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.
More people ride bicycles than ever before:
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.​​​
But you might not live near a mass transit system.
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So if you really need a car, lease or buy an electric one.
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See 10 reasons.
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 cars are the Nissan Leaf (starts at $28K, with 210 miles range), the Chevy Equinox EV ($33k/315), and the Hyundai Kona Electric ($32k/260).
For a longer list of EV models, prices, reviews, and tax breaks - visit the rebates page!
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you have a garage, EV's are easy to charge. Plug the cord into an ordinary wall socket.
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 20 to 45 minutes and may cost $25.
Not all EV's can connect with every super-charger, but the PlugShare map spells out which type is where.
A few EV pick-up trucks and cars offer bi-directional charging (V2X), which means you can plug electrical items into the truck/car to get electricity from the EV battery.
The trucks have enough electricity to power a refrigerator plus! See photo.
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Remember though that you'll still need some of that electricity to drive the vehicle.
A Tesla Model Y getting bi-directional electricity from a Ford F-150.
Chevy Bolt, Tesla Model S, BMW i 3
Not sure how an EV would work for you?
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Fortunately, you can rent one before making a purchase, using Turo. ​
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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 tires are problematic. Yet many people feel they have little choice.
​From "cradle to grave" electric cars are at least 2x better than gasoline vehicles: "Electric vehicles are better".
“If the U.S. eliminated emissions from [conventional vehicles], that could prevent around 11,700 [annual] deaths.”
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For deals on EV buying: best-electric-vehicle-prices.
If you're new to EV's consider: a lease may be a better choice than a purchase.
"For all EVs ... the lifetime ownership costs were many thousands of dollars lower than" traditional 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 more 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.
Click this link for more on car dealers and car companies.​
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