If you are considering a new car, be sure to visit the EPA's fuel economy info page! The fuel economy estimates are online for over 900 new cars. Even if you don't get one of the more than 70 models of electric cars, you can still purchase a vehicle with great fuel efficiency. Visit http://fueleconomy.gov for more information.
Will County encourages our residents, local governments and businesses to consider more fuel efficient plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. These cars, SUVs, pick-ups, and delivery trucks save on fuel expenses, and the fully electric versions have over 100 mile ranges from a single charge. They can easily be charged overnight and used for commutes, errands and more. The average person travels less than 50 miles to and from work, meaning that fully electric cars can easily transport their owner on a few errands on the way home!
Hybrids offer more flexibility because they can be fueled with gasoline while also boosting range with their bank of rechargeable batteries. The plug-in hybrids can actually be driven like a fully electric car for short trips or be used similarily to a fossil fuel powered vehicle for long distances. Please be aware that as battery technology improves, costs drop and charging stations become more common place, the need for hybrids will decrease.
People tend to fear the electric vehicle range limits, but this fear is virtually eliminated with the rise in EV stations across the nation. In the Will County area alone, consider this list from Department of Energy:
Aurora
Eola Community Center
Prisco Communty Center
Two Brothers Round House
Bolingbrook
AMITA Health Adventist
IKEA
Meijer - Tesla
Braceville
Exelson
Channahon
HD Park
Crete
Kohl’s
Frankfort
Mariano’s
Joliet
Hawk VW
Joliet Jr. College
Mariano’s
North Ridge Mall
Thomas Nissan of Joliet
Walmart (on Jefferson)
Will County Courthouse (free)
Will County Health Department (free)
Lemont
Kohl’s
Lockport
City Hall (free)
Isle of LaCache Forest Preserve (free)
Matteson
Hawkinson Nissan
Mokena
Ozinga (free)
Naperville
Advanced Data
Edward Hospital
Harter Investment Strategies
HIS
North Central College
Springbrook Animal Care
Orland Park
Doctor's Garage
Orland Park BMW
Orland Parking
Park Forest
City of Park Forest
Walgreen
Plainfield
Edward Hospital
Romeoville
Joliet Jr College
Kohl’s
Shorewood
Conrad's Harley-Davidson
Tinley Park
Kohl’s
Wingate by Wyndham
For a complete list of all electric fueling stations, please visit:
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html