When the federal EV incentives were removed because of the efforts of some Republicans, it was predicted that US EV sales would plunge. They did go into slumps for many, but not all, electric vehicles. There was a little boost for EV sales still remaining in the form of state incentives, including in New York. The state incentives usually are quite a bit less than the former federal ones, but at least they still offer some support to those who buy or lease electric vehicles. “As the federal administration continues to roll back support for clean air and electric vehicles, New York State is leaning in to prioritize benefits that reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs while reducing harmful emissions. At a time when gas prices at the pump have soared in the wake of the war with Iran, electric vehicles will help make driving more affordable for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. She is correct about the cost of operating a gas or diesel vehicle because of high fuel prices. Electricity is cheaper and electric vehicles can have a lower total cost of ownership, as stated in the press release: “NYSERDA compared the price of gasoline with electricity rates, and results show that New Yorkers can save from 40 percent to almost 70 percent annually by driving an electric car or SUV. For example, instead of paying well over $4.00 per gallon at the gas pump, an EV driver would pay as little as $1.33 for an equivalent amount of electricity.” At the state level it might not seem EV incentives would accomplish much. However, in New York State, they have, according to EV Infrastructure News: “Since its launch in 2017, the Drive Clean Rebate programme has issued more than 228,000 rebates, contributing to approximately 324,000 EVs now on the road across the state. More than 60 vehicle models are currently eligible, with new additions introduced annually.” While electricity is cheaper than gas and diesel fuel, electric vehicles are also far more energy efficient. Some EVs get the equivalent of well over 100 miles per gallon, whereas many gas and diesel vehicles only achieve 15, 22, or maybe 30 mpg. Some gas and diesel vehicles such as large SUVs and pickup trucks in America get less than 15 mpg. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts that need to be repaired or replaced and they don’t need oil changes, tuneups, etc. They also don’t have parts that can be stolen and need expensive replacements, such as catalytic converters. In addition to overly expensive gas and diesel fuel, another compelling reason to purchase an EV is the fact US public EV charging continues to expand at an impressive, steady rate. For example, there are over 71,000 public fast chargers in the US now and the total is set to continue expanding.
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