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There are many reasons to ditch your gas-guzzler for a hybrid or electric vehicle, from higher gas prices to creating less pollution to saving money over time. More drivers are considering getting an electric car than ever before – and a growing list of financial incentives is making this goal possible.

But the experience of owning (or leasing) and driving a vehicle powered by electricity will be new for most folks. What is driving one like? Where do you go to power your car battery? The truth is, driving an electric car isn’t that much different from one that uses gas. It will be quieter. You won’t have to smell gas at the pump. You can even plug in your car at home if you have the setup to make that happen.

First things first.

Where – and How – Do You Plug In an Electric Vehicle?

Simply use the charging cable to plug in your car. EVs come with an extension cord that can be plugged into a specialized outlet on one end and into the car on the other end. Many smaller EV charging ports provide recharging equipment outside of parking garages, auto mechanics, strip malls and near sidewalks. Some gas stations are starting to offer EV charging, as well.

For a list of charging stations in your area, conduct an online search or check out locations in this online government database by state.

How Often Do You Need to Recharge Your EV?

All-electric vehicles don’t require any gas to run so they must be plugged in to recharge. There are also plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the road that are powered by both electricity and gasoline. They have a battery pack that can be recharged at an external port or charging station. But since they also run on gas, it’s not necessary to charge them as frequently.

In the past, charging up a depleted EV battery could take all night. But things are changing. Newer, more efficient technology and a growing number of charging stations is making it easier to recharge when you need to. Still, plan to spend a little longer than you would at a fuel pump. It may take 30 minutes or more, depending on how low the battery is. This process may become quicker and more convenient as more options are provided.

Lower the Cost of Your Next Electric Car with Federal & Illinois Tax Credits

Let’s be real: electric vehicles are not cheap. The good news is that there is financial assistance at both the federal and local level to help people afford their new EV. The federal Qualified Plug-In Electric-Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit is available for EV purchases, but there are a few factors to consider:

1. A tax credit of $2,500 to $7,500 is available for new purchases
2. From manufacturers that have not met certain thresholds of vehicle sales
3. The amount depends on the size of the vehicle and capacity of its battery

Some states and electric utilities also offer incentives, many of which are located in an online Laws and Incentives database. In Illinois, for example, residents that purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer can be eligible for a rebate of:

• $4,000 for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle that is not an electric motorcycle
• $1,500 for the purchase of an all-electric motorcycle

Keep in mind that you must apply for the rebate within 90-days of vehicle purchase. Other factors may apply. For instance, rented or leased vehicles will not qualify for the Illinois rebate, and the car or motorcycle cannot have been the subject of a previous EV rebate. The rebate amount can’t exceed the purchase price of the vehicle, and you must retain ownership of the vehicle for a year immediately after the vehicle purchase date. In addition, there will be some documentation requirements that are detailed in the application.

Take Care of Auto & Financial Needs at CFSC Auto Services

Check out CFSC Auto Services for all your auto service needs, as well as a host of financial needs, from cashing your checks to handling your electronic bill payments for your utilities. Here are some car-related tasks we can handle for you:

1. Register your new electric vehicle
2. Get your new license plates
3. Get your annual license plate renewal sticker
4. Transfer plates or titles

The world is changing, and so is the way people take care of their auto and financial needs. Why wait in long lines at the DMV? When you stop by your nearest CFSC location, we can do the work for you and save you the hassle. Check out CFSC Auto Services online to find out more!

There’s not much more thrilling in life than acquiring a new set of wheels. To make the transition official, there are a few things you need to do as the car’s new owner, and registering it with your local government is one of them. To do so you need a complete certificate of title for the vehicle, a legal form that comes as part of the purchase. It establishes that you are the legal owner, and you’ll want to hold onto that so you can register the vehicle as well as to show that you own the car when necessary.

What’s on the Vehicle’s Certificate of Title?

A certificate of title usually comes from the state where you buy the car. If you’re making the purchase through a private seller, be sure you receive this important document. In Illinois, it includes the VIN (vehicle identification number), which is a code assigned to all motor vehicles when they’re manufactured. The purpose of this code is to identify your specific vehicle – for instance, if the model gets recalled or to help police track it down in case of an auto theft.

Titles vary by state. They usually include a few other identifying details:

Date issued

Purchase date

Make

Model

Color

Importantly, it also includes the new owner’s signature to indicate the official transfer of ownership. In some cases, a title may need to be signed off by the lien holder or have a separate lien release letter. The title should be kept in a safe place, to be provided to the next owner if you decide to sell.

CFSC Auto Services Handles Auto Title Registrations & Transfers

If you have just purchased a used car, boat, motorcycle, or RV, you’re going to need to transfer the title and register your vehicle. This is where CFSC Auto Services supports you. In addition to providing an array of financial services, we provide various auto-related services, including title transfers. CFSC makes it easier for vehicle owners to transfer title from one owner to another without having to wait in line at the Secretary of State’s Office. With CFSC’s extended and weekend hours, you can take care of this necessary task when it is convenient for you, and you can be in and out in no time! In addition, if a title is lost, misplaced or stolen, there are options to have the lost title to your car, truck, RV, or vehicle easily replaced.

How Does Vehicle Registration Work in Illinois?

When you come by to pick up your new license plate, just let us know you also want the title transferred to your name. The steps are simple:

1. Bring in your Illinois or out of state title.
2. Someone will enter your details into a system that automatically gets shared with the Secretary of State facility online.
3. Bring some form of payment with you.
4. Leave with your new license plates.

The possible documents needed to complete this step may depend on a few different factors. With that in mind, give CFSC Auto Services a call to find out what you need to bring with you to complete your transaction and what form of payment will be accepted.

Other Auto & Financial Services at Your Local CFSC

Ready to hit the road? With dozens of storefronts throughout the Midwest, CFSC Auto Services makes renewing your plates easy. We handle all your title and registration needs under one roof, including:

• Register your new car.
• Get your new license plates.
• Get your license plate renewal sticker each year.
• Transfer plates from one vehicle to another when you sell or buy a used car.
• Handle duplicate and corrected titles.
• Transfer titles.

It’s important to keep in mind that these types of vehicle services are required by law. They can keep you from getting an expensive ticket that may end up costing you more than the service itself. Our employees can handle the paperwork, answer your questions, and you’ll rest assured knowing your registration information will be submitted to the state’s online database. The bottom line: we’ll help you get back on the road quickly with the comfort of knowing that all of the necessary legalities have been taken care of properly.

Why wait in long lines to take care of your auto needs or stress out over confusing websites? When you stop by your nearest CFSC location, we can do the work for you and also help out with your other financial services. Our flexible schedule makes it easy to swing by at your convenience. Check out CFSC Auto Services online to find out more!