If you live or work in our nation’s capital, you know that traffic is a way of life.  And while you’re spending so much time on the road, you may have noticed an increasing number of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) – after all, almost 500,000 PEVs have been sold throughout the country over the past five years, and Washington, D.C. is one of the biggest markets.

So what types of electric cars are DC drivers buying?  PEVS include two major categories of vehicles, both powered all or in part by batteries.  They include BEVs, or battery-electric vehicles, and PHEVs, or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Here’s the difference:

BEVs are powered exclusively by batteries, and once they’re fully charged, they can run for about 70 – 100 miles before needing a recharge.  And because BEVs don’t have gas engines, they are environmentally friendly, contributing zero emissions to the atmosphere. 

PHEVs, or hybrids, can run on battery power, gasoline or a combination of both, which gives drivers the choice of recharging their batteries or fueling up at the pump when energy stores get low.  If you have a PHEV, you can drive up to 35 miles on electricity alone, but your range will increase to over 300 miles if you use electric/gas hybrid mode.  What about emissions?  Even though PHEVs have gasoline engines, they are usually considered low emission vehicles – but the actual results depend on the amount of fuel you use. 

Traditionally, PEV drivers were technophiles or early adopters, but DC Metro auto dealers are seeing an increasing number of new car sales from mainstream buyers.   More than 25 PEV models are currently available, with more new models launching each year to meet the growing demand for cars that are innovative, environmentally-friendly and fun to drive.

What about budgetary concerns?  PEVs are priced higher than traditional cars – and at the moment, gas prices are low – but the average electric car delivers lower operational and maintenance costs during its lifetime.  Additionally, PEV purchasers may be able to claim federal tax credits, including $7,500 (BEVs) and nearly $5,000 (most plug-in hybrids). 

Currently, there are over 700 public charging stations in the DC and Baltimore area, with more planned over the next few months.  But as interest in electric cars increases, more drivers – especially BEVs owners whose cars run by batteries alone – have started demanding that their buildings or communities install charging stations right on site.  This is a growing issue for homeowners associations (HOAs), community associations and condominium associations throughout the DC Metro area – after all, installing chargers can enhance their homeowners’ lifestyles, but there are a number of factors that must be considered as well. 

Is installing an on-site charging station the right choice for your building or community?  To help your association decide, watch for our follow-up article with information and tips to help your association make the best choice.  For more ways to enhance the desirability and quality of life of your building or community, contact Metro DC property management leader FirstService Residential. 
Thursday April 07, 2016