Helpful Tips To Consider Before Buying Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the latest trend in the auto industry, with more and more car manufacturers making a conscious shift toward green driving. As the name suggests, these cars run entirely on batteries and don’t require a conventional engine, motor, and gear assembly. EVs offer various distinctive features compared to their alternatives, so one should consider several factors before buying them. Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision.
Choose the right size
EVs come in different sizes, featuring small city driving compacts to seven-seater SUVs that can go the distance. It all comes down to your daily driving needs. One must choose an electric vehicle of the right size based on the number of passengers, driving style, and comfort. Electric vehicles may also seem more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. Moreover, some EVs are expensive, but you’ll save money on maintenance and running costs. For example, charging a small hatchback EV will cost you half the price of the fuel spent for gasoline-powered vehicles of the same make and model. Therefore, size does make a difference when you compare gasoline and electric automobiles.
Consider your charging needs
You can charge up at public stations or set up a home charger for your EV. Most trending EV models boast fast charging capabilities, so you don’t have to worry about keeping the vehicle plugged in overnight. Currently, many corporate offices provide charging hubs in the parking space for the convenience of employees. Modern EVs also come with a DC charging option, so it’s possible to use a simple plug outlet with an adapter to transfer power from any available socket. Buy an EV only when you are convinced there are enough alternatives available to meet your charging needs.
Check incentives and benefits given for EVs
In an attempt to encourage electric vehicle usage, the state and federal governments offer incentives and benefits if you plan to buy one. One of the most significant benefits is the tax credit for brand-new and used electric vehicles. Get up to $7,500 in tax credits if you buy a new electric vehicle or up to $4,000 credit for purchasing an old electric vehicle. Either way, you benefit from the rebate when filing income tax returns. State credits will vary depending on the incentives offered by the dealer and local authorities for using an electric vehicle.
Consider the driving range
Some lower-end EVs can manage only 100 miles on a full charge. Now this might be sufficient for driving within the city limits. However, if you are also looking to drive for long weekend getaways out of the city, it is best to go for some premium variants that manage around 350 miles when fully charged. The Tesla Model S can go up to 405 miles, Hyundai’s Ioniq manages 361 miles, while the Tesla Model 3 boasts 350 miles on a single charge. The Tesla Model S is a premium luxury EV and, therefore, is expensive. You can consider the Model 3 or the Hyundai Ioniq, which matches what you typically pay for a mid-range gas-powered SUV. Other subcompact EVs can drive in the range of 200 to 250 miles on a single charge. Therefore, remember to consider driving range while comparing different models.
Take a test drive
Electric vehicles are built differently and don’t have conventional engines that can accelerate 0-60 on the dime. Even the strongest battery pack will provide a different kind of throttle response when you bear down on the accelerator. Therefore, it is best to take a test drive and understand how to adapt your driving style to an EV. Also, since there is no multi-speed transmission, EVs can only handle a limited gradient climbing uphill. If you are interested in off-roading, this is another factor to consider. There are some premium vehicles like the Rivian RT, an electric automobile designed for heavy-duty driving and some off-roading. But even those vehicles cannot be pushed too hard. Braking and traction control are also different for these vehicles, so it will take some time to get familiar with the features before you can fully enjoy the driving experience.
Low-maintenance vehicles
Electric vehicles don’t require much maintenance since there are fewer components. Unlike conventional vehicles, you don’t have to worry about engine assembly, transmission components, air-filter replacements, or oil changes. EVs mainly have a heavy-duty battery pack and a drivetrain with a single gear that transfers the power to the wheels. You can choose between an all-wheel drive or a front-wheel drive. The components are easy to replace and repair in case of a breakdown and can be done for an affordable price.
Places to purchase electric vehicles
Buying electric automobiles from a dealership has its benefits. Popular dealerships employ salespersons and technicians familiar with the vehicle’s specifications. You can alternatively buy the latest electric vehicles from Auto Expos, where modern brands have introductory deals on these vehicles. If you are already familiar with the vehicle specifications, you can purchase a used EV from any online platform.
Consider leasing the vehicle
Currently, one of the pressing concerns EV owners worry about is evolving technology. Your current electric car’s features may soon become outdated, forcing you to trade it for a better model. To avoid this, many experts suggest leasing an electric vehicle. Leasing allows you to own and drive an electric vehicle for a few years. After this period, you can easily upgrade to a better model with the next lease. Furthermore, if innovative technology remains for a while, you can even consider buying the latest trim without worrying about what to do with the old car. All you have to do here is cancel the old lease and sign over a new check for the new electric vehicle.
