By 2030, it is expected that 52% of new car sales are going to be electric vehicles. This is an astounding jump from the percentage of car sales we saw over the past few years. In 2021, electric car sales hit 6.6 million which made up 8.6% of new car sales in the US. That is more than double the market share from 2020. Therefore, in just 8 years, we should expect to see a 43.4% increase in electric vehicle sales.
Is Orange County and Patterson Auto ramping up to support this drastic change and why are so many individuals moving towards electric vehicles? YES! Everyone is prepared for the future of electric vehicles. In addition, there are a number of exceptional reasons that we should all invest in these low-impact, zero-emission vehicles.
Rebates Rebates Rebates
You receive money for a purchase and/or lease. That’s right! Buy or lease the car you love and get your money back. There are federal, state, and local incentives to bring down the cost of buying or leasing an electric car. There are federal tax credits ranging from $2,500-$7,500, depending on the battery capacity. In addition, there is a Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) which provides rebate savings directly to purchasers and lessees of eligible electric vehicles. Applicants with low-to-moderate household incomes are eligible for increased rebate amounts. Lastly, there are local rebate and incentive programs. Local air districts and electric utilities often provide rebates for electric car purchases and leases, and for installing home charging stations. You can search by your zip code here to see if you are eligible.
Save on Fuel and Maintenance
The cost of charging an electric car in California is roughly half the price of fueling a standard gasoline car for driving the same distance. There is a growing amount of charge stations throughout public areas, so you will never be far or shy of a full battery charge. Electric motors have far fewer moving parts, never requiring oil changes, new spark plugs, or even fuel filters. In addition, regenerative braking also extends the lifespan of brake pads by using the electric motor to decelerate an electric vehicle, therefore you are saving on all the most expensive but mandatory vehicle maintenance of a regular vehicle. Lastly, you can save on electric utilities. There are many offers for special time-of-use rates that vary based on the time of day when energy is used. If you choose to charge your vehicle during off-peak times, the charge rate is much lower in cost. Better yet, electric cars can be programmed to charge when you want them to, so you don’t have to think twice about ensuring your car is charging during those incentive hours.
Travel Solo in Carpool
One of the greatest benefits of the electric vehicle is being able to utilize the carpool lane as a solo driver. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues a Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal that allows vehicles meeting specified emissions standards single occupancy use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes. CARB establishes the official list of eligible vehicles based on vehicle emissions. Say goodbye to rush hour traffic and hello to the Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) program.
Higher Level of Performance
You might be surprised, but electric vehicles are fun to drive, featuring quick acceleration and enviable performance. Unlike standard vehicles, electric motors produce peak torque from a standstill, without the buildup of gasoline engines that require reaching maximum power. The battery is located in the center of the vehicle delivering a solid center of gravity. This design provides superior weight distribution and stability, improving cornering that minimizes rollover risk. These vehicles have great handling all the way around. You won't be disappointed!
Keep the Planet Clean
With the purchase of an electric vehicle, you immediately reduce smog pollution and cut greenhouse gasses. You will be protecting people and the plant for generations to come. In full-electric mode, an electric vehicle produces zero emissions. The world is already seeing the impacts of greenhouse gasses and climate change, so by investing in a clean car we will see clean air and better health.
Electric Vehicles in Orange County
Orange County has a significant goal of reducing greenhouse gasses and harmful pollution as soon as possible. The city is ramping up to support a large percentage of electric vehicle charging stations, as the new proposal from the California Air Resources Board is asking that more than a third of new passenger cars and trucks sold in California in 2026 should be zero-emission vehicles. At its August 27th board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a five-year contract with ChargePoint, Inc. to install electric vehicle charging stations at three County parking structures. According to Scott Painter, Founder and CEO of Autonomy, “Orange County has become a growing hub for electric vehicles over the past few years, with Southern California taking a large amount of the state’s leading position for the research, design, and manufacturing of electric vehicles”.
The interest in electric vehicles is on the rise, especially with gas prices soaring to $6/gallon. Although some selling points to investing in an electric vehicle are easier than others, California Air Resources Board (CARB) acknowledges that the consumer change to an electric vehicle will require conveniences, as well as successful strategies to communicate the benefits to potential buyers. In addition, Orange County is implementing a pricing plan designed to cover energy costs, transaction fees, and regular equipment maintenance in order to optimize the use of electric stations.
Along with Orange County preparing for the community’s uptick in electric vehicle sales, Patterson Auto is also equipped for the same questions, services, and support. This is a new and exciting change for everyone, especially when it promotes environmental impact and the health of community members. Swing by any of the Patterson OC Auto locations today to learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles and what you can expect from Orange County as this growing demand continues to rise.
Patterson’s OC Auto Team supports -
Tustin Mazda
28 Auto Center Drive
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 706-1239
Tustin Hyundai
16 Auto Center Drive
Tustin, CA 92782
(888) 207-5844
Huntington Beach Mazda
16800 Beach Boulevard
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 599-8569
Mission Viejo Acura
28802 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 822-9556
References & Resources:
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-04-13/california-plans-to-say-35-of-new-car-sales-must-be-evs-by-2025-is-the-market-ready
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autonomy-brings-ev-subscriptions-to-orange-county-boosting-california-expansion-301525723.html
https://d1.ocgov.com/New-Electric-Vehicle-Charging-Stations-SantaAna-Orange
https://www.ocregister.com/2021/08/02/why-southern-california-is-a-new-ev-mecca-with-rivian-lordstown-and-karma-in-irvine/