Get Ready to Buy

Buying a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) is unlike buying any other kind of car. You have two very different vehicle types to choose from. And you’re eligible for incentives and tax credits, regardless of which type you pick.

Pick a Plug-In: Battery-Electric or Hybrid
There are two basic kinds of PEVs. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Some PHEVs are also called extended-range electric vehicles.

BEVs:

• Run off 100% battery power with no gasoline back-up engine.
• The first BEVs on the market have a battery life of up to 100 miles.
• Because BEV batteries have a greater capacity than PHEVs, they take longer to charge.
• Until a public charging infrastructure develops, BEVs are not a good choice for trips of more than 100 miles.

PHEVs:

• PHEVs have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine.
• The first PHEVs on the market will run off battery power for approximately 40 miles.
• Because PHEVs have a gasoline back-up, they can handle both your daily commute and longer trips.

Find a Dealer
If you’re ready to take the next step, Plug-In America tracks changes and new PEV developments among car manufacturers. You also can find links to PEV dealers near your zip code.

Learn about Incentives
A variety of incentives and tax credits are available to PEV buyers.
A federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 is available. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s incentive site.

Read about the incentives available through Austin Energy in About the Pilot Program.