Understanding EVs

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.

Benefits of Plugging In

Save Big on Fuel

Driving electric offers significant savings compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.

EV Incentives

Incentives, rebates and other credits are available to help make driving electric more affordable.

Low Cost to Own

EV owners can expect to spend half as much on maintenance and repair. (Consumer Reports)

Fuel Up At Home

Charge while you sleep, work, or at a growing number of public chargers.

Quick and Quiet

Enjoy fast and smooth acceleration, better handling, and a quieter ride.

Best of Both Worlds

Plug-in hybrids provide electric range for short trips and gas-power for longer journeys.

88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always.

Which EV is Right for Me?

Battery Electric

Fully electric cars offer the smallest environmental footprint and the biggest savings on maintenance and fuel.

Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in hybrids have a rechargeable electric motor and a gas-powered engine to extend range if needed.

Traditional Hybrid

Powered by an electric motor and gas-powered engine, Hybrids recharge as you drive. Tax credits and other benefits may not apply.

Fuel Efficient

These efficient, gas-powered vehicles get over 40MPG and still reduce your emissions and costs.

Owning an EV

Understanding Charging

Charging times vary depending of 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.

All About Electric and Hybrid Cars

Modern drivers are looking for a more modern ride. We can offer that and more with our green lineup. These hybrids and EVs come with impressive efficiency, tech, and more so that you get a full package. We know that this may be new to some drivers, so we aim to make it easier for everyone. Here is just a bit about what a new hybrid or EV can do for you.

What is an EV

An electric vehicle replaces the combustion engine we all know with a battery and a series of motors. This means you will not need any standard fuel, just electricity. Customers love the cleaner, quieter, and simpler driving abilities of these new EVs.

When shopping for a new electric vehicle, you will also need to think about other changes. These cars and SUVs are measured in range instead of fuel economy. That just means how far it can take you on a single charge. You will also need to charge your EV's battery with an external source, which is usually provided during purchase.

The Perks of Going Electric

The efficiency is a huge perk offered by any electric vehicle. Customers love the savings they get when switching from fuel to electricity. However, this is just the start of what an electric car or SUV can do for you.

These models also have fewer moving parts. That means less room for error or visits to your local service center. You will also love all the modern technology offered in a new EV. There is nothing quite like sitting behind the wheel of an electric car or SUV.

Electric Subaru Options

When looking for an all-electric SUV, the new Subaru Solterra is bound to impress. This model offers an impressive range, a style that will stand out, and so much more. Customers are encouraged to visit our dealership and learn more about the new Subaru Solterra.

What is a Hybrid

The difference between a hybrid and an electric vehicle is that a hybrid still has a combustion engine. This engine is simply aided by a powerful battery for more efficient fuel usage. Many shoppers love hybrids because they bridge the gap between electric and what we are used to.

There are a handful of different hybrid options. A mild hybrid will utilize regenerative braking to keep its battery charged. If you choose a plug-in hybrid, you will need to use a charging station to keep that battery alive. Our professionals are more than happy to explain all the differences between these options during your next visit.

The Perks of a Hybrid

As we said, a hybrid uses the battery to help the engine be more efficient. This makes the fuel economy of any hybrid stand out from the pack. We know that efficiency is one of the first things customers look for in any purchase, and you will find it with ease in this lineup.

The savings don't stop at the pump when driving a hybrid model. Customers can also qualify for federal tax benefits and other incentives thanks to these options. Simply ask one of our financial professionals about your savings opportunities during your purchase.

Hybrid Subaru Options

If you need a hybrid, we have you covered. The new Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is an excellent model that will tackle any adventure with the confidence we expect from this brand. With a phenomenal efficiency and a range of capability features, you will get it all from a Crosstrek Hybrid.

Find Your Next EV or Hybrid Subaru in Reno

Simply visit our dealership to get your experience started. Our professionals can show you through the current EVs and hybrids we have available. Take one for a test drive to feel the innovative quality for yourself.

  1. Lithia Reno Subaru

    2270 Kietzke Ln
    Reno, NV 89502

    • Sales: 775-284-8000
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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.

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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