By 2030, it is expected that 52% of new car sales are going to be electric vehicles. This is an astounding jump from the percentage of car sales we saw over the past few years. In 2021, electric car sales hit 6.6 million which made up 8.6% of new car sales in the US. That is more than double the market share from 2020. Therefore, in just 8 years, we should expect to see a 43.4% increase in electric vehicle sales.

There are several exceptional reasons these low-impact, zero-emission vehicles are a hot commodity. From rebates and incentive programs to saving on increasing gas prices, there doesnt seem to be a negative reason to not jump on the bandwagon.

There are federal, state, and local incentives to bring down the cost of buying or leasing an electric car. There are federal tax credits ranging from $2,500-$7,500, depending on the battery capacity. In addition, there is a Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) which provides rebate savings directly to purchasers and lessees of eligible electric vehicles. Lastly, there are local rebate and incentive programs. Local air districts and electric utilities often provide rebates for electric car purchases and leases, and for installing home charging stations. You can search by your zip code here to see if you are eligible.

The cost of charging an electric car in California is roughly half the price of fueling a standard gasoline car for driving the same distance. There is a growing amount of charge stations throughout public areas, so you will never be far or shy of a full battery charge.

With the purchase of an electric vehicle, you immediately reduce smog pollution and cut greenhouse gases. You will be protecting people and the plant for generations to come. In full-electric mode, an electric vehicle produces zero emissions. The world is already seeing the impacts of greenhouse gases and climate change, so by investing in a clean car we will see clean air and better health.

One of the greatest benefits of the electric vehicle is being able to utilize the carpool lane as a solo driver. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues a Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal that allows vehicles meeting specified emissions standards single occupancy use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes. Say goodbye to rush hour traffic and hello to the Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) program.

So, with all that being said, are Orange County and Tustin Auto Center ramping up to support this drastic change in the coming future? YES! Everyone is prepared and extremely enthusiastic about the approaching movement of electric vehicles.

Orange County has a significant goal of reducing greenhouse gases and harmful pollution as soon as possible. The city is ramping up to support a large percentage of electric vehicle charging stations, as the new proposal from the California Air Resources Board is asking that more than a third of new passenger cars and trucks sold in California in 2026 should be zero-emission vehicles. At its August 27th board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a five-year contract with ChargePoint, Inc. to install electric vehicle charging stations at three County parking structures. According to Scott Painter, Founder and CEO of Autonomy, Orange County has become a growing hub for electric vehicles over the past few years, with Southern California taking a large amount of the states leading position for the research, design, and manufacturing of electric vehicles.

Although some selling points to investing in an electric vehicle are easier than others, California Air Resources Board (CARB) acknowledges that the consumer change to an electric vehicle will require conveniences, as well as successful strategies to communicate the benefits to potential buyers. In addition, Orange County is implementing a pricing plan designed to cover energy costs, transaction fees, and regular equipment maintenance in order to optimize the use of electric stations.

If you are currently residing in Orange County or simply driving through town and looking for a charging station for your EV, look no further. Orange County is equipped with 99 stations spread throughout the region's shopping centers, gas stations, and parking garages. These well-located charging stations have been established in popular locations where residents or visitors make routine stops. There are 14 free charging stations, 18 fast chargers, 12 CHAdeMO plugs, 18 CCS plugs, 1 supercharger, and 66 J-1772 plugs. The top charging networks comprise 36 ChargePoint stations, 9 Electrify stations, 6 GE WattStation stations, and 5 Tesla stations. Here is a quick reference guide to a few top EV charging stations near you:

Charging stations offer three different charging levels, supporting everyone’s needs no matter what type of battery refill you are looking for;

1. Level 1 chargers can provide up to five miles of range with one hour of charging.

2. Level 2 chargers can give you 20 miles in an hour of charge.

3. Level 3 gives you over 30 miles in less than 10 minutes.

Here is a full directory of all EV charging stations in Orange County, in addition to other California regions.

Along with Orange County preparing for the community's uptick in electric vehicle sales, Tustin Auto Center is also equipped for the same questions, services, and support. This is a new and exciting revolution for everyone, especially when it promotes environmental impact and the health of community members. Swing by any of the 15 Tustin Auto Center locations today to learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles and what you can expect from Orange County as this growing demand continues to rise.

Tustin Auto Center is Orange Countys one-stop car buying center offering 15 different brands and thousands of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs. You can find all the location detailshere

. We look forward to seeing you at one of our dealerships soon!

References & Resources: https://www.normreeves.com/guide-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-orange-county-ca/https://www.plugshare.com/directory/us/california/orangehttps://www.california.com/where-to-find-electric-vehicles-charging-stations-in-the-oc/