NORTH HAMPTON — For people looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, there is a new option open on Route 1 (Lafayette Road) in North Hampton. Green Wave Electric Vehicles is New Hampshire's first dedicated electric vehicle dealership, offering EVs and plug-in hybrids across all price ranges, with a selection that spans nearly all automakers.

"We have created a fun, low pressure, relaxed environment where people can get answers to the questions they have about making the leap to an electric vehicle," says Green Wave founder and CEO Jesse Lore. "You can test drive electric pickup trucks like the Ford F150 Lightning or Rivian R1T, you can take a spin in different Tesla Models, or you can get a feel for the different types of electric SUVs like the Volkswagen ID.4 or the Ford Mustang Mach E. We also have great cars under $20,000. It's all here for you to experience."

Green Wave's large, open showroom is filled with inviting decor, comfortable spaces, and lots of fun things to do. They have all types of remote controlled electric cars (all EV models, of course), an electric slot-car track, an arcade hockey game, and of course a TV set up with Mario Kart. "We know that the traditional car buying experience can be stressful" said Lore, "and we wanted to turn that experience on its head. Kids of all ages (including grown-up kids) can expect to have a blast when they visit Green Wave."

Green Wave offers more than just electric vehicles; they offer everything you need to make the switch to sustainable transportation. Green Wave has financing for people with all types of credit histories, and they offer home charging systems that can be paid for as part of the vehicle purchase. Green Wave also gives purchasers a one-year membership to Clean Energy New Hampshire to advocate for charging infrastructure as well as planting 100 trees in the purchaser's name, all at no cost to the buyer.

Lore grew up in Manchester, N.H., hiking, skiing, and camping in the White Mountains, and spending summers on Seacoast beaches. "We have such a beautiful state," he said. "The natural environment we experience in this part of the world is so precious." After going to school and spending 10 years in New York City, he moved back to the Seacoast to be closer to family and raise children. The excitement and allure of Portsmouth's cultural scene, fantastic dining establishments, great public school system, and plentiful recreation opportunities have made the Seacoast a perfect home for him and his wife and two kids. Lore is also deeply involved in his community as a member of the Board of Directors for New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, Chair of the State Coordinating Council on Community Transportation, and an active member of South Church in downtown Portsmouth.

He was a member of the 2020 Union Leader "40 under 40" class. "This community has given me so much," he said. "I really wanted to find a way to give back."

Lore spent the last 12 years working in specialty automotive, leading the nation's largest dealer of wheelchair accessible vehicles. But after completing his master's degree in sustainable business, and buying his first EV and plug-in hybrid himself, he felt compelled to do something about the climate crisis. "Look, we can see that the climate is changing right here on the Seacoast. It's happening right now, the adverse effects are getting worse, and we can do something about it." But Green Wave doesn't want anyone to have to give up something critical like freedom of mobility to make an impact. "Many people can reduce their carbon footprint by 25% by switching to a fossil-fuel-free vehicle," he said. "And they can get a more fun, cooler-looking, better performing car in the process."

Staff at Green Wave are knowledgeable about the tax credits for used electric vehicle purchasers, and can help buyers understand how to qualify for those incentives. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides for a $4,000 tax credit for any "clean vehicle" which is defined as any car, truck, or SUV with at least a seven kilowatt hour battery. That means that plug-in hybrids qualify, as well as fully electric vehicles. "The new law is kind of complicated," says Lore, "as there are income caps, price limits, battery stipulations, and reporting requirements both for the buyer and the dealer." But he adds that Green Wave has all the processes set up to help people navigate the new IRS regulations. "If you qualify, we want you to get that money," he said. "That's why it's there."

Green Wave helps people understand the impact of their transportation choice by giving potential buyers a "Transportation Impact Report" that not only details how they will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, but also shows how much money they will save by going green on personal transportation. According to the annual "Your Driving Costs" report by auto company AAA, the operating costs of an EV, including fuel and maintenance, are less than half that of a standard SUV. "Yes, fuel costs are lower and electricity prices are higher right now, but that will not always be the case," says Lore, who believes that long-term, electricity prices will fall as renewable energy options proliferate. "And either way, EVs are much cheaper to maintain. No oil changes, no belts or gaskets. Much less to break." Plus, Green Wave works with Recurrent Automotive to ensure a high level of battery health on the vehicles they offer. "These battery health reports from Recurrent are awesome. The truth is, with the newer battery technology, battery life in EVs is exceeding everyone's expectations."

Green Wave Electric Vehicles is a member of New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, and a member of the Clean Energy NH coalition. You can find them online at www.GreenWaveEV.com, call them at 603-379-9420, or visit their showroom at 25 Lafayette Road Unit 2, North Hampton, NH 03862.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: New EV dealer in North Hampton opens doors