1. Get rid of the car
If you haven't already, measure your pollution output.
Biking, public transit, and walking are good for your
health and good for our air.
More people bicycle today than ever before:
Walking is wonderful;
if you're able to walk or bicycle, go for it!
Millions of people use public transit - with apps for
routes, schedules, plus a way to check
when the next bus or tram is arriving.
Some places allow bikes on the streetcar or bus.
Used electric cars are cheaper, but many won't qualify for the $4,000 federal tax credit.
New Electric Vehicles (EV's) often get better "range" (the distance they go on a full charge), and qualify for various financial incentives (see the Rebates and Tax Breaks page).
Less expensive electric cars are the Nissan Leafplus (starts at $27K, with 205 miles range), and the Bolt (260 miles).
If you have a garage, EV's are easy to charge. Plug the EV into your ordinary wall socket overnight.
Your regular (110/120v) outlet will provide "fuel" for about 50 miles in 12 hours or so.
If you have a lengthy commute, install a 220/240v unit for faster garage charging (see tax credit info).
For trips away from home, Level III (DC) chargers are in various locations, such as shopping mall parking lots.
Use the PlugShare app to find out where! DC super-chargers can take between 25 to 45 minutes and may cost $20.
Not all EV's can connect with every super-charger, but the PlugShare map spells out which type is where.
For a longer list of EV models, prices, and tax breaks - visit the rebates page!
Regrettably, some can't access mass transit.
My wife and I have had a Chevy Bolt,
Tesla Y, and BMW i3 in recent years.
See 10 reasons.
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So if you really need a car, lease or buy an electric one.
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The Ford F-150 Lightning pick-up truck and the Hyundai Ionic-5 offer VTL (Vehicle To Load) capability, which means you can plug electrical items into vehicle sockets.
The F-150 has enough power for a fridge, plus.
Remember though that you'll still need some of that electricity to drive the vehicle.
A Tesla Model Y getting (VTL) electricity from a Ford F-150.
Chevy Bolt, Tesla Model S, BMW i 3
Recently, there've been delays, shortages and price mark-ups in the auto market.
Fortunately, you can rent an EV before you make an order or purchase, using Turo, or Hertz.
Bad News: Electric vehicles are not faultless...mainly because of the batteries, due to the same sourcing problems
as the batteries in your phone or laptop. For more, see Batteries.
Again, is owning a car necessary? Even the tires can be a problem.
Many people feel they have little choice. If so, from "cradle to grave" electric cars are at least 2x better than oil/gasoline vehicles: are-electric-vehicles-really-better-for-the-climate-yes-heres-why.
For deals on EV buying: best-electric-vehicle-prices.
If you're new to EV's, a lease may be a better choice than a purchase.
"For all EVs...the lifetime ownership costs were many thousands of dollars lower than" conventional cars -
because of no gasoline, no oil, and little maintenance or repair work.
If you are part of a credit union, ask if they have an auto broker. A broker can help find bargains and figure out lease vs purchase options, but DO NOT let them steer you towards an oil'n'gasoline car!
If you're not in a credit union, they’re easy to join. Search: credit unions near me
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Refunds and discounts might add up to $10,000. Auto dealers, Costco, your utility, your state, as well as the federal government have differing rebate offers. See the Tax Breaks and Rebates page for details.
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If you sell your old car yourself,
you’ll make more money than a car-dealer will give you for a trade-in. For tips: how-to-sell-your-car
For more on the bio-diesel controversy see: