HOURS MAP

More Minnesotans Opting For Electric Cars 

Electric Cars MNMore Minnesota families are searching for an electrical outlet instead of a gas station after a summer road trip.

The Star Tribune recently published a story on the surge in electrical cars, saying that Minnesota is one of the more popular states for hybrid vehicles.

“According to the Electric Power Research Institute, the state had about 2,400 electric plug-in vehicles as of 2013. Per capita, Minnesota is among the top 10 states with the highest number of electric vehicles in the county,” the Tribune uncovered. They also noted that sales of electric vehicles have risen more than 500 percent nationwide over the last two years.

Adding Charging Stations

One of the biggest reasons electric car ownership in Minnesota is booming is because many cities are adding charging stations that makes it easier for drivers to stay charged. Minneapolis added 36 charging stations near downtown parking ramps back in May, and they dish out electricity at an extremely affordable rate. The city charges $0.80 an hour to recharge, and most cars are fully charged within four hours. Essentially, a person can fully recharge their car for a modest $3.20 in electrical fees.

But Minnesota didn’t stop there. Back in May the state instituted a law that requires companies to offer discounted to drivers who recharge during non-peak hours. The new law will go into effect in 2015.

“This law is a win-win-win,” said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for an advocacy group called Fresh Energy. “It’s a significant savings to the customer, an extraordinary market opportunity for electric utilities and timely action for Minnesota.”

At Affordable Auto, we can service your electric car if it needs a tune up. We can handle most tasks, but be sure to give us a call if you have questions about your car issue. We want to get you back on the road as quickly as possible, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.

 

 

 


  • 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop
    Sep 6, 2013

    When your car needs work, two things come to mind. You want someone who will get the repair done quickly, and most importantly, someone who won’t overcharge you for the work. But how do you know which auto repair shops are honest and which ones want to take you for a ride? Below we share […]

  • New Car Technologies Will Cut Commute Time, Keep Drivers Safe
    Jan 22, 2014

    As we mentioned in a recent post, self-driving cars are expected to become the norm over the next 20 years. While the technology is still in its early stage of development, researchers believe self-driving vehicles will keep people safe and cut down on carbon emissions. Self-driving cars may be the way of the future, but […]

  • Why Isn’t My Car’s Air Conditioning Working?
    Apr 16, 2014

    Spring is here, and if you’re like us, you’ve already taken a drive with the windows down at least once. Temperatures are only going to rise, and soon enough you’ll be turning that dial on your dashboard from heat to cool air to AC. Air conditioning is a nice luxury that most people don’t give […]