Are there any rebates for installing EV charging stations at home?
Yet another incentive for Missouri drivers to purchase an electric vehicle? Many communities' electric companies provide $500.00 rebates for installing a Level 2 EV charging station within the home. More up-to-date information about EV charging station rebates, we suggest that Missouri drivers reach out to their local utility company. To help, we included some links below:
How can EV ownership help Missouri drivers save money, in general?
While Missouri drivers currently lack access to state-provided rebates, consistent use of electric vehicles instead of their gas-guzzling counterparts can lead to long-term cost savings.
Electric vehicles don't have to undergo emissions inspection - As is true of every state, vehicles must legally undergo inspections, which we detail in our article dedicated to
Car Inspections In Missouri. For most vehicles, this includes passing emissions tests to verify that the car or truck doesn't produce pollutants that exceed Missouri's limits. However, because electric vehicles produce no such greenhouse gasses, they're automatically exempt, sparing you the costs.Â
More often than not, electricity is cheaper than gasoline. Most of the time, using electricity to power a car is cheaper than using gasoline because electricity costs less for the energy you get. It's like a good deal. Relatedly, EVs can go a longer way on the same amount of energy as gas-fueled cars. So, in short, you get more bang for your buck with electric vehicles.
Reduced frequency of repairs. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than other cars and trucks, resulting in fewer opportunities for wear and failure. With an EV, you won't have to worry about overly complex transmissions, spark plugs, oil filters, oxygen sensors, emission (EVAP) system hoses . . . the list goes on and on. You won't even have to worry about
semi-frequently changing your oil.
Regenerative braking prolongs the life of your brakes. A key feature of electric vehicles worth exploring further is regenerative braking which enables EVs to recover and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost to braking. This, in turn, lessens the routine wear on the brakes and related parts, meaning you have to replace them less frequently than if you drove a gas-fueled vehicle.Â
Are EV charging stations easy to find in Missouri?
As is true of every state, EV charging stations tend to be in greater abundance in more densely populated areas. Therefore, residents living in Greater St. Louis and other metro regions will have no issues locating charging stations near their home and work. However, even Missouri residents who don't live near cities won't be without options; to learn more about your options statewide, read EV Charging in Greater St. Louis and Beyond - All Your Questions Answered.
Are there steps Missouri drivers can take to further save on long-term expenses of EV-ownership?
Many of the following tips apply to both electric and gas vehicles, but this doesn't make them any less true (or effective):
- Try to avoid "running on empty." To prolong the life of an electric vehicle (EV) battery, aim to keep the battery charge within the recommended range of 20% to 80%. It's certainly not the end of the world to have your battery dip below 20%, but take actions to reduce the frequency.
- Be purposeful with where you store your vehicle to preserve the battery. Maintain optimal battery temperature during times of dramatic temperature swings both hot and cold. The impact of small actions, like parking in a garage rather than on the street on a snowy day, can accumulate to prolong your battery.Â
- Keep tires in peak condition. Tires should be properly inflated and replaced as recommended in order to maximize fuel efficiency and prevent costly blow-outs (as well as to improve safety). Learn more in our article, How Old Can Tires Be and Still be Safe.
- Drive efficiently. Smooth and gradual acceleration and braking can minimize wear on the braking system and maximize energy recuperation through regenerative braking.
- Conduct preventive maintenance. While EVs require overall less maintenance, don't make the mistake of thinking that they're maintenance-free. Smart actions to take include bulb replacements, replacing wiper blades, and battery health monitoring.Â
Want More Tips for Missouri Car Ownership?
While an F150 in Missouri will be the same as an F150 in Florida, related policies and driving conditions may differ. To help residents of the greater St. Louis region make the most of their vehicles, we wrote the following:Â