Understanding EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular as they become more advanced and affordable. Modern EVs provide quiet yet quick performance and affordability with everything from tax credits to lower maintenance costs. You can learn more about what EVs have to offer to see if one is right for you.

Benefits of Plugging In

Save Big on Fuel

You won't be at the mercy of prices at the gas station since electric power is more affordable and stable.

EV Incentives

Federal tax credits are available to encourage drivers to reduce emissions. You may even discover that there are state incentives for even more savings.

Low Cost to Own

EVs don't require as much maintenance as gasoline-powered vehicles since they don't have many of the same internally lubricated components. You can come in for service less often and avoid services like oil changes for more savings.

Fuel Up At Home

Keeping your EV charged is easy with charging cords and home chargers available.

Quick and Quiet

You can enjoy a serene driving experience one moment and exciting acceleration the next, with EVs offering nearly instant torque response and little to no noise without a gasoline engine.

Best of Both Worlds

Plug-in hybrid vehicles have their feet in both electric and gasoline camps, letting you enjoy efficiency and flexible driving range.

88%of EV owners say they charge their vehicle at home "often" or "always."

Which EV is Right for Me?

Battery Electric

Choosing a battery electric vehicle lets you enjoy the most benefits from driving electric, including savings from tax credits, zippy acceleration, and zero-emission driving.

Plug-in Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid lets you charge at home or on the go while complementing your driving with gasoline power. You can expect an all-electric driving range, driving modes, and excellent fuel economy.

Traditional Hybrid

Traditional hybrids recharge their battery by driving, making them less efficient. Most offer over 40 MPG but may not qualify for tax credits.

Fuel Efficient

A fuel-efficient car generally offers up to 40 MPG but doesn't include any tax credits.

Owning an EV

Understanding Charging

Level 1

Level 1 charging is the slowest option, charging 3 to 5 miles an hour. However, most models have standard charging cords that you can use with a standard 120-volt household outlet.

Level 2

Level 2 charging lets you charge 12 to 80 miles, but the speed may vary between chargers and models. There are level 2 home charges and stations for your convenience.

Level 3

Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, replenishes 3 to 30 miles of range per minute, making it the fastest option. While level 3 charging isn't available for a home installation, you can find fast-charging stations and savings with select networks. Some brands offer complimentary charging at specific charging networks.

Charging at Home

EVs make it possible to charge at home to save you time and money. Instead of going out of your way, you can plug in your EV when you get home and ensure you're ready for commuting the next day. Level 1 and 2 charging are both home charging options.

Battery Care

Check your owner's manual and consult our service specialists for your battery's recommended maintenance. Avoid over- or undercharging your battery and pay extra attention to your EV's battery during temperature extremes.

  1. Mercedes-Benz of Ann Arbor

    570 Auto Mall Drive
    Ann Arbor, MI 48103

    • Sales: (734) 492-0213
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Trees For Test Drives
Help Us Plant 100,000 Trees!

Give back by simply taking a test drive. Our dealership works with GreenCars, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Lithia and Driveway dealerships to plant 100,000 long-leaf pine trees at the Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. Schedule a test drive with a qualifying vehicle between now and December 31st.

All you need to do is scan the QR code of a hang tag inside an eligible car and complete a short form about your experience. We will plant a tree on your behalf once you have finished.

Common Questions

A federal tax credit of $7,500 is available on most EV models. Depending on where you live, state and local rebates and incentives may also be available. Check with your sales associate to find out if the model is eligible for rebates and incentives.

Other advantages of owning an EV include:

  • Eligible EVs may also qualify for HOV lane access, which are normally restricted to vehicles with multiple passengers.
  • Many electric companies offer lower rates based on the time of use. With EVs, you can save money by charging during off-peak times.
  • If you're able to charge from work or home, there's usually no need to stop to refuel like you would in a gas-powered vehicle.
  • EVs produce zero tail-pipe emissions resulting in cleaner air and better health.

This will vary depending on the local price of electricity and gas and where you are charging (at home or public charger), but most EV owners can expect to save on fuel cost. A recent Consumer Reports study found the “typical EV owner who does most of their fueling at home can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fueling costs over an equivalent gasoline-powered car.”

Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/

A recent Consumer Reports study found “maintenance and repair costs for EVs are significantly lower over the life of the vehicle – about half – than for gasoline–powered vehicles, which require regular fluid changes and are more mechanically complex. The average dollar savings over the lifetime of the vehicle is about $4,600.”

Source: Benjamin Preston. October 08, 2020. EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/
Gas powered vehicles offer a range of 300-400mi. Battery electric vehicles offer a median range of 250mi. For EV owners who charge at home, this is more than enough for daily use. For longer drives beyond the range of your vehicle, check a public charger map for charger availability along your route.
  • Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet and charge about 2-5 miles of range per hour, making Level 1 a good choice for plugin hybrid vehicles but not battery electric vehicles.

  • Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home by a professional electrician and charge about 10-20 miles of range per hour. A good choice for any EV when charging overnight or all-day is possible.

  • Level 3 fast chargers are the most efficient and can be found at commercial locations. Level 3 can charge about 60-80 miles of range in about 20 minutes, making it a good choice for any EV when a quick charge is needed on the go.
Yes, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can be used at home. In fact, the standard 120V outlet supports a Level 1 charger. Level 2 chargers require 240V and can be installed by a licensed electrician. If you do not own your home, you may need to work with your property owner to install a Level 2 charger.
Most batteries will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles when properly cared for. With battery technology continually advancing, that number should continue to increase.

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