Going from a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle to an all-electric may seem a little scary, but Capitol Nissan in Salem, OR, is here for you every step of the way. From our friendly, knowledgeable sales staff who know the questions to ask to figure out exactly what your automotive needs are, to our finance experts who work hard to find you the best deal that fits neatly within your budget, to our factory-trained service technicians who will help you through the years in keeping your new EV running its best. Suddenly changing tracks to an EV means you'll have a lot of questions, but don't worry - Capitol Nissan has the answers. Below, you'll find the most frequently asked questions about electric vehicles and our replies. If you don't see an answer to your question, feel free to contact us by phone, online, or stop by our dealership at 3235 Cherry Ave NE in Salem, OR. We're always here to help!
Find the Answers You Need
Cost & Ownership
- Is the upfront cost higher? - Yes, you'll spend more purchasing or leasing an EV than you will a gasoline-powered model, but with state, federal, and local incentives, the prices are steadily going down.
- Will I save money in the long run with an EV? - Absolutely. With no more trips to the gas station, that's a huge savings for you. With fewer fluids to change and regenerative braking, this means less maintenance costs and more money in your wallet.
- Does an EV need more or less maintenance? - Definitely less. With no oil changes required and fewer moving parts, you'll save on service charges.
- What kind of battery life can I expect from an EV? - You'll find your battery will last about 10 years or more, depending on your driving habits. You can even recycle your battery after it's replaced.
Range & Charging
- How far can an EV travel before it needs to charge? - Most of the newer EV models, like the Nissan LEAF, can go up to 250-300+ miles before needing to charge. Their range easily covers daily commutes and short trips.
- Where can I charge my EV? - It's recommended to charge your EV overnight at home to bring it up to a full charge. You can also utilize public Level 2 and DC fast chargers, which can take your EV up to 80% in 15-60 minutes, depending on the model. The Nissan Leaf takes about 35 minutes for a fast charge.
- Can I use my EV for a long road trip? - With planning, long road trips are possible. With more fast chargers available, it's easier than ever to travel long distances in your EV.
EV Types
- What kind of EV types are available? - There are three types of electric vehicles. A BEV is 100% electric, while the PHEV and HEV models are gas and battery hybrids. The PHEV requires plugging in for the electric range, while the HEV recharges while braking.
Safety & Environment
- Are EVs safe to drive? - Yes. Electric vehicles perform well in safety crash tests and feature the latest in driver assist technology. They have a lower rollover risk as well as a low fire risk, much lower than gasoline models.
- ** What is the environmental impact of switching from a gas-powered to an EV?** - Electric vehicles and hybrids offer lower overall emissions, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and their quieter operation means less noise pollution.