DRIVE Electric Arizona's Trusted EV Dealership Program tenets benefit consumers who plan to purchase an electric vehicle in the State of Arizona.
DRIVE Electric Arizona’s
Trusted EV Dealership Program Tenets
Reliability
Our “Trusted” Dealerships stock multiple trims of EVs and prominently showcase EV models. This ensures you have an equivalent buying experience to traditional vehicles, allowing you to view, test-drive, and purchase EVs conveniently.
Education
Our “Trusted” Dealerships appoint at least one EV sales manager who completes DRIVE Electric Arizona’s EV dealership training program and acts as a liaison with DRIVE Electric Arizona. This guarantees that their sales staff can provide you with up-to-date, accurate, and informed conversations.
Assurance
Our “Trusted” Dealerships provide at least two Level 2 chargers on-site and deliver all vehicles charged to at least 80%. This demonstrates their commitment to EV adoption and ensures you can hit the road with confidence.
Engagement
Our “Trusted” Dealerships partner with our local DRIVE Electric Arizona chapters to support rallies, Ride & Drive events, and other initiatives. This builds relationships with EV enthusiasts and potential buyers, promotes community engagement, and welcomes you as part of the EV community.
Accuracy
Our “Trusted” Dealerships update their maintenance automation systems to reflect EV-specific requirements, avoiding ICE-related services such as oil changes and fuel-system inspections being marketed to you. EVs do not need oil changes, fuel-system inspections, or other internal-combustion-engine maintenance. This maintains credibility and trust by providing accurate service reminders specific to electric vehicles.
Verification
Our “Trusted” Dealerships provide third-party battery health reports for buyers of used EVs. This offers transparency and confidence in the condition of used EV batteries, helping ensure that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Common EV Questions
Select a question below to learn more.
How can I purchase an electric vehicle in Arizona?
Purchasing an electric vehicle is similar to purchasing a gasoline-powered vehicle. You can shop at a dealership, order directly from certain manufacturers or search online for a new or pre-owned model.
A good place to begin is with a DRIVE Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealership. Participating dealerships demonstrate a commitment to EV education, vehicle availability, charging support and a knowledgeable customer experience.
Take your time. Compare several vehicles and take a meaningful test drive before making your decision.
What questions should I ask at the dealership?
Start with the questions that will help you understand how the vehicle fits your everyday driving and charging needs.
- What is the vehicle’s EPA-estimated range?
- How quickly can it charge at home and at a fast charger?
- Is a portable charging cable included?
- Is a NACS or other charging adapter included?
- Can the dealership demonstrate regenerative braking and one-pedal driving?
- Are the dealership’s technicians trained to service this EV?
- Are any public-charging promotions included?
- For a used EV, is a third-party battery health report available?
Ask whether an extended or overnight test drive is available. Spending more time with the vehicle can help you evaluate comfort, range and charging under real-world conditions.
How do I charge my EV, and will I need an adapter?
Charging at home
Most EVs can charge from a standard 120-volt household outlet, commonly called Level 1 charging. A 240-volt Level 2 charger is faster and is the preferred option for many EV owners.
Charging while traveling
Public Level 2 and DC fast chargers are available through networks such as ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo, Tesla and others. Your vehicle’s navigation system or charging apps can help locate compatible stations.
Charging adapters
Adapter requirements depend on the vehicle, charging connector and charging network. Some EVs have a native NACS charging port, while others may require an automaker-approved adapter to use compatible Tesla Superchargers.
Before leaving the dealership, confirm which charging cable and adapters are included with the vehicle.
Are incentives available for purchasing or charging an EV?
Incentives may be available through federal programs, Arizona utilities, local governments, automakers or charging providers. Eligibility can depend on the vehicle, purchase date, household income, location, utility territory and other requirements.
Because incentive programs and eligibility rules can change, verify the current requirements before purchasing a vehicle or installing charging equipment.
Important: Do not rely solely on an advertised incentive. Confirm that both you and the specific vehicle qualify before completing the purchase.
What kind of maintenance does an EV need?
Battery-electric vehicles generally require less routine maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles because they have fewer moving parts and do not use engine oil, spark plugs, exhaust systems or traditional fuel systems.
Typical EV maintenance
- Tire rotations, inspections and replacement
- Brake inspections and brake-fluid service
- Windshield-wiper blades and washer fluid
- Cabin air-filter replacement
- Cooling-system inspections when specified by the manufacturer
- Software updates and manufacturer-recommended inspections
Services battery EVs do not normally need
- Engine-oil changes
- Spark-plug replacement
- Exhaust-system repairs
- Traditional fuel-system maintenance
Always follow the maintenance schedule provided by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Where can I get more of my EV questions answered?
Attend a DRIVE Electric Arizona rally, EV showcase or Ride & Drive event. You can meet local EV owners, compare different vehicles and get practical answers in a friendly, no-pressure environment.
You can also visit a DRIVE Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealership. Participating dealerships are committed to providing informed conversations about EV models, charging, ownership and available programs.