It seems like everyone is trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Greenhouse gases are melting the polar ice caps and punching a hole in our planet’s ozone, and we’re all trying to do our part to stop it. That’s why an eco-friendly Kia makes sense. It will not only save you a tremendous amount of money on gas, but it’s good for the environment too. We at Gay Family Kia care about our customers as much as we care about the planet. So here are four good questions to ask when trying to choose an eco-friendly Kia.
What’s the Difference Between an Electric Vehicle and a Hybrid?
An electric vehicle is 100 percent electric and doesn’t require any gas. You just charge it and go, but if you don’t charge it, you can’t go anywhere. With a hybrid electric vehicle, there is no plug. Both the gas engine and electric motor work together to provide more efficient power. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle operates on both gas and electricity. You have the option of using either one as its source of power.
Which Model Is Right for Me?
The first thing to ask yourself is if you think you’ll ever go on long road trips. If so, you should think about going with a hybrid model, because there might not be charging stations available in some areas along the way. The United States now has over 16,000 public electric car charging stations, but still many of them are concentrated in urban areas.
The Kia Soul EV has ample cargo space, so it is a good choice for those who are sports minded. The Optima Hybrid is the most popular for good reason — it has stylish lines and outstanding features, like push-button start and surround sound, that make it a dream to drive. The Niro is fun to drive, has a lot of cargo space, and is good for those with an active lifestyle.
Will I Get an Income Tax Credit?
You should check with your accountant or CPA to be sure, but most all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars purchased after 2010 are generally eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. You should also check with local agencies to see if you qualify for other benefits and incentives, like free parking or free charging. Some cities even allow single-occupant HOV lane access for hybrids or electric vehicles.
Where Can I Get One?
We’re glad you asked, because that’s why we’re here. We are happy to show you all the different models and help you determine which one is right for you and your family. As you can see, there’s a lot to consider and we know it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but we can help simplify it all for you.
The lower emissions and savings in gas are just the beginning. Once you drive one of these fine vehicles, you’ll fall in love with the style and smooth ride. Soon you might even have one of your own.
This photo, “2017 Kia Niro: A New Hybrid Hero,” by Automotive Rhythms used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. “2017 Kia Niro: A New Hybrid Hero” is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o by Gay Family Kia.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.