,500. This credit can reduce your overall tax liability, making the purchase of an EV more affordable. Eligibility for the credit depends on several factors, including the specific model of the electric vehicle and your personal tax situation. To find out if you're eligible and learn more about the available incentives, visit the official government website or contact us at AutoNation Honda O'Hare for more assistance.

Where Are Charging Stations Located?

With electric vehicles becoming more popular, charging stations are easier to find than ever, especially if you live in a large metropolitan area. Many major malls, grocery stores, and office buildings have dedicated EV parking spaces with charging stations, and more "EV rest stops" are popping up alongside America's most popular freeways.

EVgo, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and PlugShare are examples of the growing networks of charging stations in the country. Finding specific charging stops is as simple as visiting their websites or mobile apps. Many EVs will already have these charging locations programmed in the navigation system, and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay will also have this information on-hand.

What Electric Vehicles Does Honda Offer?

Honda is committed to advancing its lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition to the all-electric Honda Prologue, Honda offers a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles that combine efficiency with performance. Popular models include the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Honda Insight. These vehicles use a combination of electric power and gasoline engines to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Honda's future plans also include expanding its electric vehicle lineup, with the Prologue leading the way as the first fully-electric SUV in the lineup. As Honda continues to innovate, drivers can expect more eco-friendly options to be added to the brand's offerings, all designed to reduce carbon footprints and provide a cleaner, more efficient driving experience.

What Are the Basics of Charging an Electric Vehicle?

Every electric vehicle can be charged by plugging in the appropriate cable into any household power outlet. This method is called Level 1 charging, and is accomplished with the power cord that's included as part of the lease or purchase of the electric vehicle.

This is the most convenient form of charging because all you need is access to a standard electrical outlet found in the garage or on the outside of your home - there's no setup or modifications required. But since the battery capacity of an electric vehicle is quite large, and household electrical systems aren't industrial strength by nature, Level 1 charging is the slowest method of replenishing power.

What Is Level 2 Charging?

Waiting nearly two days to charge your vehicle is obviously not ideal, which is why all electric vehicles offer a faster charging speed obtained via Level 2 charging. This higher power delivery is most commonly found in commercial parking lots in malls or shopping centers, and also designated EV parking spaces in office complexes.

Level 2 charging significantly speeds up the process, with many electric vehicles reaching an optimal operating range after about 4 to 8 hours of being plugged in. Keep in mind that the power delivered by Level 2 charging stations can vary, and ultimately, your vehicle is in control of how quickly it can charge.

The speed and convenience of Level 2 charging can be had in your home too, but it may require professional installation of charging equipment, and possibly modification of your home's electrical panel if there isn't enough capacity.

What Is Quick Charging?

"Quick Charging" or Level 3 charging is the fastest form of recharging available today, and can only be found at dedicated stations which require a subscription or payment. But the benefits are well worth the cost, especially if you're taking a long road trip or forgot to charge your vehicle the day before.

Today's newest electric vehicles are really able to take advantage of Level 3 charging. When connected to a 350 kW DC fast charger, your electric vehicle will charge the fastest!

When Is the Best Time to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

In some ways, EVs are just like your smartphone, in that the best time to charge it is, honestly, whenever you have convenient access to power. This could be when you're at work, shopping for groceries, or simply parked at home for the evening.

The element of time is unavoidable and unpredictable with electric charging, it is generally good practice to top off and have a fully charged battery, giving you peace of mind that you have full driving range the next time you hit the road. When charging at home, utilize the EV's built-in scheduling function to automatically charge during non-peak hours to reduce electric bill costs and network load.

What is MPGe?

In the past, the vast majority of vehicles on the road were fueled by gas or diesel. So it made sense to measure efficiency by how many miles a vehicle could travel on a gallon. Hence the familiar MPG on the window sticker.

But when the automotive industry began to pivot toward electric vehicles, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needed a new measurement. MPGe stands for "miles per gallon equivalent." In creating the MPGe standard, the EPA based it around the fact that the energy in a gallon of gasoline was equivalent to 33.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh).