THE L.A. GUIDE TO EV DRIVING
WHY ELECTRIC?
With over 30 models to choose from, these next generation cars offer drivers state-of-the-art
technology, cutting-edge performance, sleek modern design and unparalleled convenience that
their conventional car forefathers could only dream of.
JUST WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU DRIVE ELECTRIC?
A BETTER CAR
With outstanding performance and handling, electric cars offer drivers a thrilling ride. Equipped with luxurious interiors and high-end comfort features, luxury comes standard in the new class of electric cars. And if that’s not enough, electric cars are loaded with intuitive safety and entertainment features keep drivers connected and in control.
A BETTER VALUE
Driving electric is a practical, cost-effective choice that saves both money and time. Electric cars are more affordable and easier to fuel and maintain. Plus the electric lifestyle comes with all kinds of bonus perks and benefits, from driving in the carpool lane to free VIP parking in many of your favorite neighborhoods across L.A.
A BETTER L.A.
When you drive electric, you are also investing in L.A.’s future. With little to no tailpipe emissions, electric cars are an essential component of our plan for a healthier and more sustainable city. By driving a cleaner car, electric car drivers are a part of L.A.’s transformation into a city with cleaner air, healthier citizens, a growing clean economy, and a more sustainable and prosperous future.
TECHNOLOGY
Electric cars are powered by electricity. They have an electric motor and batteries that you charge by plugging it into a power source, just like your cell phone. With 90% fewer moving parts, electric cars are actually far simpler and more straightforward than a conventional gas guzzling car. Without a conventional car’s complicated engine and transmission, electric cars are much more reliable and need virtually no regular maintenance.
Electric motors generate powerful instantaneous torque, providing extremely fast acceleration from a stop, making for a thrilling ride. The electric motor and batteries offer more design flexibility than a conventional engine, so they can be positioned optimally to lower the center of gravity, allowing for a smoother and safer ride. Electric motors are also about three times as efficient as gasoline conventional engines. Another boost to energy efficiency? Electric cars use regenerative braking to charge your battery whenever you brake.
TWO TYPES OF ELECTRIC CARS
PURE ELECTRIC
Pure electric cars are powered entirely by an electric motor using rechargeable batteries. There is no combustion engine and no polluting emissions.
PLUG-IN HYBRID 
Plug-in hybrid cars have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Similar to pure electric cars, plug-in hybrids have an electric motor and batteries. The hybrid capability means that the car switches over to a backup conventional engine if the battery is depleted.
RANGE
The new generation of electric cars offer the range you need to get you where you need to go. We Angelenos spend a lot of time in our cars, with many of us driving up to 50 miles every day as part of our daily commute — well within the range of every electric car on the market. Pure electric cars go over 100 emissions-free miles on a single charge, with some going even further, including the Chevy Bolt’s industry-leading 238 miles. That’s enough to go from the Santa Monica Pier to the Griffith Observatory and back again five times on just one charge!
Plug-in hybrids are a great alternative for long-distance drivers. With a backup gasoline engine, you can drive even more miles, while still getting many of the benefits of a pure electric car – less emissions and plenty of savings.
CHARGE ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
When you drive electric, you have the luxury to choose when and where to power up. All electric cars come with a charger that
can be easily used at home or on the go. And all have state-of-the art technology that lets you can manage and customize
charging times according to your schedule. You can even use smartphone apps to charge your car with the tap of a finger. With
so many charging options, electric car owners are always in the driver’s seat.
THREE WAYS TO CHARGE
BASIC (LEVEL 1)
The easiest option is to plug your car into an ordinary household outlet, so your car can charge overnight, just like your smart phone.
From empty, it takes 8-15 hours to recharge, making this option best for overnight charging. Wake up to a fully charged car that’s ready for the road.
FAST (LEVEL 2)
The fastest way to charge at home is to install a Level 2 charger in your garage or carport.
Level 2 charging is about 4 times faster than a standard outlet, with an estimated 3-6 hours to fully recharge.
DC SUPER-FAST (LEVEL 3)
Whether you’re running errands in your neighborhood or on a road trip to Palm Springs, this is the fastest way to charge on the go.
With DC fast charging, you can be fully charged in 20 to 40 minutes.
CHARGE AT HOME 
Most drivers do nearly all of their charging overnight at home, using Level 1 or 2 charging options. To take advantage of the fast speed of Level 2 charging, you can easily purchase and install a residential charging station. This equipment costs around $1,000, but will EV drivers have access to a number of government incentives and rebates, with L.A. and many neighboring cities offering several hundred dollars back for charging equipment.
Learn more about charging equipment rebates
CHARGE ON THE GO 
The vast and growing network of public charging stations makes it easier than ever to charge when you’re on the road. There are hundreds of public charging options across Los Angeles, conveniently located near many of your favorite stores and restaurants. Many of these stations offer super-fast charging, so you can get an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. Smartphone applications make it easy to locate available nearby charging stations in real time. With thousands of charging outlets across the nation give you the flexibility for long distance travel.
Learn more about public charging networks
SLASH THE STICKER PRICE 
Angelenos are eligible for at least $10,000 of state and federal incentives to help buy or lease a new pure electric car. And the majority of us with a household income under $75,000 are eligible for thousands of dollars in additional savings.
DUMP THE PUMP 
When you drive electric, you never have to go to a gas station again. Skip the gas station and save an estimated $750 along with 8 hours of your precious time every year. Plus by powering up on electricity rather than gas, you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your energy comes from local sources with much more stable energy prices.
PARK LIKE A BOSS 
With preferential parking spots in many of L.A.’s shopping centers and cultural attractions, EV drivers never have to search for a spot. And you can enjoy free parking and charging all over town, from free metered parking near the beaches of Santa Monica and Hermosa to free charging at LAX, the LA Zoo and the Getty Center.
DRIVE IN THE FAST LANE
Both pure electric cars and plug-in hybrids give you unlimited access to the HOV lane with a Clean Air Vehicle Sticker. Owners of pure electric cars qualify for a white sticker while plug-in hybrid drivers get a green sticker, and both will save you an average of 15-20 minutes per trip. That’s about as close to the open road as you can get in L.A.!
