Why Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce lower lifetime emissions (even if the electricity is generated by fossil fuels) and have 60% of the maintenance costs, lower fuel costs ($1.41 per gallon-equivalent) and lower lifetime costs* compared to gas-powered vehicles.
EVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes.
EVs can easily accommodate the range requirements of most Americans (who on average travel less than 50 miles daily) and for homeowners at least, convenient overnight charging fills the “tank” by morning.
EVs will be even less expensive to drive as utilities roll out “time-of-use” rates and demand-response programs. For example, PNM’s 10 pm-5 am rates will “fill the tank” for about $3.
As battery range and charging networks expand and as prices come down, EVs will become more attractive to rural New Mexicans as well.
Technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit are driving advances in cleaner battery materials, recycling and repurposing batteries for other uses after their 15-20 year-life span in vehicles. *July 2023 Cost of Ownership Report
What is best for you? An all electric vehicle (EV)? Or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV: gas engine + electric motor charged by gas engine and braking) or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV: an HEV that can also be charged by plugging into electricity)? Check out this Wildgrid article to see what fits you best.
The largest source of CO2 emissions in the U.S. is transportation. Ideally, we’d all walk and bike more, or at least rely on public transportation. But given the long distances many New Mexicans travel this is not always practical. By driving electric we not only cut down on CO2, but we reduce the pollution that threatens the health of 45 million Americans who live close to busy roads and transportation hubs. Widespread transition to zero emission vehicles powered by clean electricity could save New Mexicans $3 billion in health care costs, 273 premature deaths, 7,380 asthma attacks and 32,300 lost workdays by 2050.
Electric Vehicles 101
Driving an EV feels different. It is quieter. 
The acceleration from 0 to 60 is mind-blowing. Regenerative braking, which charges your battery, slows the car faster than coasting a gas-powered car.
An EV requires a change of mindset about fueling up – remembering to plug it in at night if you have a charger at home or having to stop more often on a road trip.
On road trips, you don’t usually run your battery down close to zero. A good software system or app plans your stops so that you are charging anywhere from 20-80% of your battery’s capacity. Sometimes, at a fast charging station, the car is done before you’ve run to the bathroom and bought a snack.
Still have questions? These may help.
- Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Costs in 2022 were nearly 90% Lower than in 2008, illustrating the rapid price declines of disruptive technologies.
- Federal and other incentives below will also lower purchase prices.
Lifetime costs (purchase, fuel and maintenance). EVs save consumers $6,000–$10,000 in lifetime costs compared to gas-powered cars. Assuming cleaner car regulations, a 2023 modeling study of future New Mexico adoption of electric cars, SUVs and trucks projects $14,000 – $16,800 in lifetime savings starting with 2027 models for urban residents and $5,000 (manufacturer year 2027) – $13,600 (MY2030) for rural owners.
Energy Sage estimates that nationally, it costs about $6.73 to fully charge a Nissan Leaf, $10.47 to charge a Tesla Model 3 and $14.51 for an Audi e-tron. Click on the Vehicle Cost Calculator below to see how an EV might save you fuel costs compared to a gas vehicle based on your driving habits.
- Electric vehicles typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging.
- The greenhouse gas emissions associated with an electric vehicle over its lifetime are typically lower than those from an average gasoline-powered vehicle, even when accounting for manufacturing.
There has been concern about sourcing battery materials especially from countries with child labor and poor environmental oversight. Some car companies are addressing this through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, direct mining supervision and the development of alternate battery materials. Federal action and the growing market has sparked a rush of lithium mining in North America and the US, which ranks 5th in lithium reserves. (US and North America critical materials Reserves). Demand for critical minerals will increase even without EVs as they are used in personal electronics (e.g, cell phones and laptops) and in nation security (e.g., satellites and missile systems)
However, it’s important to point out the larger picture. The amount of EV materials being mined is minuscule compared to all metal mined in the world, and the amount of materials consumed by a gas-powered car is 300-400 times greater than that of an EV battery. The fossil fuels industry extracts millions-of-years old carbon that is sent into the atmosphere where it is very expensive and technologically challenging to capture and where it causes global harm via air pollution and climate change. EV battery materials, in contrast, have local impact, stay on earth and can be recycled, ultimately reducing demand.
Investments in recycling are robust, but even before recycling, EV batteries can be repurposed. EV batteries are not like short-lifespan cell phone batteries, because they have extensive thermal management to slow degradation from temperature changes. So EV batteries that degrade to 75-80% of their capacity (after 15-20 years, 100,000-200,000 miles) are being repurposed for home, industrial and grid energy storage.
EV technology, policy and incentives are changing fast. A very helpful organization for information about financial incentives, EVs and chargers is PlugIn America. Here are some other resources to stay in the loop.
Shopping for new and used EVs
Selected buying guides, car databases for sellers and buyers, and resources on loans, FAQs, trends and news.
Incentives for New and Used EVs
Government Tax Credits:
Tax credit requirements for the origin of battery materials become more strict over time. Where manufacturers assemble their EVs may also change. So which EVs qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit or part of it will also change over time. Confirming that the specific car you want to buy is eligible for federal tax credits requires due diligence. Watch out for trims that push the purchase price over tax credit MSRP limits and for models that can be manufactured in multiple countries.
Important points:
- To see the list of vehicles that fully or partially qualify for the federal EV tax credits, check this Department of Energy webpage. This page will be updated as manufacturers provide more information and as battery materials sourcing and assembly manufacturing evolve. Here are the IRS guidelines published April 17, 2023.
- If the EV you want does not qualify for tax credits now, consider leasing. There are far few restrictions on leasing and on used cars. You may be able to transfer your tax credit (up to $7,500; no income limitations) to the leasing company to get a lower rate. The used vehicle tax credit is up to $4,000 for vehicles under $25,000.
- In 2024, buyers will be able to transfer their tax credit to a dealer to receive an immediate discount or downpayment. Based on this Internal Revenue Document, we believe if buyers owe no taxes or less than the credit they will have to repay the IRS the appropriate amount at tax time. But we await further guidance from the IRS.
Good sources to check for updates include: Fueleconomy.gov, PluginAmerica, and the Internal Revenue Service. We are not tax experts, so do not rely on this website for tax advice!
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- Tax Credit is up to $7,500 for plug-in vans, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks with $80,000 max MSRP and for other plug-in vehicles with $55,000 MSRP.
- Part of the credit is reduced or eliminated if a percentage of the battery minerals are not extracted or processed in the US or Free Trade country or recycled in North America. The percentage increases from 40% in 2024 to 80% in 2026.
- See full Internal Revenue Service Guidance for vehicle requirements and how they impact the tax credit.
- There are income limits for who may take the credit, e.g, $300,000 adjusted gross income for married couples filing jointly in one of two years, $150,000 for individuals.
- The credit is nonrefundable, so you can’t get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes. You may not apply any excess credit to future tax years.
- The credit is taken for the date the car is delivered, not purchased.
- There are also credits for business vehicles (45W).
- EVs leased by consumers also are eligible for tax credits. Washington Post: Why you may choose to lease your next EV
- Starting in 2024, these EV tax credits will be transferable to dealers, essentially converting into point-of-sale upfront rebates with participating dealers.
- (25E) Nonrefundable Tax Credit is 30% up to $4,000 for a plug-in (or fuel cell) EV costing $25,000 or less.
- Nonrefundable means you cannot get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes. If you do not owe any taxes, the IRS will not give you any money. You can’t apply any excess credit to future tax years.
- Income limits, e.g., joint filers maximum adjusted gross income of $150,000.
- Must buy from a licensed dealer after Jan. 1, 2023
- Model year must be at least 2 years earlier than the calendar year in which you buy. For example, if you purchase a car in 2023, it must have a model year of 2021 or older.
- The car can not have already been transferred to a qualified buyer after August 16, 2022.
- The dealer must report required information to you at the time of sale and to the IRS. Form to file with your taxes.
- More details from the IRS.
- Plug In America Buyers guide and Recurrent used car resources on tax credit, batteries, how to buy and sell a used car, roadside assistance.
- Starting in 2024, these EV tax credits will be transferable to dealers, essentially converting into a point-of-sale upfront rebates.
EV Chargers 101
Slow Level 1 (120 Volts) is not a separate charger at all. You use the charge cord that came with your EV and plug into a standard AC 120 volt outlet at home. It is inexpensive, but slow, adding about 5 miles of range per hour to your battery. To avoid tripping a circuit breaker you might not be able to plug it in at the same time you use a washing machine or other major appliance.
Faster Level 2 (240 Volts) charging stations (at home or at public charging) allow you to charge your vehicle overnight at home, usually at a much lower cost than using a commercial network (especially if your electricity provider has special time-of-use rates for charging during off peak hours). It is 5-7 times faster than Level 1 charging. But Level 2 AC chargers require 240V, which you may not have in your garage or carport. If not, this may require an electric panel and/or wiring upgrade. There are IRA, state and electricity provider tax credits and rebates to help with that. (see incentives below). It may also be possible for the EV charger to share the circuit with a circuit splitter. Chargers can be hard-wired in or plugged into an outlet.
The fastest chargers use Direct Current (DC). These are found along roadways, like the Tesla Supercharging network. Charging speeds and technology are expanding as more cars can charge at higher voltages – the Lucid Air Pure can add 312 miles in 15 minutes, for example. But not all cars are compatible with the high electric loads (Tesla V3 250kW Superchargers can have 480 volts/300 amps) of DC charging, and not all fast chargers deliver the power needed to ensure a fast charge. If you are buying an older car make sure you understand its charging capability and constraints. For new cars however, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo announced that their vehicles will be able to use some of Tesla’s reliable Superchargers starting in 2024, with more automakers likely to follow. Non-Tesla cars will have access to 7,500 Tesla Supercharger and Destination (often Level 2) chargers.
Be aware that charging connectors differ by vehicle model and region in the world. Connectors are converging towards two types in the U.S., the Combined Charging System Combo (incorporating the Society of Automotive Engineers J1772™ standard Level 1 & 2 plug for AC charging with the DC fast charging connector) and the Tesla connector. A Magic Dock adaptor allows EVs with a CCS plus to charge at a limited number of Tesla Superchargers. Originally developed in Japan, the CHAdeMO is a DC fast charging connector, which may charge some models in the US like 2011-2021 Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi iMiEV.
EV Chargers – Financial Incentives
- Note that federal low- and middle-income upgrade rebates will not be available until 2023/2024. These provide up to $4,000 for electric panel upgrades and $2,500 for wiring. A federal 30% tax credit up to $600 for electrical panel upgrades and a $1,000 tax credit for EV Chargers installed in rural or low-income communities are available now.
- Xcel Energy’s Home Wiring Estimator tool estimates wiring costs and shows how much an EV will save in fuel costs.
There are growing incentives for multi-family housing and commercial charging in addition to residential rebates and tax credits. Because it is always less expensive to build EV ready structures than retrofit them, EV Infrastructure Building Codes should be adopted in New Mexico. Expansion of time-of-use electric rates, which provide less expensive charging during off hours and rates for low-income households will allow more people to participate in clean transportation.
EV Metrics and Terminology
Battery size or capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This tells you how much energy the battery holds. The bigger, the better. A commuter car like a Nissan Leaf might have a relatively small battery on the order of 40 kWh, while upper end cars have batteries around 100 kWh.
Range is the distance an EV can go on one charge. The larger the battery, the higher the range, generally. However many factors affect range including the weather, topography and how fast you drive. Regenerative braking adds charge back to your battery when you brake or coast. In general, most charging stops on long trips are mapped out for when you still have a decent amount of charge in your battery, so you are not recharging the whole battery every time. These can be timed with lunch and pit stops.
Efficiency or Mileage in Miles per Gallon equivalent (MPGe). This is calculated assuming that the energy content in 1 gallon of gasoline is equivalent on average to 33.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity. A car that uses 33.7 kWhr to drive 100 miles is rated at 100 MPGe. Electric cars are extremely efficient, having miles per gallons equivalents of over 100, compared to gas-powered cars, which averaged 25 mpg in 2020. Newer gas cars are rated just shy of 40 mpg.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). A all electric car that is 100% battery-powered and needs a charger.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). A car that has a gas engine as well as an electric motor and a small battery. It cannot be charged by plugging into an electrical supply.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). A car that has a gas (or other fuel) engine, electric motor and a larger sized batter than an HEV. It can be charged by plugging into a charger.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV). A vehicle that emits no harmful pollutants from its power source.
Low Emission Vehicle (LEV). California’s definition.
NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA 14-50 is a charging plug for a 240 volt outlet carrying 50 amp. Read more here.