Purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) in Arizona is easier than ever, with a range of trusted dealerships and online tools to help guide your decision. A great place to start is by exploring the DRIVE Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealerships map. This tool helps you find dealerships across the state that are recognized for their knowledge and support of EV buyers.

Just like buying a gas-powered vehicle, you can choose to purchase an EV in person at a dealership, pre-order one online, or shop for a new or pre-owned model through varying platforms. Online tools like the PlugStar Shopping Assistant from Plug In America can help you compare vehicles, check availability, and even find local incentives to save money on your purchase. Keep in mind that some manufacturers sell exclusively online with limited showroom locations.

1. Test Drives: Most dealerships offer standard test drives, but some may allow overnight or multi-day drives—ask if you can experience the EV over a longer period to better evaluate charging and range.

2. New Vehicle Range: Ask for the EPA-estimated range and real-world experiences, especially from other local buyers or staff who drive the model.

3. Driving Experience: Ask how the EV differs from a gas vehicle—especially around instant torque, regenerative braking, and one-pedal driving. Request a hands-on demo during your test drive.

4. Charging at Home: Ask if the vehicle can charge from a standard 120V outlet and how long a full charge typically takes at home. This helps you understand real-world convenience.

5. Charging Cable Included: Most EVs include a Level 1 charger; ask if it's included, what it looks like, and what charging options are compatible with the vehicle.

6. Free Charging Incentives: Some dealerships or automakers offer free charging plans (e.g., 2 years of Electrify America or EVgo)—ask what’s included.

7. On-site Charging: Does the dealership offer Level 2 or DC fast charging on-site, and is it available for customer use?

8. EV Service Capability: Ask if their technicians are certified for EV maintenance. If not, who do they recommend for EV repairs?

9. Battery Type & Charge Speed: Learn whether the EV uses an NMC or LFP battery, and how fast it can charge on both Level 2 and DC fast chargers (in kW and minutes).

10. Used EV Range & Battery Health: If buying used, ask for a battery health report and how the current range compares to the original range.

You can charge your EV at home using a standard 120V outlet (Level 1), though it’s much faster to use a 240V Level 2 home charger, which many owners choose to install for daily convenience. On the road, you can access public Level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers through networks like Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and others. Most EVs come with built-in navigation or apps to help you locate nearby charging stations based on your connector type and charging speed.

Some EVs are now compatible with the Tesla Supercharger Network thanks to Tesla’s adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS). However, not all EVs support this yet. If your EV is compatible, you’ll likely need a NACS adaptor to use Tesla Superchargers. Ask your dealership whether your vehicle comes with one—some manufacturers include it, while others offer it as an optional accessory. It’s a good idea to clarify this during your purchase so you’re prepared for all available charging options.

Federal Tax credits up to $7,500 are available for eligible* new electric vehicles and up to $4,000 for eligible* used electric vehicles. You can work with your dealership to process the vehicle tax credit. Tax credits are available for home chargers and associated energy storage, each up to $1,000.

*Eligibility requirements 

• Meet IRS requirements, including income thresholds

• Purchase an eligible vehicle

• Vehicle's MSRP (price), final assembly location, battery components, and more must meet certain requirements

How to claim the credit

• People who buy new electric vehicles may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $7,500, and used electric car buyers may qualify for up to $4,000. Consumers can either choose to claim the credit on their taxes or opt to transfer the credit to an eligible dealer for an immediate discount on the vehicle at purchase. 

Additional Information

• You can use the IRS New Clean Vehicle Tax Credit Checklist (PDF) and the Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit Checklist (PDF) for more information

• You can visit FuelEconomy.gov to determine qualifying vehicle models

State incentives

• For information about current rebates and EV incentives in Arizona, including incentives, rebates & TOU Charging Programs from utilities can be found at QMerit.

Electric vehicles (EVs) require much less maintenance than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles because they have far fewer moving parts and no need for things like oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts.

Typical EV Maintenance Includes:

• Brake inspections – Regenerative braking reduces wear, but periodic checks are still smart.

• Software updates – Many EVs receive these over-the-air to improve features or efficiency.

All Vehicles Require:

• Tire rotations – Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear.

• Windshield wiper fluid refills – As needed.

• Cabin air filter replacements – Usually every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

What You Don’t Need with an EV:

• Oil changes

• Transmission service (most EVs don’t have multi-speed transmissions)

• Exhaust system repairs

• Fuel system maintenance

Attend a DRIVE Electric Arizona Showcase or Ride & Drive event. These events let you test drive a variety of EV models, chat with current owners, and get real-world insights into EV ownership. It's a hands-on way to explore the technology and ask questions in a relaxed, informative setting.

Contact a DRIVE Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealership. These dealerships are recognized for their knowledge and commitment to EV education. Their staff can walk you through available models, charging options, and incentives, making your transition to electric driving smoother and more informed.