ELECTRIC DRIVE
Committed to an Electric Future
Consumers
Consumers have more choice than ever before in electric vehicles (EVs). As recently as 2012, there were only a handful of EVs on sale. Today, there are more than 110 — including 67 battery electric, 45 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and 2 fuel cell vehicles — with more models in development. Today, consumers can buy EVs of all shapes and sizes — small cars, large cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickups in 2WD or AWD, with shorter and longer ranges, from economy vehicles to luxury models and everything in between. Yet, more work is needed to inform consumers about the benefits of going electric. Automakers and other stakeholders are spearheading consumer awareness campaigns, including in California and the in northeastern states.
Powertrain Options
Definitions
There are two types of plug-in electric vehicles on sale today.
Battery Electric Vehicles:
All-electric cars powered solely by a battery on board the vehicle. Range varies from 85 miles to 250 miles. “Refueling” times to charge the battery depend on the level of charging used – typically, 30 minutes to 1 hour for fast charging and 4 to 6 hours using Level 2 charging (e.g., home charger).
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles:
Vehicles powered by a combination of a battery on board the vehicles and a gasoline engine. Battery range varies between 15 and 50 miles, at which point the gasoline engine seamlessly operates to drive another 350-615 miles. Refueling time for the gasoline engine is 5 minutes (owners can drive a PHEVs indefinitely on gas only), and “refueling” time to charge the battery is typically 2-6 hours with Level 2 charging (e.g., home charger).
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs):
All-electric cars powered by the conversion of hydrogen into electricity. Range of FCEVs is typically 350 to over 400 miles. Refueling times are about 5 minutes.
State Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate
ACC II States
Under the Clean Air Act, California is allowed to set vehicle air pollution standards that are more aggressive than federal standards, which other states can also adopt. California adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II rule (ACC II) in 2022, and since then, several other states across the country have adopted or are in the process of adopting the rule. Those states include Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine*, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island*, Vermont, and Washington. (*denotes states pending ACC II adoption). Some states have adopted the rule through 2032, while others have adopted the rule through 2035.
Starting in Model Year 2026, ACC II will require 35 percent of auto manufacturers’ sales to be zero-emission, ramping up to 100 percent in Model Year 2035.
EV Sales
U.S. ZEV vs. Non-ZEV sales (2022)
Explore the Electric Vehicle Sales Dashboard
Geographic Disbursement of Electric Vehicles Per 10,000 Residents (2022)
DID YOU KNOW...
Battery electric vehicles...
...have something attractive for everyone:
- powerful acceleration and precise handling
- no more trips to gas stations
- reduced maintenance costs
- no tailpipe emissions
- vehicles large enough for families
Fuel cell electric vehicles...
...are also a great all-electric option, with:
- powerful acceleration and precise handling
- 3-5 minutes refueling at hydrogen stations
- driving range of 350-400 miles on a single tank
- reduced maintenance costs
- zero tailpipe emissions
- vehicles large enough for families
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles...
...can be a great option for an EV, if you drive longer distances and hydrogen refueling stations are not available:
- no tailpipe emissions when operating in all-electric mode
- powerful acceleration and precise handling
- extended range in gasoline-engine mode to travel longer distances, especially when charging is not readily convenient
- vehicles large enough for families