This week the nation is celebrating our friend the electric car, with parades, ride-and-drives, electric tailgate parties, and informational booths during National Drive Electric Week.

What started out as National Plug-in Day in 2011, has grown into a week-long event from September 15-21 to raise awareness about the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Transitioning to a mix of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles could reduce petroleum use by more than 40 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent. Also, electricity is also much cheaper than gasoline and domestically produced, which can off-set the higher vehicle cost. There are also federal tax incentives, up to $7,500, for qualifying plug-in hybrids and electric cars.

Some tips to make your all-electric or plug-in hybrid even greener are below.

Charge with Clean Energy

Use clean energy to recharge your vehicle whenever possible. An all-electric car produces no tailgate pollutants, but the power plant producing your electricity could emit them. When you charge your car with "green power" you are using electricity produced with no air pollutants. Some green power sources are wind, solar, geothermal, or hydropower. Many work places offer "green power" charging stations, and you can even purchase green power for your home.

Afterhours Re-Charge

If you are charging your car at home, try using smart meters or an energy management system through your utilities. This way you can program how your home uses energy. Time-based rates are great for electric and plug-in hybrid car owners because charging your car at night pulls from the grid when energy demand is lowest. This can save you money and you can sleep easy knowing you aren't breaking the bank. (Don’t have an electric car? Run your dishwasher or washer and dryer off-peak hours to save money!)

Electric and plug-in hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular, so whether you join in the parade or just check out the gallery of sweet rides, enjoy National Drive Electric Week!