Over the past decade, electric vehicles (EVs) have gone from a novelty to an increasingly popular option for drivers looking to reduce their environmental footprint and save money at the pump. And, with advancements in battery technology and increased availability of EVs, 2017 is one of the best years yet to make the jump to an electric car. Depending on a driver's needs and budget, there are numerous options to choose from, each with their own set of benefits.

First and foremost, EVs can save you tons of money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it costs approximately $1.14 to power an electric vehicle per every 100 miles, compared to its gas-powered counterpart which costs nearly four times as much (at around 4.20 per every 100 miles). With proper maintenance, EVs also incur significantly lower repair costs over their lifetime than their gas counterparts.

In addition to cost savings, EVs offer a number of environmental benefits as well. Since electric vehicles run on electricity instead of gasoline, they drastically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. This, in turn, decreases the overall burning of harmful carbon-based fuels, leading to fewer emissions and gases in our atmosphere. A study conducted by Environment America estimates that