Electric Vehicles for Sale

Fortunately, with the friendly people at one of our great dealerships by your side, it becomes much easier to consider all of your options and find what you are looking for. Whether you have a clear sense of what you want in your next vehicle or you have just started your search for an EV with your name on it, the incredible teams we have put together are ready to help. New or used, performance-focused or practical, we want to see you get the perfect vehicle that you will love driving every day. So, let's take a closer look at what you need to know as you shop for an EV so you can drive away confident that you found exactly what you want.

One of the best-loved aspects of car shopping is having a huge selection of different options to choose from. We are all about choices, with the freedom to explore a variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs to find the perfect one that has everything we want in a vehicle. This is a big part of why we have so many different dealerships that sell a wide range of brands-we love giving our customers a variety of vehicles to explore. This is also why we are so excited to see the EV market grow and develop from just a few models a decade ago to one of the fastest-expanding segments.

We are also pleased to be able to offer a variety of pre-owned EVs for you to choose from, giving you even more incredible options as you shop for your next vehicle. There is nothing quite like the freedom to consider a large and growing inventory of new and used options while you shop. Whether you are looking for a new Volkswagen ID.4 or a used Tesla with plenty of life left to live, you will find them at one of our dealerships. You deserve to have a rewarding shopping experience concentrated on getting you what you are looking for in an EV; the industry has raced to provide you with plenty of options, and we are right there with them.

What Defines an Electric Vehicle?

There are three main categories of EVs with some important differences between them, so it is a good idea to have a sense of each one and what they offer. The first EVs that started to make headway in the mainstream were hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), often simply referred to as "hybrids." HEVs utilize both a conventional ICE and a battery-powered motor to deliver enhanced performance with impressive power and efficiency. When you see a vehicle with "hybrid" in the name, like a Toyota Corolla Hybrid, then you are looking at an HEV.

Vehicles that solely run on electric power, without any conventional engine in them, are referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs). So when you see a news story talking about one Tesla model or another, it might refer to the Model S as an EV, but really, it should be referred to as a BEV. Finally, the third common type of EV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which represents a middle ground between HEVs and BEVs. A plug-in hybrid has both a battery-powered motor and a conventional engine, but the battery can be charged by plugging into an external power source like a BEV, giving it limited electric-only range.

More About HEVs

We introduced HEVs a moment ago, but let's take a closer look at what makes them different from other vehicles. You can think of HEVs as lightly electrified models since they use batteries and motors like any other EV, but they primarily rely on the standard ICE in the vehicle to do most of the work. The motor is there to supplement the engine using a battery that is charged as you drive, typically using power from regenerative braking, which will redirect some expended energy toward recharging the battery. You cannot charge the battery of an HEV by plugging it in or through other means; it charges itself as you drive.

Depending on the design of the HEV, the motor can do different things, but generally, it is there to take some of the work off the proverbial shoulders of the engine; this can greatly improve fuel efficiency since the engine in a hybrid is responsible for powering fewer things. Some hybrids use the battery-powered motor to boost performance rather than fuel efficiency; we see this pretty commonly now in full-size trucks with hybrid engines designed for power over gas mileage. If you are interested in sticking to a conventional driving experience but would like greater fuel economy, then an HEV is a great way to go.

More About BEVs

With a battery-electric vehicle, there is no conventional engine found anywhere inside-only a battery-powered motor or two. These are all-electric cars, trucks, and SUVs; they use no gas, create zero emissions, and provide an incredibly smooth driving experience that feels unique. The first time most drivers experience the instant torque that a BEV can deliver, the response is typically surprise followed by immediate joy and excitement. When you experience a BEV designed for high performance, it is absolutely revelatory and something we encourage all of our customers to try at least once.

The most confusing thing about BEVs is that they are frequently and generally referred to simply as EVs, especially when it comes to model names. If you look at something like the Chevy Blazer EV or the Kia Niro EV, what you are seeing is a BEV, not some type of hybrid; that is an important distinction to keep in mind-and once you recognize that, shopping for BEVs and finding the right one gets a lot easier. When most people say "EV" in a casual conversation, they are likely referring to a BEV.

BEVs do not require gas, but they do have to be charged from an external source-plugged into a wall outlet or a charging station of some kind. Their battery packs drain with use and have a distinct range they can travel before they need to be recharged. Modern BEVs have incredible maximum ranges, and charging them is becoming faster with each new generation; Level 3 (or DC Fast Charging), in particular, represents a massive step forward in faster charge times while on the go. The ability to charge your vehicle at home and never have to stop for gas when running errands or during your daily commute is a perk that's hard to beat.

More About PHEVs

Finally, we come to PHEVs, which stand as a middle way between HEVs that essentially function like conventional vehicles (but with boosted power or efficiency) and BEVs that offer a revolutionary driving experience. If you are interested in an EV and would like to experience some of what a BEV could bring to your life, but you are not ready to fully commit to one, then a PHEV is a great choice. These models often have "PHEV" in their name, like the Audi Q5 PHEV or the Ford Escape PHEV. Sometimes, however, brands will use a different indicator; for example, the Toyota Prius is an HEV, while the Prius Prime is a PHEV. Knowing which type you are looking at is important as you shop for your next EV.

With a PHEV, we would argue that you get the best of both worlds in terms of what HEVs and BEVs have to offer, which is why we think of them as a middle ground between the two. PHEVs are hybrids, so they have both a conventional gas-powered engine and a battery-powered motor. Unlike other HEVs, PHEVs have batteries that can be charged from an external source, such as plugging them into a home outlet or a public charging station. While they can utilize regenerative braking like other EVs, you will need to plug them in to get the most out of them.

The upside of this, however, is that these impressive battery and motor systems can be used for limited all-electric driving. For example, the 2024 Prius Prime has an estimated 44 miles of all-electric driving range that only uses the battery and motor, not the engine or gas tank; this means if you have a daily commute that's ten miles each way, you can drive to work, run a few errands nearby, and go home at the end of the day, all without using any gas. You will need to plug your PHEV in at home to recharge overnight, but this gives you a taste of what it would be like to own a BEV. For longer trips, you get hybrid driving with fantastic fuel efficiency, just like a standard HEV.

What You Should Know About Home Charging

Other than HEVs, if you are interested in an EV, then you need to understand some basic but vital information about how to keep your vehicle charged. You have two main ways to do this-at home or using a public station-and we will look at each to give you a good sense of what they offer you. One of the biggest perks of owning a BEV or PHEV is that you can charge it at your home, letting you completely avoid going to a gas station or other third-party location.

You have two options for charging at home based on the kind of power outlet and equipment you have available. Level 1 charging refers to any time you plug an EV into a 120-volt outlet, which is essentially a standard outlet you would plug any device into. This is the least amount of power you can use for charging, and it is thus the slowest option; you can expect about 120 miles from 20 hours of charging using Level 1. While it is convenient, it is not optimal.

A better choice for charging at home is Level 2 charging, which uses a 240-volt outlet or a home charging unit; 240-volt outlets are the larger, heavy-duty ones you often use for home appliances. Many BEV owners have a charging station installed in their garage for ease of use or on the side of their home for quicker charging while parked in their driveway. Level 2 charging is much faster-typically somewhere between three and seven times faster than Level 1. You need a special cord with a J1772 connector for Level 2 charging, which you can purchase from a dealership or from your car's manufacturer. Some models now come with Level 2 charging cables or cables that work for both Level 1 and 2.

The 411 on Public Charging Stations

Although charging at home is your most convenient option, it is not the only way you can keep your vehicle powered up and ready to go. Public charging stations have been popping up all over the place and provide you with a great option to keep your BEV or PHEV charged while you are out on the road. Charging stations are easy to use and are becoming increasingly common; major cities now have dozens of stations with hundreds of ports or outlets available. Many public charging stations are part of a network that you sign up for, which lets you easily charge your vehicle, and your account will be charged for the service. Some new EVs even come with a year or two of free usage on a particular network.

Some charging stations will have Level 1 connections, particularly if it is simply meant to be a public outlet for emergency use or as a convenience. Most stations have Level 2 charging ports or outlets for you to use, typically requiring the same J1772 connector that you need for Level 2 charging at home. Just like at home, Level 2 is much quicker than Level 1, and you can get a decent charge on your vehicle in just a half hour or so. Level 3 (often called DC Fast Charging, or DCFC) is the fastest type of EV charging currently available due to the type of current it uses for quicker charging.

For most of us, you will only find Level 3 charging available at a public station, but it can get you an 80% charge in about the time required for you to take a break and get something to eat on a long road trip. The important thing to note about Level 3 charging is that it needs a special connector; CHAdeMO and SAE Combo are the most common types of connectors, but they are not interchangeable, so you have to find a station with the right connector for your vehicle. The major exception to this is Tesla and their Supercharger stations, which use a completely different connector for Level 2 and Level 3 charging, so keep that in mind.

Federal EV Tax Credits 101

In general, even though developing EVs has become streamlined and more cost-efficient for manufacturers, they still cost more to make and, therefore, tend to cost more to buy. To help offset some of this added expense and encourage drivers to try EVs, the federal government offers tax credits for purchasing one of these models. This also helps ensure fewer vehicles are creating emissions, which helps keep air quality clean and reduces the contribution of cars toward global greenhouse gasses.

The tricky thing, however, is that these tax credits and incentives have changed over the years and likely will do so again. This means you need to do a little research to learn about what is currently available and which vehicles out there qualify for them; make sure you are looking at current information. For example, in the past, used EVs did not qualify for a tax credit, but changes in 2023 allow for some used clean vehicle credits to be claimed. Most importantly, there are always strict rules that govern who qualifies for these credits, often including how the vehicle will be used, the income of the person buying the vehicle, and the model's charge capacity.

One final thing to note is that this has historically been a tax credit, not a refund or rebate, and is likely to remain that way. In other words, it deducts from your tax liability and is not a refund that you can apply for. So if you get a tax credit of $7,000-as an example-and owe $10,000 in federal income tax for that year, then you only end up owing $3,000. In that same scenario, if you owed $5,000 in federal income taxes, then it would eliminate them completely for the year, but you would not receive the extra $2,000 beyond your taxes. Feel free to contact one of our dealerships to learn more about current tax credits and any other incentives in your state.

 

New, Used, and Certified Pre-Owned EVs

No matter what you are looking for, the most important thing to us is that you find a fantastic vehicle that meets your needs and that you will continue to enjoy for many years to come. If you are looking to get the most from an EV and you want to experience the latest features and technology, then you cannot beat the feel of a new EV. Whether you are interested in a HEV, a PHEV, or a full-on BEV, you can find a wide range of options at our dealerships. Not every manufacturer has as many EVs available as others, so keep that in mind when choosing the right brand for a vehicle you are looking for.

If you are interested in enjoying electrified performance but are trying to stick to a budget, then a pre-owned EV could be the perfect way to go. Used EV models are often a fantastic choice since you get to enjoy the benefits of improved efficiency or at-home charging at a lower price. Pre-owned EVs can often be very budget-friendly since newer ones with expanded range or boosted performance tend to get all of the attention. If you would like to experience owning a BEV for the first time but are worried about how well it will fit into your lifestyle, then a used model is a great way to try one out while staying within your budget.

The biggest drawback with a used vehicle of any kind is that you can never be certain about what it went through with a previous owner. If you are looking to save some money but still want great peace of mind with your vehicle, then a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) option is a great choice. At our dealerships, you can find an exclusive selection of CPO EVs that have been carefully chosen to ensure they are in the best condition possible. You can only find CPO vehicles at qualified dealerships, and you know they have to meet the highest standards for quality and condition set by the manufacturers themselves.

Take the Guesswork Out of Financing

Electrified performance and bold engineering might be the future of the auto industry, but that does not change the fact that you still have to figure out financing. For many people, financing is the part of the car-buying process they look forward to the least; in fact, for some, it can be the source of significant dread and anxiety. We understand that discussing finances can be stressful, particularly if your credit score is not where you would like it to be. But that is why our dealerships have financing experts available who are ready to take you through your options and make the financing process as simple and hassle-free as possible.

For most of our customers, an auto loan is the perfect way to pay for your next vehicle, but there can be big differences between one loan and the next. As you look at different loan offers, you need to pay attention to a wide range of terms and conditions, such as the interest rate, term of the loan, payment details and terms, late penalties and fees, and much more. With a financing expert by your side, it is easier to look at all of these specifics and make sure you get the right loan that meets your needs. Even if you already have a loan offer from your bank or another lender, our teams can explore all of your options to make sure you get the best terms possible.

If you would like to experience everything a new EV has to offer without making any long-term commitments, then leasing your next vehicle could be the perfect option. With a lease, you get to enjoy a new vehicle for several years, driving it every day and getting the most from it, and then you simply return it at the end of the lease. There is no long-term commitment on your part, so you do not have to worry about depreciation or what to do when your vehicle hits 100,000 miles. After several years, you return the vehicle, and you are free to lease a new model to see what has improved since your last one; you can even buy-out your lease if you fall in love with your car and find you are not ready to be parted.