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.
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More people bicycle today than ever before:
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Walking is wonderful;
if you're able to walk or bicycle, go for it!
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Millions of people use public transit - with apps for
routes, schedules, plus a way to check
when the next bus or tram is arriving.
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Some places allow bikes on the streetcar or bus.
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Used electric cars are cheaper, but many won't qualify for the $4,000 federal tax credit.
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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).
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Less expensive electric cars are the Nissan Leafplus (starts at $27K, with 205 miles range), and the Bolt (260 miles).
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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.
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If you have a lengthy commute, install a 220/240v unit for faster garage charging (see tax credit info).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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: