Is an EV Right for Me?
When considering purchasing a new vehicle, one question that often arises is whether an electric vehicle (EV) is the right choice. The rising popularity and advancements in electric vehicle technology have made them a compelling option for many car buyers. However, it's important to evaluate your own needs and preferences before making a decision. Here are a few key factors to consider when determining if an EV is the right fit for you.
One significant consideration is your driving habits and the distance you typically cover in a day. Electric vehicles are an excellent choice for individuals who primarily commute within a certain range, as they offer a limited but steadily improving electric range. If most of your trips fall within this range, you can enjoy the benefits of zero emissions and lower operating costs associated with electric vehicles.
When comparing EVs to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), it's crucial to understand the differences. While both types of vehicles can be charged from an external power source, PHEVs also have a traditional gasoline engine. This allows PHEVs to operate as electric vehicles for a certain distance (typically around 20-50 miles) before seamlessly switching to gasoline power, thereby extending their total range.
For many individuals, the flexibility offered by PHEVs makes them an attractive option. The electric range of a PHEV is typically sufficient for daily commuting and local driving, providing the advantages of electric power for shorter trips. However, when the need arises for longer journeys or when the electric range is depleted, the gasoline engine takes over, eliminating any concerns about range anxiety. This hybrid functionality can be particularly beneficial for those who frequently travel long distances or live in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
While electric vehicles offer a sustainable and cost-effective transportation solution for many, the decision to go electric depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you have a daily driving routine within the electric range of EVs, they can be a fantastic choice. However, if you require the flexibility to switch to gasoline power for longer trips or lack access to sufficient charging infrastructure, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle might be the better option. Ultimately, it's essential to evaluate your driving patterns, infrastructure availability, and personal preferences to determine whether an EV or a PHEV is the right fit for you. Visit our dealership to explore our wide range of electric and hybrid vehicles and speak with our knowledgeable staff who can assist you in making an informed decision.
FITTING AN EV TO A CUSTOMER
Which EV is right for which customer? Help your customer select the vehicle that best suits their lifestyle by asking a few questions. Review the “Yes” responses in each column and then check the vehicle type in the last row to determine the most feasible vehicle selection(s).
| QUESTIONS TO ASK CUSTOMER RESPONSES | CUSTOMER RESPONSES | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Is the customer interested in driving a vehicle powered by electricity? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Does the customer need the assurance of having a backup gasoline engine? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Does the customer have a willingness to install a residential charging solution and/or have consistent access to a public charging station? | Not Applicable | Yes | Yes |
| Is the customer hoping to eliminate gasoline usage and oil changes from their vehicle care routine? | No | No | Yes |
| EV RECOMMENDATION | HYBRID | PLUG-IN HYBRID | ALL-ELECTRIC |
MEET A HYBRID OWNER
- Wants to conserve fuel
- Values a fueling experience that doesn’t differ from traditional gasoline-only vehicles
- Appreciates the pride of having an environmentally conscious lifestyle
- Does not want to change their driving habits in any way
MEET A PLUG-IN HYBRID OWNER
- Wants to conserve fuel
- Appreciates the opportunity to drive all-electric at times
- Likes the reassurance of having a gasoline engine available when needed
- Accepts the need to plug in the vehicle as needed
- Actively engages with the regenerative braking score to enhance all-electric travel range
- Enjoys the added performance of the hybrid engine
MEET AN ALL-ELECTRIC OWNER
- Wants to entirely remove gasoline and oil changes from their driving experience
- Acknowledges the need to plug in the vehicle at residential or public charging stations
- Enjoys the opportunity to start each day with a fully charged vehicle
- Appreciates the added performance benefits of all-electric travel
- Acknowledges the necessity of pre-planning recharging stops on long trips
- Understands that weather conditions can affect travel range
- Actively engages with the regenerative braking score to enhance range
- Gratified by the elimination of harmful tailpipe emissions
- Feels connected to their vehicle and uses apps to enhance that connection
MEET THE CURRENT FORD EV LINEUP
For the full eSourceBook section on each EV, click on the menu symbol at the top of the page and select Vehicles, or go to the home page and use the Vehicle Selector option.
HYBRID VEHICLES
- 2021 and later Escape Hybrid
- 2021 and later Explorer Limited Hybrid
- 2021 and later Explorer Platinum Hybrid
- 2021 and later F-150 Hybrid
- 2022 and later Maverick Hybrid
PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES
- 2021 and later Escape Plug-in Hybrid
ALL-ELECTRIC VEHICLES
- 2021 and later Mustang Mach-E
- 2022 and later E-Transit
- 2022 and later F-150 Lightning
EV SALES TIPS
Consider Or include these ev-specific sales setps when presenting an EV to your Customers:
#Fit the vehicle to the customer based on their needs and degree of acceptance of the EV lifestyle. (See “Fitting an EV to a Customer” above.)
- Explain the EPA Fuel Economy and Environment Label to each customer. (See https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/fuel-economy-and-environment-label-examples for detailed examples.)
- Discuss federal and state tax incentives for the purchase of an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. (Regular hybrids are not eligible for federal tax credits.) Visit https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/409 or use this IRS "Who Qualifies" page link for the latest Clean Vehicle Credit information. Go to afdc.energy.gov/laws/state to search for EV and charging incentives by state.
- Explain charging requirements. (See “Residential Charging” page for charging details.)
- Hybrid – None
- Plug-in Hybrid – A 120-volt or 240-volt outlet is sufficient when used with the Ford Mobile Power Cord offered with each Ford EV
- All-Electric – Generally a 240-volt outlet is needed to adequately recharge an all-electric vehicle overnight. Available equipment includes Ford Mobile Power Cord, Ford Connected Charge Station and Ford Charge Station Pro. Aftermarket solutions are also available but not recommended
- Encourage your customers to purchase a 48-amp Ford Connected Charge Station or 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro (for F-150 Lightning) on the Pick Your Charge Station website at: ford.com/chargers. Customers will no longer be able to include the purchase of these charging solutions in their vehicle financing.
- Customers can contact our providers for installation: Qmerit for Ford Connected Charge Station and Sunrun for the Ford Charge Station Pro
- Consult EV delivery checklist – A delivery checklist for Plug-In Hybrids and All-Electric vehicles is available to provide assistance with the unique delivery process for each type of vehicle.