Why drive electric?

Electric cars offer you many benefits, including:

• Superior driving experience – electric cars are cool, smooth, quick, and quiet. They represent the next generation in transportation technology and are a ‘blast’ to drive. If you have not had a chance to ride or test drive one, you’ll be in for a nice surprise when you do.
• Low maintenance and fuel costs. Unlike gas cars, electric cars do not require oil changes and have far fewer moving parts so they are easier and less costly to maintain. A big plus of electric cars is that you get to say “goodbye” to gasoline stations. Electric cars are highly efficient – unlike gas cars where a lot of the energy is wasted as heat, electric cars are 80%+ efficient. (Gas cars are around 20% efficient.)
• No smelly, poisonous exhaust fumes. Electric cars (those that are pure battery electric) do not have tailpipe emissions. They have no tailpipe!
• No gas/oil! As an electric car owner, you contribute to Hawaii’s clean energy goals, help to reduce harmful emissions and contribute actively to improving our climate situation.

There are also other benefits for Big Island electric vehicle owners that are worth noting. These include:

• Tax incentives – In an effort to encourage the adoption of sustainable transportation, the Federal and State governments employ a number of enticements. The most dominant of these at the moment are the tax credits that apply to electric and hybrid vehicles. These credits can offset the cost of ownership for many (those with expected income tax liability).
• Free charging at county offices and parks, and at some commercial establishments, e.g., Target Stores offer free charging for the first 2 hours.