Tag Archives: electric vehicle

California Aims to Eliminate Gas-Powered Vehicles by 2050

mufflerIf you live in or around large Californian cities, you know just how bad smog and pollution can be in these parts. Well, there’s a bit of good news for those who wish the air was a little cleaner here in the golden state. California along with 7 other states recently signed a pledge to virtually eliminate gas-powered vehicles from their streets by the year 2050. The other states who also signed the pledge are Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. They all have chosen to follow the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates which have previously been issued by an organization known as the California Air Resources Board (CARB). You may be wondering how Californian officials plan to nearly eliminate gas-powered vehicles by 2050, so here is a look at what we can expect here in the next 30 years or so.

Provide Incentives
One way the state of California plans to drastically reduce pollution throughout the state is by offering car buyers hefty incentives for buying zero-emission cars and trucks.

Invest in ZEV Technology
Our state also plans to invest in zero-emission technology in order to help manufacturers bring down the costs and make these cleaner vehicles more affordable for all Californians.

Implement New Policies
California has been leading the way when it comes to ZEV sales thanks to our already established Zero Emission Vehicle Program. The program currently requires auto companies to produce a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles to be sold to Californians. They plan to implement even more policies in the upcoming years that will help make the state a healthier place to work and live.

This really is really great news for those who live in California or one of the other states mentioned! So, do you plan on purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle anytime soon? If so, owning one of these zero-emission vehicles is about to get a whole lot more affordable thanks to this new pledge.

Why Auto Insurance Is More Expensive for Electric Vehicles

electricIf you live in the state of California, you have likely seen quite a few electric cars and small SUVs making their way onto the roads within the past few years. With gas prices on the rise here in California, many people have been looking for vehicles that operate without the need of gas. Are you currently considering making an investment in an electric vehicle in order to save money on gasoline? Well, believe it or not, you could be paying a little more for auto insurance if you own an EV and here is why.

Vehicle Value
We all know that the more a car, truck or SUV is worth, the higher the auto insurance will be. Electric vehicles tend to cost more than traditional gasoline vehicles, which is one of the reasons why auto insurance will be slightly more expensive.

Repair Costs
Since electric vehicles are generally more valuable than ones that operate on gas, any repair is typically also more expensive. As a matter of fact, the battery systems alone in an electric vehicle can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Not to mention, if a repair is needed, you will likely have to seek the advice of a mechanic that has been trained to work on electric vehicles and this could increase the cost as well.

While auto insurance might be a little more expensive for an EV, it’s still not at all a bad idea to make the switch. In fact, the federal government actually offers a substantial tax credit for those who purchase an electric vehicle. This credit could definitely offset the higher price tag and more expensive auto insurance. When shopping around for auto insurance for your electric vehicle, it’s recommended you ask if the insurance company offers any discount for those who own an EV. Chances are you might even get a discount that will make the cost of owning an electric vehicle more affordable.