Electric Vehicles

Considerations for Buying an EV

The Benefits and Costs of EVs

Financial Benefits and Costs

Upfront costs can be offset by fuel savings and lower maintenance costs over the life cycle of the vehicle. Electricity tends to be cheaper per unit of energy when compared to gasoline.

Charging an EV at home is generally far cheaper than fueling a gasoline vehicle. Home charging prices will often follow residential electricity rates; check your utility to see what EV programs they may offer.

EVs tend to have a higher upfront cost than traditional combustion engine vehicles.

Lifestyle Benefits and Costs

Most EV owners charge overnight at home, eliminating frequent trips to gas stations.

EV experience high levels of energy efficiency through regenerative braking – this technology allows energy to be captured and sent back to the battery during braking.

EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce air pollution and local health impacts.

Long range travel via EV is limited by the availability charging infrastructure. While charging stations are expanding, communities across the US may still experience a lack of reliable fast charging.

Types of Electric Vehicles

Type: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

Power Source : Battery

Considerations

  • All electric
  • No tailpipe emissions
  • Access to charging infrastructure will impact battery range

Type: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Power Source : Battery + internal combustion engine

Considerations

  • Electric vehicle will convert to internal combustion when battery is out of charge
  • Great option for flexible range. Runs off electricity for short trips with gasoline as a fallback for longer trips
  • Requires access to both gasoline and charging infrastructure to service both engines

Type: Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Power Source : Internal combustion engine + battery (smaller battery than PHEV)

Considerations

  • Closest driving experience to a conventional vehicle
  • Low electric range suited for short distances
  • Battery will recharge will driving, does not require charging infrastructure to service

Home and Business Charging: What You Need to Know

Levels of Charging

  • Comes with most EVs.
  • Very slow — can take 20+ hours for a full charge.
  • Useful as a backup or for low-mileage users.

  • Common for home installs.
  • Typically gives 10–30+ miles of range per hour of charging.
  • With a 240 V circuit, full charge often occurs overnight (3–8 hours).

  • High power, public charging infrastructure.
  • Useful for long trips and fast top‐ups (e.g. 20–80% in ~20 minutes for many EVs) .
  • Much more expensive per kWh than charging at home.

Key cost drivers for EV charging installation include:

  • Distance from electrical panel to charger location.
  • Need for electrical panel upgrade.
  • Permitting, trenching, conduit, wiring, labor.
  • Local code and inspection requirements.

How to decide what type of charging to use

  • Consider how often you will need to charge based on your planned EV usage.
  • Get quotes from licensed electricians experienced in EV charging.
  • Check whether your utility or locality offers subsidies, favorable rates for EV charging. Information on Virginia programs can be found in the Incentives Browser.
  • If in a multifamily or HOA setting, explore shared charger strategies and local incentives.

Additional Resources



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