Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive, cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered vehicles, and contribute fewer emissions into the air. With tax incentives available and a fast-growing network of charging stations, find out if owning an EV is the right choice for you.
Understanding EVs
Understanding EVs
Benefits of Plugging In
88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always."
Which EV is Right for Me?
Owning an EV
Understanding Charging
Charging times vary depending on the type of charger used.
Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 2-5 miles of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plugin hybrid vehicles but not battery electric vehicles.
Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician and charge about 10-20 miles of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.
Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 60-80 miles of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.
Charging from Home
For plugin hybrid vehicles a standard outlet (Level 1) will be enough for overnight charging. For battery electric vehicles, a Level 2 charger will require professional installation by a licensed electrician. If you live in an apartment or condo, consider talking with the property owner about installing a charger or use a nearby public charger. Talk to our sales staff to find out more about charging from home.
Battery Care
Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number will continue to increase. If you can keep your battery between 20% and 80% charged most days and avoid extremely hot temperatures, you can expect your maintenance to be minimal.
Ready to Shop?
Learn More About Your Green Car Options at Volkswagen of Downtown LA
Here at our dealership, we know many people are thinking about going green. With VW options, you can find a pair of electric VW vehicles, one currently available and one coming soon. We're happy to highlight the choices and the benefits to going green for your next purchase.
Explore Your Volkswagen Electric Vehicles
Right now, you can purchase the Volkswagen ID.4, which is a crossover that has modern and futuristic looks, but is able to drive 268 miles on a single charge before needing to be replenished. That's a rate of 104 miles per gallon electric equivalent in the city. It has the versatility you want from trunk space, plus comfortable seating and the latest in modern technology and safety to keep you confident behind the wheel.
The other option, coming as a 2024 model year is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. This is taking the classic VW bus look and providing us with a fully electric vehicle. Bringing back an iconic ride and one that will appeal to lots of people be it individuals or families to are looking for that type of space is going to be a real treat for LA drivers. Of course, we will keep you updated on its arrival here and what to expect as more details emerge.
Types of Electric Options
There are many options for you, as VW offers fully electric choices which run only on electric power, which allows you to cut out fuel and some maintenance like oil changes completely. There are others like traditional hybrids that work with a gas engine to give you added fuel economy through regenerative braking. There's also plug-in hybrids which have a rechargeable electric motor and can run on a limited electric range around town for short trips before needing to be recharged.
EV Ownership Benefits
There are many benefits to owning an electric vehicle. The first is that you will find a federal government tax rebate of $7,500 plus California tax rebates on electric vehicles to incentivize you to buy electric. You can also drive in HOV lanes on our freeways as well. Not only that, but you charge up at a number of different sites throughout LA with fast chargers that can get about 80 miles of range in 20 minutes. You also can purchase a Level 2 charger and have it installed by a professional electrician at your home so you can charge your vehicle overnight or all day to always make sure its well charged.
You'll also find long-lasting batteries that last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, and again there are maintenance benefits as you no longer have to worry about oil changes and other traditional engine repair. You also get a smooth ride, one that is plenty capable of producing enough power, and one that is quiet, plus over time, a low cost of ownership.
Come Learn More About Our Electric Vehicles Today
Here at Volkswagen of Downtown LA, we'd be happy to provide you with more information on the current electric vehicle choices and the ones coming to showrooms like ours in the future. Get in touch and we can arrange a time to meet soon.
Why Should You Buy an Electric Vehicle? The Team at Volkswagen of Downtown L.A. Has Answers
Are you currently shopping for a new car and considering the purchase of an electric vehicle? Do you find the idea of driving an electric car intriguing, but you aren't sure about taking the plunge? We know that there are a lot of folks who are considering making the jump into the world of electric cars. All the signs point to this technology leading the way into the future of driving. If you are wondering if now is the time to buy or lease an electric vehicle, the team at Volkswagen of Downtown L.A., located at 1900 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA, has some reasons why it might be time for you to consider this technology.
It is Better for the Environment
Getting behind the wheel of an electric car is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Many electric vehicles, including the new Volkswagen ID.4, have zero emissions. This reduction in emissions is helpful to the environment. It's just one of the ways you can do your part to reduce the impact of climate change.
You Eliminate Fuel Costs
Since an electric vehicle doesn't run on gasoline, you will eliminate the need for any fuel consumption. You can use the money you will save filling up your gas tank toward other important things in your life.
They Require Less Maintenance
Do you not have a lot of time in your life to get down to our service center for your car's routine maintenance? Owning an electric car may be a good fit for you. Electric vehicles require fewer auto service visits. This can lead to more free time for you, as well as more money in your pocket.
There May Be Tax Credits Available
Currently, there may be some tax benefits to owning or leasing an electric vehicle. If you are interested in knowing how these benefits apply to you, speak to a tax professional about it. There's a chance that buying or leasing an electric car might be good financial decision in a variety of ways.
Electric Vehicles Tend to Be Quieter Than Gasoline-Powered Cars
When you slide into the driver's seat of an electric car, you may marvel at the quiet ride. This is an advantage they have over vehicles that are powered with a gas engine.
Contact Us
Do you want to learn more about electric cars, or schedule a test drive of a Volkswagen ID.4? Contact a sales consultant at Volkswagen of Downtown L.A., in Los Angeles, CA, today!
Want to Learn More About Electric Vehicles?
Trees For Test Drives
Help Us Plant 100,000 Trees!
We've partnered with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships across the country to plant 100,000 long leaf pine trees across Eglin Air Force Base located in the Florida Panhandle. Between April 22nd and December 31st, we'll plant one tree for every qualifying test drive completed.
Here's how it works. After you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or 40+ mpg vehicle, scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Fill out and submit the short form telling us about your experience and we'll plant a tree on your behalf! It's that easy.
Here's how it works. After you take a test drive in an electric, hybrid, or 40+ mpg vehicle, scan the QR code located on the GreenCars hang tag inside the vehicle. Fill out and submit the short form telling us about your experience and we'll plant a tree on your behalf! It's that easy.
Common Questions
A federal tax credit of $7,500 is available on most EV models. Depending on where you live, state and local rebates and incentives may also be available. Check with your sales associate to find out if the model is eligible for rebates and incentives.
Other advantages of owning an EV include:
- Eligible EVs may also qualify for HOV lane access, which are normally restricted to vehicles with multiple passengers.
- Many electric companies offer lower rates based on the time of use. With EVs, you can save money by charging during off-peak times.
- If you're able to charge from work or home, there's usually no need to stop to refuel like you would in a gas-powered vehicle.
- EVs produce zero tail-pipe emissions resulting in cleaner air and better health.
This will vary depending on the local price of electricity and gas and where you are charging (at home or public charger), but most EV owners can expect to save on fuel cost. A recent Consumer Reports study found the “typical EV owner who does most of their fueling at home can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fueling costs over an equivalent gasoline-powered car.”
Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.
https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/A recent Consumer Reports study found “maintenance and repair costs for EVs are significantly lower over the life of the vehicle – about half – than for gasoline–powered vehicles, which require regular fluid changes and are more mechanically complex. The average dollar savings over the lifetime of the vehicle is about $4,600.”
Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.
https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/Gas powered vehicles offer a range of 300-400mi. Battery electric vehicles offer a median range of 250mi. For EV owners who charge at home, this is more than enough for daily use. For longer drives beyond the range of your vehicle, check a public charger map for charger availability along your route.
- Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 2-5 miles of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plugin hybrid vehicles but not battery electric vehicles.
- Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician and charge about 10-20 miles of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.
- Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 60-80 miles of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.
Yes, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can be used at home. In fact, the standard 120V outlet supports a Level 1 charger. Level 2 chargers require 240V and can be installed by a licensed electrician. If you do not own your home, you may need to work with your property owner to install a Level 2 charger.
Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number should continue to increase.
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