We realize that most residents and regular winter time visitors to Truckee consider AWD a necessity. So we wanted to highlight the AWD makes/models available today as well as the ones scheduled to debut this year.

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Plug-in  Hybrid vs. Hybrid

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We chose not to include regular hybrids, because the existing set of non-plugin AWD hybrids have less than stellar MPG ratings. In many cases, car manufacturers have chosen to use the electric motor to boost horsepower rather than increase MPG. 

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Maybe you aren't familiar with the distinction between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. A plug-in hybrid gives the driver the option (you are not required to plug-in) of plugging your vehicle into a charger. The charger charges a battery that typically gives your vehicle an all electric range in the 15-35mile range. For those of us that live and work in Truckee, a high percentage of our driving will be all electric. Once the battery runs out of charge, the gas engine kicks in.  

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EV Guide

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Drive Clean Bay Area has put together a wonderful guide to buying EVs and plugin hybrids that makes it easy to compare models and to plan your purchase. 

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Compare Total Cost of Ownership and Carbon Emissions

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MIT researchers have created an easy to use online tool that clearly shows that EVs are easier on the environment and easier on your wallet.  If you specify your state, it will calculate available rebates and will take into account the mix of renewables vs fossil fuels in your utility's energy mix.

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