Low Emission Vehicles

Electric Vehicles (EVs), Higher MPG Cars & Trucks, eBikes & more

Use a vehicle that produces fewer greenhouse gases - learn more using the resources here"

• Easy-to-understand information about EVs - plugin hybrids (PHEVs) and full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) including basic terms, test drive options, di$count$, how to charge, and more at Green Energy Consumers

  • Compare the fuel cost for your current vehicle and an EV or PHEV or a hybrid - you'll be amazed at the difference

  • EVs require significantly less maintenance than gas powered vehicles, so factor that into your decision

• Compare the cost per mile of any vehicle - in general, from best to worst: Battery EVs > plug-in hybrids > hybrids > smaller vehicles > larger vehicles

  • Consider: how often do you really need a truck or SUV? Can you rent or borrow one when you do?

• Use the more efficient vehicle in your home for longer trips, when there is an option

• Consider an eBike or eScooter

Makes and Models

• Summary of current EV model cars at Bloomberg (you may need to log in) or Kelly Blue Book - your favorite car site probably has a list so you can look there

• Summary of high range vehicles

• Convert a gas-powered fleet vehicle (pickup, van, box truck) to hybrid electric for fuel savings - one such outfit that does this is XLFleet

Incentives

• Tax incentives for EVs with the federal and MA climate legislation passed in 2022 - these can be up to $12,000 per vehicle

  • Green Energy Consumers has a video and article (Jan 2023) that summarize the federal incentives and another on the Massachusetts incentives

  • A good summary from WBUR and another summary from electrek

  • List of models from Consumer Reports that qualify for incentives under 2022 and future years

  • The official federal EV incentive sites: Fuel Economy and Alternative Fuels 

  • The official Massachusetts site about incentives: MOR-EV

  • The federal government's overall guide to incentives that are part of the Inflation Reduction Act may include some useful info

Charging

• EV charging info for homeowners as well as renters and landlords - there are incentives for landlords, so encourage your landlord to check that out. If you are a landlord, take advantage and attract more tenants

• Here's a video from This Old House about charging at your home

• Maps of charging stations on websites and apps:

  • PlugShare.com

  • ChargePoint.com

  • ElectrifyAmerica.com

  • ChargeHub.com

  • Federal alternative fueling station finder (AFDC)

• There are public charging stations at 4 facilities in Hopkinton as of 2022, with 3 more coming soon:

Learn More

• Find an EV Show where you can check out a variety of models: see Drive Electric and enter your zip code. Note that these occur all year but started as Drive Electric Week in October, so don't be fooled by the name

• Follow social media groups for news and to ask questions - these are some Facebook groups

  • Drive Green Community Group

  • New England Electric Auto Association

• Hear what your neighbors are saying - see these testimonials from EV owners in town - contact us to provide yours!