Let's Drive Electric!

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been increasing in popularity throughout the years, with almost every major manufacturer coming out with their own version; the Chevrolet Bolt, Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, and most popularly known, Tesla. This new trend is for the better since EVs contain many benefits for the environment and for the driver as well. Not sure what those are? Well fortunately, the week of September 14 - 22nd is National Drive Electric Week (NDEW). It is a nationwide celebration for plug-in vehicles, hybrids and all electric cars, helping drivers learn more about EV technology and environmental benefits. By going electric, EV owner's benefit by:

Saving time and money. Since EVs do not require oil to run, the only maintenance needed are for the battery, electrical motor and other electrical parts. Most EVs have “regenerative braking” which means the kinetic energy coming from the car is turned right back into electricity. This feature allows the vehicle to last longer than conventional vehicles. Also, EVs do not waste energy when idling, because the electric motors do not turn unless the vehicle is moving. So, you can say goodbye to trips to the gas station, and hello to more quality time at home. Some EVs even qualify for a federal tax credit ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 depending on the vehicle and other state incentives. Want to learn more? Click here for additional information.

Being environmentally conscious. EVs are not equipped with tailpipes, therefore, less emissions are released into the atmosphere, improving our air quality. All EV manufacturers attempt to implement greater methods to their environmentally-friendly designs. Some EVs are made with recycled material throughout the vehicle. Take the Nissan Leaf, for example., The Leaf is made with 25% of recycled materials. Old polyethylene terephthalate soda bottles are recycled to make the seats, and recycled fabrics are used in the sound insulator pads under the hood. Most EVs are made with recycled plastic to help keep the weight of the vehicle light. By using wind or solar power to charge the vehicles, EV drivers are choosing the cleanest American-made energy available.

Improving health. Bad ozone is released into the atmosphere through harmful emissions that commonly come from vehicles and chemical plants. Inhaling ground-level ozone is especially dangerous for people who have asthma or respiratory problems, and they may experience increased frequency of asthma attacks and health care needs. By improving air quality, this helps to make the environment more enjoyable for everyone.

Experience what it means to “drive electric” at this year’s National Drive Electric Week 2019! NDEW 2019 will be held at the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) North Irving Transit Center on Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the whole family out to learn about electric vehicles from real North Texas EV owners and enthusiasts and be part of the “rEVolution”!

Did we mention prizes? We’ll have those too!

For details, follow us @nctcogtrans, as well as www.driveelectricdfw.org.

See you on September 21st!