Why Driving An Electric Vehicle Is Easier Than Ever

August 10, 2023

What’s holding you back from purchasing an electric vehicle (EV)? For many people, it’s the uncertainty of where to plug in and charge up. You will no longer have to refuel at the gas pump, which is all most of us have ever known. Driving electric is a lifestyle change, but that doesn’t mean it’s inconvenient. In fact, the ease of electric is a top reason why most EV drivers say they’ll never go back to gas.

Choose From More Than 100 EV Models

Whether you prefer driving a truck, SUV or sedan, there’s an EV option for you. Automakers are investing heavily in EV manufacturing, with currently more than 100 EV models to choose from and many more on the way. Additionally, the distance you can travel on a single charge is growing. Most EVs now have a range of more than 200 miles and an increasing number are approaching or exceeding 300 miles.

Plus, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 on the purchase of a qualified new EV or up to $4,000 on a qualified pre-owned EV. For drivers who are looking to experience some of the benefits of driving electric, such as fuel savings, a plug-in hybrid vehicle that runs on electricity and gasoline is also a great option. Duquesne Light Company’s interactive EV guide explores the growing number of EV options and what incentives you may be able to claim.

Recharge From the Comfort of Your Home

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most EV drivers do more than 80 percent of charging at home. When you drive electric, you don’t have to worry about stopping at the gas pump. Many EV drivers plug in at night and wake up every morning with a full charge. You can charge at home by plugging into a standard 110-volt outlet, which will provide up to 5 miles of range per hour of charging; or by installing a Level 2 charging station connected to a 240-volt circuit (the same as an electric clothes dryer), which will provide 25 to 40 miles of range per hour of charging.

In addition to the federal tax credit for purchasing an EV, you may also be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $1,000 for installing a Level 2 charging station at your home and up to $600 to upgrade your electrical panel if needed for the installation. Visit Rewiring America’s savings calculator to see what incentives you may be able to claim to install charging at your home.

Charging on the Go

If you’re not able to charge at home, there are more than 600 public charging station ports in the Pittsburgh region today — and that number is growing every day. Fast charging stations that add about 150 miles of range every 20 minutes are increasingly available across the region, state and nation, making it easier to travel long distance in an EV. These stations are often located near convenience stores, restaurants or retail areas so you can shop, eat or relax while you charge.

Driving electric is becoming more accessible for everyone. Ready to explore if this might be right for you? Visit EV.DuquesneLight.com to get started today.

This article first appeared in Pittsburgh Magazine on July 26, 2023.