Electric

Electric vehicles use electricity either as their primary fuel or to improve the efficiency of conventional vehicle designs. There are some major differences between gasoline and electric cars. When you drive an electric car, often the only thing that clues you in to the fact that it is electric is that it is nearly silent. Vehicles that run only on electricity produce no tailpipe emissions. When charging plug-in vehicles, it tends to be more cost effective compared to gasoline, especially if drivers take advantage of off-peak rates offered by many utilities.

There are 3 Types of Electric Vehicles:
1) Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
2) Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) 
3) All-Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has a pilot electric bus fleet, which won the GWRCCC 25th Anniversary Electric Fleet of the Year Award .

About the Vehicles

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are powered by an internal combustion engine or other propulsion source that can be run on conventional or alternative fuel and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. HEVs combine the benefits of high fuel economy and low emissions with the power and range of conventional vehicles.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power an electric motor and use another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine or other propulsion source. Using electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some or all of the time reduces operating costs and petroleum consumption, relative to conventional vehicles. PHEVs might also produce lower levels of emissions, depending on the electricity source.
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All-Electric Vehicles (EVs)
All-electric vehicles (EVs) use a battery to store the electrical energy that powers the motor. EVs are sometimes referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs). EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source. Although most U.S. electricity production contributes to air pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorizes all-electric vehicles as zero-emission vehicles because they produce no direct exhaust or emissions. Because EVs use no other fuel, widespread use of these vehicles could dramatically reduce petroleum consumption.

Benefits of Electric Transportation

1) Energy efficient:  Electric vehicles convert more electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels than conventional gasoline vehicles.
2) Environmentally friendly: EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants.
3) Performance Benefits: Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance.
Reduce Energy Dependence: Electricity is a domestic energy source.
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Benefits of Fueling
EVs have the benefit of flexible fueling. They can charge overnight at a residence, workplace or at public charging stations. Public charging stations are not as universal as gas stations but charging equipment manufacturers, utilities, municipalities and government agencies are establishing a rapidly expanding network of charging infrastructure.
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Residential equipment frequently will be installed in garages, but outdoor installation and use are also safe, even if the vehicle is being charged in the rain. Outdoor installations require outdoor-rated charging equipment. Charging at a multi-family residential complex requires additional considerations and may be more similar to public charging than to charging at a single-family home.

Emissions Reductions
Hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. HEV emissions benefits vary by vehicle model and type of hybrid power system. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions when in all-electric mode.
The life cycle emissions of an EV or PHEV depend on the sources of electricity used to charge it, which vary by region. In geographic areas that use relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity production, plug-in vehicles typically have a life cycle emissions advantage over similar conventional vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. In regions that depend heavily on conventional fossil fuels for electricity generation, PHEVs and EVs may not demonstrate a strong life cycle emissions benefit. Use the Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare life cycle emissions of individual vehicle models in a given location.

Electric Vehicle Resources

From the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center
Alternative Fueling Station Locator – Find an alternative fuel station any time anywhere. 
State Laws and Incentives – Find tax credits and incentives in your state
Qualified Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Tax Credit – Plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles qualify for a $2,500 to $7,500 federal tax credit.