Between 2018 and 2022, the number of electric car drivers in Maine increased more than five times, and it’s no surprise since these cars are saving people money, reducing air pollution, increasing energy independence, and they’re fun to drive.
Electric Vehicle Rebates
There is now a standard state rebate of $2,000 for new electric vehicles purchased in Maine. That’s on top of federal tax credits worth up to $7,500! With new models of plug-in cars coming out all the time, there has never been a better time to buy an electric car in Maine.
For plug-in hybrids (which run on electricity and have gas backup) the rebate is $1,000.
Many electric cars are already in the same price range as other popular Maine vehicles, and the prices continue to decrease as the technology advances. These rebates, offered through Efficiency Maine, make them even more accessible.
In 2018, NRCM conducted the most comprehensive survey that’s been done of Maine electric car drivers. What we found is that between the driving experience, money saved on gas, reduced air pollution, and more, 92% of respondents would recommend their car to their colleagues, family, and friends.
Electric Cars are the Cleanest Cars Out There
Given Maine’s sources of electricity, electric vehicles here are a very low-emission alternative to our biggest source of carbon pollution, cars and trucks. That only improves as we continue to increase renewable power on the grid.
Whatever car you drive, the more we carpool, walk, bike, or use public transit, the less pollution we produce. We also get other health and societal benefits (like less highway costs), too.
If you’re curious about the full climate impact of manufacturing and operating an electric car in comparison to a fully gas-powered car, check out this report. The findings were that, start to finish, electric cars are better for the environment.
How Much does it Cost to Drive an Electric Vehicle in Maine?
(Department of Energy: www.energy.gov/maps/egallon)
Across the board, electric vehicles are cheaper to operate than gas-powered cars and trucks. With the rising price of gasoline and a growing number of public charging stations, it is far less expensive to charge an electric vehicle than to fill up a gas tank.
On top of saving money on fuel, electric cars are much cheaper and easier to maintain, especially all-electric vehicles. Think about it: no oil changes, no exhaust system, fuel lines, or even a transmission! Even the brakes wear out much more slowly because the car recaptures braking energy to put it into your battery instead of wearing down your brake pads.
What Electric Cars are Available at Dealers Near You?
Visit https://plugstar.com/cars to find out what makes and models of electric vehicles are available near you.
See the status of federal tax credits for different manufacturers at www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml.
Wondering Where You'll Charge Up?
The vast majority (87%) of EV drivers charge at home overnight, in the same way many of us charge our cell phones. Those folks wake up with the equivalent of a full tank of gas! There are also public charging stations across the state, with more being installed all time. To learn more about the types of chargers and where they are, visit our page on electric vehicle charging in Maine.
Increased charging infrastructure and these rebates are being offered through Efficiency Maine and are applied right when you buy a car at a Maine dealership. Efficiency Maine's website has more information on eligible cars, finding a dealer, and more.
