Hendrick Automotive Group aims to be your go-to dealer for EVs for sale in Charlotte! North Carolina's most populous city is shifting toward a more eco-friendly future, which means it's easier than ever for drivers to upgrade to an EV that suits their needs.
Alternative fuel vehicles first hit the mainstream with the hybrid Toyota Prius back in the late 1990s. Since then, the industry has been rapidly growing each year, with more and more major automakers looking to go green with their own EV fare. This is an exciting change and a positive way to create a greener planet, but drivers might still feel hesitant. "What about the prices? What about tech? Maintenance?" Whatever questions are keeping you from making the change to an electric vehicle, our pros are here to help!
We're about more than just selling cars; we make it a goal to stay informed on the latest trends and advancements in the automotive world so we can bring that news right to you. We work closely with drivers to offer a transparent and informative shopping experience so you feel good about where you shop. Our pro team knows all about the newest green tech and what EVs can bring to Charlotte drivers.
If you feel now is the time to make the change and get into an electric vehicle, that's exciting, and we're here to help! Whether you have a model in mind or you're just starting your journey, our friendly team is happy to guide you through the auto-buying process.
Looking for a new way to drive? Come to Hendrick Automotive Group! Browse our great selection of EV models online or stop in to experience the future of driving from behind the wheel of an EV firsthand.
The Name Game: EV, BEV, HEV, or PHEV?
"What's the difference between an EV, PHEV, and BEV? What's a hybrid?" You have questions, we have answers! Luckily, things are much more straightforward than you would expect. The auto industry knows that not everyone has time to stay up to date with the latest terms and buzzwords, so they make it easy for even those who aren't the most tech-savvy to stay in the loop.
Let's start with EV and BEV. Essentially, these are the same things: EV stands for Electric Vehicle, while BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle. EV is a commonly used term, so it can be used interchangeably. Both are vehicle types that operate with a rechargeable battery; they require no gas, so they are 100% free of carbon emissions. If you're looking to clean up the way you drive, an EV or BEV is the best way to do it.
Most EV models offer two or three different levels of charging and can be powered up either at home or at a public charging station. It's also worth noting that EVs are a great investment because they not only help you save on fuel costs but they require less maintenance thanks to fewer moving parts than their gas counterparts. Their batteries are being improved all the time, but on average, drivers can expect an EV to take them between 110 and 300 miles per charge. Extended-range battery packs are sometimes available to take you even further between charges.
As for an HEV, this is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Even though it has 'electric' in the name, these types of vehicles don't require charging with a cable. In these models, energy is converted through regenerative braking and gets stored in the battery to keep it powered up; no charging station is necessary. A typical gas engine is paired with an electric motor to power this car for maximum efficiency. While it's possible to travel in a fully electric mode on most HEV models, the mileage is usually lower, at around 30 miles or so, depending on the vehicle. However, the gas mileage with a HEV is typically higher than your average gas-powered car.
That brings us to PHEV, a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle. Instead of only capturing energy through a system like regenerative braking, a PHEV battery can also be plugged into an external energy source for a power boost. For drivers looking for that sweet spot between a full EV and a traditional combustion engine, a PHEV hits all the right marks. While neither a HEV nor a PHEV is completely free of carbon emissions, they do help lower air pollution, which is always a good thing for everyone, whether you're an urban dweller or not. When you drive a PHEV, you have the option to switch to all-electric mode for a range of about 15-60 miles.
Charging & Range: Facts and FAQs
Now that we have our terms straight, let's check out what it's like to charge your vehicle, how long it can take, and how far you can expect to go. North Carolina currently has plans to register at least 1.25 million EVs by 2030. This is great news for drivers who currently drive an EV or PHEV or those looking to purchase one in the future, as this means an increased number of public charging stations and incentives to make going green easy for drivers across the state.
Charlotte is in a particularly prime location; it's known as the 'International Gateway to the South' due to its proximity and accessibility to key cities like Washington, DC, and the Atlantic coast. This ensures convenience when it comes to locating a public charging station along your route. So whether you're cruising Uptown on your way to work or you're leisurely visiting Romare Bearden Park, there's a charging station near you.
Charlotte currently boasts over 500 public charging stations, with a growing number of stations located just outside the city limits for increased accessibility; in Southpark, for example, expect to find over a dozen public charging stations. Drivers can easily access apps like ChargePoint that show a list of locations nearest to you, so it's easy to plan your trip without stressing about charging.
Level 3 charging is currently limited to public stations, but drivers can install an at-home power station to gain access to Level 1 and Level 2 charging...
Level 1 Charging: This simple option uses a typical three-prong 120-volt power outlet. Depending on your model, it can take 22-40 hours to charge your battery; that's about 3-7 miles of range for every hour of charging. It's not ideal, but if you can limit your recharging to overnight, this will suit you fine. Consider this level as a backup, too, if and when you need it.
Level 2 Charging: Most drivers will have a power station installed at their residence to charge at this 240-volt level. This is also the typical level you'll find at public charging stations. Charging this way can vary from model to model, with a time frame of 3-13 hours on average, or 10-75 miles of range for every hour of charge. This is ideal for plugging in to top off your battery while you sleep or work.
Level 3 Charging: Not all vehicles support this level (also known as DC Fast Charging), so if it's something you're interested in, make sure your vehicle is capable of it. This 480-volt method is currently only available at select public charging stations, but it is becoming more widely available as stations expand. Drivers can fully charge their batteries between 15-90 minutes, for around 120 miles of range for every hour of charging.
So, how far can a battery take you? Believe it or not, running out of battery power is extremely rare, considering automakers have made it a point for this not to happen. Various alerts and reminders make it easy to monitor your battery level and locate a station nearby, so you can defer your range anxiety and simply enjoy the drive.
The distance of an EV's battery range can vary between 110-300 miles on a single charge, and battery ranges are expanding every year, which means more adventure and less charging. Keep in mind things like extreme temperatures or climate, daily driving habits, and battery age can all play a part in your vehicle's performance.
Shop Our New, Used, and CPO EVs
Drivers who want to upgrade their ride to an EV will find it easy when they shop with us! Not only do EVs offer an abundance of savings, but the City of Charlotte offers FREE Level 2 charging at 54% of its public stations, so you put more green back in your pocket with every mile you travel!
Start your journey online when you explore our diverse range of new, used, and CPO electric vehicles. Drivers who want to get into the perfect EV without cutting corners will enjoy browsing our selection by make, model, price, and more to narrow down their list and find their dream car.
Shopping for an EV might seem stressful, but our auto experts are here to help. When it comes to the latest technology and EV-related news, we're on it. We get that EVs are new to many drivers, so we take the time to introduce them to the technology, learn their driving habits, and offer personal recommendations so they get into a car that provides a comfortable and rewarding driving experience.
Buying new is a great way to get into an EV that matches your needs and lifestyle perfectly. If you're picky about what you want out of a car, shop our showroom and pick out the right model that checks all the boxes on your wishlist.
Budget-savvy drivers who want to experience an EV without the heavy brand-new price tag will find a lot of value when they invest in a pre-owned EV from us. Our skilled technicians go over each pre-owned model to ensure you're getting only the best of the best. Picking up an EV that is only a few years old unlocks advanced tech and driver assistance features without straining your wallet.
If buying a new car isn't in the budget, and buying a used one feels too risky, a CPO vehicle is the perfect solution. A CPO-or Certified Pre-Owned vehicle-is a lightly used, like-new model that must undergo a multi-point inspection and meet a list of criteria before it can be certified. A CPO comes with the original factory-backed warranty for extra assurance. Buying a CPO can give you the savings you're looking for without the headache.
So what are you waiting for? Explore our diverse range of EVs and add a little extra jolt to your next drive when you go electric with a vehicle from Hendrick Automotive Group!
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Get Into an Excellent EV Today
Hendrick Automotive Group has showrooms across Charlotte, so it's convenient for drivers to stop in and experience an EV firsthand. Discover the latest cutting-edge technology and innovative design automakers have to offer right here! Our extensive lineup of EVs is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint without spending a small fortune.
If you thought an EV was expensive or confusing, those days are gone! Automakers make it a point to produce driver-friendly modern electric vehicles so it's easy to connect with your car for a personal experience that makes every drive better than the last.
Whether you're searching for a new, used, or Certified Pre-Owned electric vehicle, we have the perfect fit for you! Our knowledgeable and friendly sales team is here to guide you through the auto-buying process from start to finish. From exploring to test driving to financing, we're here to help you find a vehicle that matters to you.
Ready to go green with your dream car? Start browsing or stop into one of our Charlotte locations. Our team is here to help you in any way we can. Go for a test drive, ask questions, and take home your all-new EV from Hendrick Automotive Group today!