5 Benefits of Driving an Electric Car in Olympia, Washington

Driving an electric vehicle (EV) in the Olympia area is a cost-effective way to help reduce the environmental impact of many gas-powered cars. Whether you want an EV for daily driving, fun adventures around Olympia, or for your college student, there are many benefits of electric cars worth considering.

Embracing EVs in the Evergreen State

Washington State has many progressive industries, including green technology, industrial symbiosis, life sciences, and tourism. People who live and work in Washington embrace clean energy and understand the positive economic impact of EVs and the benefits of electric cars on the environment. To help you understand the advantages of electric cars, our team at Titus-Will Hyundai has created this guide on the top five benefits of EVs.

1. Tax Incentives and Rebates Available in Washington State

Washington state is very generous with tax incentives and rebates. With the Clean Vehicle Credit, you may be eligible for savings of up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for preowned EVs. Washington also offers rebates for Level 2 EV chargers. As rules and policies for tax incentives and rebates for EVs evolve and change, stay up to date with new information from the Washington Climate Action.

2. Long-Term Savings on Fuel and Maintenance Costs

Electric cars are very energy efficient. They use minimal electricity to charge, and you never have to pay for gasoline. In addition, because EVs don’t have an internal combustion engine, they have fewer moving parts that need to be maintained or replaced. You still need to perform maintenance tasks, such as tire rotations, battery inspections, and suspension system inspections. However, major maintenance tasks can often be performed much later, such as 75,000 miles, rather than every 7,500 miles, as is needed for a gas-powered car.

3. Fewer Greenhouse Gases and a Reduced Carbon Footprint

EVs produce no tailgate emissions and fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants than gas-powered vehicles, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Emissions from gas-powered cars are often quite odorous and noticeable in an urban environment, while EVs have no emissions.

4. A Peaceful Driving Experience

As designers and researchers make advancements in EV technology, we’ll see an increasingly positive driving experience with EVs. One of the things you’ll notice when driving an electric car is the quiet ride. As they don’t have an internal combustion engine, they run silently, making for a peaceful ride.

5. Enhanced Performance

EVs can achieve peak torque almost instantaneously, providing enhanced acceleration when you need it, such as when entering the freeway or passing a slow-moving car. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, over 77% of the electrical energy is converted from the motor to the wheels as opposed to only 12% to 30% with gas-powered vehicles. Some EVs offer performance that surpasses most gas-powered vehicles. For example, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N with Grin Boost has up to 568 lb-ft of torque and 641 horsepower, surpassing many gas-powered competitors.

Preparing for EV Ownership in Olympia

Now that you understand the key benefits of owning and driving an EV in the Olympia, Washington, area, let’s look at how to prepare for EV ownership in the Evergreen State.

Choosing the Right EV for Your Needs

Hyundai makes several EVs ideal for the Olympia, Washington, area. Below are just some of the vehicles offered in the 2025 Hyundai EV lineup.

• Hyundai KONA Electric: The KONA Electric is the all-electric version of the popular gas-powered KONA SUV. This small SUV comes in four trims with a starting at the entry-level SE to the top Limited Trim. It offers 103 to 116 MPGe combined, with a driving range of 261 miles between charges.
• Hyundai IONIQ 5: The IONIQ 5 SUV comes in five trims with a starting at the SE Standard Range up to the XRT trim. This EV SUV has an estimated driving range of 318 miles.
• Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: The IONIQ 5 N has one available tirm that is a high-performance SUV that produces 641 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive, offering a driving range of about 221 miles. 
• Hyundai IONIQ 6: The IONIQ 6 is a sleek EV sedan ideal for an urban lifestyle. You can get the IONIQ 6 in four trims, starting at the SE Standard Range up to the Limited trim. With rear-wheel drive, the IONIQ 6 has a driving range of 291 to 342 miles, and with all-wheel drive, you can go between 270 and 316 miles between charges.

In addition to its EV lineup, Hyundai also offers hybrids, plug-in-hybrids, and the innovative NEXO Fuel Cell SUV.

Understanding the Local Charging Infrastructure

Public charging stations are an essential part of driving an EV. There’s a robust charging infrastructure that you can access through the West Coast Electric Highway, which includes charging stations along major roads, such as Interstate 5 and Highway 99. For charging stations around Olympia, you can use this planning map. There are several apps you can download, including PlugShare and Electrify America. Hyundai’s infotainment system also shows public charging stations.

Learn More About the Benefits of Driving an Electric Car at Titus-Will Hyundai

The Olympia area is the perfect place to drive an EV. There are several charging stations nearby, making it convenient to recharge your Hyundai EV, whether you’re going on a road trip or commuting to work. Contact our team at Titus-Will Hyundai to learn more about the Hyundai EV lineup, our automotive services, and flexible finance options. We invite you to schedule a test-drive to see how well our EVs handle in the city and on the highway.

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