Electric vehicles are the way of the future, and as more and more car manufacturers put out electric SUVs, trucks, and cars, we all see the potential that these efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles possess. Yet many are still on the fence about whether they want an electric SUV or vehicle, and that totally makes sense. They’re still relatively new, and it’s hard to compare the unknown to something you’ve been familiar with your entire life. Here are the top five reasons why 2022 is the year you should consider buying an electric SUV.

5. They’re environmentally friendly

It’s no surprise that electric SUVs are environmentally friendly, or at least friendlier, than internal combustion engine SUVs. The Natural Resources Defense Center (NRDC) says that “Electric motors convert over 85 percent of electrical energy into mechanical energy, or motion, compared to less than 40 percent for a gas combustion engine.” In addition, “an electric vehicle is roughly three times as efficient as an ICE vehicle.” As one might imagine, this also means that an electric SUV is also cheaper.

4. There are tax credits and incentives available

Perhaps you already know about the electric vehicle tax credit. It’s an incentive to get people to buy an electric vehicle, and there are federal, state, and local tax credits available. Federal tax credits generally range from $2,500 to $7,500, according to Drive Clean. You should also look for direct rebates as well as local rebates for buying or leasing electric SUVs, and installing home charging stations. There are different restrictions and guidelines surrounding the tax credits available, so it’s a good idea to search the particular electric SUV you’re considering as well as the area that you live in to see what may be an option for you.

3. Electric SUVs require less maintenance

Because electric SUVs have fewer parts than internal combustion engine SUVs, they require less maintenance. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy tested and tracked everything they own, from electric vehicles to postal trucks to large trucks. Their findings said that a “light-duty battery-electric vehicle (BEV) totals 6.1 cents per mile, while a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) totals 10.1 cents per mile.” They also note that “A BEV lacks an ICEV’s engine oil, timing belt, oxygen sensor, spark plugs and more, and the maintenance costs associated with them.”

These costs include operating costs, vehicle maintenance and depreciation, fuel and insurance, among other things. The study says that maintenance costs are less because there are fewer parts in an electric vehicle than there are in a traditional combustion engine. These costs were relative to the vehicle’s cost, and maintained their rate across vehicle sizes. 

2. They’re getting cheaper

Right now, battery costs account for half the price of an electric SUV. As the cost of electric SUV batteries goes down (and it is), the price of electric SUVs will go down, too. In fact, costs have already started to go down. The cost of lithium batteries is down 90% from what it cost ten years ago. In addition, car manufacturers are dedicating entire platforms to electric vehicles which will also help to drive down costs. Electric SUVs are cheaper than ever before.

1. You can drive in the carpool lane alone

Did you know that if you have an electric vehicle, you can drive in the carpool lane even when you’re by yourself? Many states allow even single drivers to travel in the carpool lane if they’re in an electric vehicle. If you regularly have to commute through traffic, this could be a huge selling point for buying an electric SUV.

If you’re considering buying an electric SUV, any of these reasons might be the one that convinces you that an electric SUV is the way to go. There’s lots to love about electric and hybrid sport utility vehicles, and plenty on the market to choose from.