BY Sam Laird

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Design by: Alex Beuge

Mar 3rd 2023

Sustainable Living • Taking Action

How to Buy an Electric Vehicle: The EV Shopper’s Guide to the Galaxy

Mar 3rd 2023

Thinking of getting an electric vehicle? You’re in good company. Over 70 percent of American consumers say they are interested in getting an EV. And, now, more automakers are making more models at lower sticker prices.

Yet, there are still lots of questions:

  • How many EVs are on the road today?
  • What is the forecast for EV adoption?
  • How many types, brands, and models of EVs are there?
  • Are EVs really better for the environment?
  • How do you charge an EV?
  • Are all EV chargers the same?
  • Do EVs pay a road tax?
  • What are the financial perks to buying an EV

Here, we’ll answer lots of those questions. Whether you’re actively looking to buy or lease an EV, considering it down the road, or just interested in learning about your options—you’ve come to the right place. (Sources are included in the footnotes)


Author image

Sam Laird Bank of the West

Sam joined Bank of the West in 2019 after more than 10 years in journalism. He’s also worked as a teacher, a grant writer, and a janitor, and prefers to spend his free time in nature.

Footnotes small arrow indicator


Any EV model will help you save on gas, but you do need to charge it. How does that work?

9-10. US Department of Energy, “Alternative Fuels Data Center,” https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_infrastructure.html

11. US Department of Energy, https://afdc.energy.gov/data/10964

But wait. Are EVs really so green? Yes, but it’s not exactly simple.

12. “How Green Are Electric Vehicles?” New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/climate/electric-vehicles-environment.html

13. “Fact check: Electric vehicles emit fewer emissions and are better for the environment”, USA Today https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/10/17/fact-check-electric-cars-emit-less-better-environment/3671468001/

Now a big question: Will you save money?

14. Natural Resources Defense Council, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-it-cheaper-drive-ev

15a. Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1254347/united-states-vehicle-licensing-fee-by-state/

15b. Colorado DMV, https://dmv.colorado.gov/taxes-and-fees

16a. Federal Tax Credits for New All-Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, US Department of Energy
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml

16b. State Laws and Incentives, US Department of Energy
https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/state

16c. Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program
https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/12530

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