Top Tips for Buying and Owning an Electric Car

Every day more electric vehicles, or EVs, are seen on the roads. Multiple models are now available, making it easier for buyers to pick one they like.¹ Yet, first-time buyers might feel overwhelmed.

They want answers about EVs before they start shopping. Unlike regular cars, EVs need you to understand things like range and charging. There's also unique terms to learn, making it a bit like a new language. Working with a dealer knowledgeable about EVs makes a big difference. Or, you might consider a carmaker that sells directly to you online. In the next sections, we dive into what to consider when getting a new electric car.

Key Takeaways

The electric vehicle market has expanded significantly, with over 40 unique models available.
Range and charging capabilities are crucial considerations when choosing an EV.
Understand the different charging levels and infrastructure to ensure a seamless ownership experience.
Explore federal, state, and local incentives to offset the cost of electric vehicle ownership.
EVs require less maintenance than traditional gas-powered vehicles, but battery life and replacement costs should be factored in.

Choosing the Right Electric Car

Looking for an electric vehicle (EV) is much like choosing any car. You still need one that suits your needs, money, and way of life.² Think about how you'll use it, where to charge, and any benefits you might get. Start by figuring out what you want in a car. Check where you go and what you need to carry.

Today's electric cars are great, but not for every task.² For instance, if you often drive far and there are few charging places, or if charging at home is tough, you might want to wait. This way, you'll have better choices in the future.

There are many EVs that fit five people, with a few that can carry seven.² If you need more seats, your options are fewer and pricier. However, more choices will be available soon, and costs might drop. Except for these special cases, you can surely find the perfect EV in today's market.² From compact cars with good range and swift driving to electric cars, crossovers, SUVs, and even trucks with amazing power and prices to go with it.

Assessing Your Range Needs

Once you decide that an electric car meets your needs and fits your budget, it's shopping time. Focus on the electric vehicle range first. It's crucial to know how far you need to drive between charges. Don't just rely on EPA range estimates as several factors affecting EV range exist, like cold weather. If you underestimate your range, you'll always worry about finding the next charger.³

Today's electric cars offer different driving ranges. Some cars and SUVs can go just over 100 miles. This range suits daily drives. But, for those who take long trips or worry when the fuel runs low, you need a longer range. Certain models can go over 350 miles but are more expensive. Most electric cars today can drive around 250 miles on a single charge. You can choose from subcompact SUVs to high-power vehicles with this range.⁴

Remember, how you drive and the conditions can cut down on your EV's range. Be mindful of aggressive driving, high temperatures, and heavy loads. These can all lower your car's range.⁴⁵ Planning routes well, considering elevation and energy use, helps. This strategy is key to making the most of your EV's range.⁵

Charging Options and Infrastructure

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) has three main options: Level 1 charging, Level 2 charging, and DC fast charging.⁶

Plugging your EV into a standard home outlet for Level 1 charging can be slow. It only gives about 5 miles of range for each hour of charging.⁶ If you drive short distances every day, this might be okay. But, if you drive a lot, you will need something faster.

Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt connection and is faster than Level 1. It gives about 25 miles of range for every hour of charging.⁶ You can find Level 2 charging stations at home, work, or in public places. EV owners choose this for quicker recharges.

DC fast charging is best for long trips. It can add 100 to over 200 miles of range in just 30 minutes.⁶ The charging power can be from 100 kW to 500 kW. It depends on the charger and your EV's needs.⁶

Charging an EV might cost differently, depending on where and how you charge it. Some places offer free charging, but others might charge by the hour or with parking fees.⁷ Always check the costs so you know what to expect.

As more people choose EVs, the number of public charging stations is growing. This means more places for EV owners to keep their cars charged and ready.⁸

Electric cars

Electric cars save you money by not needing gas or oil changes. They are also cheaper to keep up than gas cars.⁹ That's mainly because electric cars have fewer parts. An electric car works a bit like a bowl of cereal. It has at least one electric motor, a battery pack, and a simple transmission. This is all it needs to move. You can get electric cars that power the front, back, or all wheels, depending on the model.⁹

Even though electric cars are easier to maintain, they still need some care. You have to look after the tires, brakes, and other parts. But, with no internal combustion engine, there are less things that could break.⁹ You might have to change the battery or motor after around 10 years. This depends on how much you drive.⁹

Budgeting and Cost Considerations

If you're not a lottery winner, setting a smart budget for your electric car search is key. Many models are affordable. For instance, the Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $38,995¹⁰. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is at $41,650¹¹, and the Kia EV6 starts at $42,600¹¹. Want to spend even less? The Nissan Leaf starts under $30,000¹⁰.

On the luxury end, cars like the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ and Lucid Air start at six figures. They're top in performance, often beating sports cars. If these prices shock you, remember tax breaks can help. Some electric cars qualify for federal tax credits and local incentives. These benefits can reduce the overall cost and keep charging costs down.¹¹ The government updates the eligible vehicle list regularly. Keep in mind, getting tax credit approval involves many factors, including your income and the car's specifics.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

When thinking about getting an electric vehicle (EV), it's essential to think about how much room you'll need for passengers and stuff. The EV market has many choices, from small cars to big SUVs and electric trucks.

Some EVs, like the Rivian R1S and Ford F-150 Lightning, have a lot of space for people and cargo. For example, the 2023 Tesla Model X has 91.6 cubic feet of cargo area when the back seats are down.¹² The 2023 Tesla Model Y gives you 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.¹²

But, if you just need an EV for everyday driving, there are smaller, more budget-friendly choices. The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E has 59.7 cubic feet of space with the back seats down.¹² The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offers 64.2 cubic feet when the second row is folded up.¹² The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has 60.2 cubic feet with the back seats lowered.¹²

Besides SUVs and sedans, there are also hatchbacks and crossovers that can be right for you. Models like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Audi e-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and more are available. The upcoming Tesla Cybertruck will also have a lot of space for your things.¹²

No matter if you need more space for passengers or cargo, the EV market has something for you. Think about your needs and look at the choices. You'll find the right EV for your lifestyle and travel plans.

Maintenance and Battery Life

Electric cars cut your costs by not needing gas or oil changes. They're also cheaper to keep up than cars with gas engines.¹³ Fewer moving parts in ev powertrain components mean less can go wrong. Think of an electric car like a simple bowl of cereal. It has an electric motor, a battery, and a single-speed gear to move the car. You can get electric cars with different wheel drive types, like front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive.¹³

EVs need care too, like new tires and brakes.¹³ But, because they don't have the many parts of a gas car, they're usually easier to keep up.¹³ You might need a new motor or battery after 10 years or more, depending on how you use the car.¹³¹⁴

Buyers often get an 8-year or 100,000-mile guarantee for ev battery replacement.¹³ If you need a new battery after that, it can be a big cost.¹³ The National Renewable Energy Laboratory says you might get 12 to 15 years from a battery, depending on where you are.¹⁴ Charging too fast, like with a fast charger, can wear out the battery sooner and be more costly.¹⁴ To fight battery wear, not allowing a full charge or going below 100% is suggested.¹⁴

We don’t hear much about EV battery failures, but¹³ these cars run on 400 to 1,000 volts of electricity.¹³ They are made with safety features in case of emergencies, like the ability to cut power.¹³ These cars also have less brake wear thanks to a special braking system.¹³ And manufacturers often guarantee the battery for a certain time.¹³ As tech gets better, and more cars are made, batteries should get cheaper.¹³

Public Charging Networks

If you can't charge your electric car at home, look for a trusted public ev charging stations network. It's vital for keeping your car running, even if that seems obvious. Imagine your EV becomes like a paperweight without a charge. Owning a charging station at home is wise and a good long-term move. Look into regional incentives and workplace charging options too.

Download apps like Electrify America and ChargePoint before driving somewhere new, where ev charging apps will be crucial. Tesla provides its broad tesla supercharger network, soon to be more widely available. Apps for chargers help find the right outlet for your electric model, showing current costs and whether the station’s working. It's disappointing to find a broken charger when your battery's low.

In the U.S., there are over 50,000 EV charging sites, offering nearly 130,000 places to plug in. Most have Level 2 chargers, and some are Fast DC.⁸ ChargePoint leads with 27,000 sites and 50,000 ports, while Tesla has 6,000 locations and 28,000 ports.⁸ Over 1,600 Tesla Supercharger spots with 17,000 ports provide the most fast-charging options.⁸ Electrify America and others add to the variety of charging choices.⁸

With more than 900 locations, EVgo stands out for fast charging across the U.S.¹⁵ General Motors and EVgo aim to place 3,250 fast chargers in cities, with the 1,000th stall recently opened.¹⁵ EVgo, with over a decade in the business, is a reliable network provider.¹⁵ Its service includes monitoring for real-time charger availability and discounts for qualified Lyft drivers.¹⁵ They offer various payment methods, making charging easy for everyone.¹⁵

EV Technology and Features

An electric car is like a bowl of cereal in the car world. It mainly includes an electric motor, a battery pack, and a single-speed transmission. This setup sends power to the wheels. Electric vehicles may have front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive, depending on the model.¹⁶

Like any car, electric vehicles need some care. Tires, brake pads, and more will have to be checked. Since electric motors have few parts that move, they tend to last longer without major repairs. But, you might have to change the battery or motor after about 10 years, depending on how much you drive.¹⁶

Electric vehicles have special systems to manage their batteries. They also use regenerative braking, which can make the car's battery last longer. Plus, it means less stress on the brakes.¹⁶¹⁷

Conclusion

Electric vehicle ownership is the future trend. Governments plan for 50 percent of new car sales to be EVs by 2030¹⁸. This move benefits the environment. It also gives car buyers great advantages.

EVs are cheaper to fuel than regular cars¹⁹. While older models had less range, today's EVs can go as far as gas cars, if not farther¹⁹.

When picking an EV, think about how many people and things it can carry, where and how you can charge it, your budget, and how much it costs to maintain. This way, you can pick an EV that's right for you and help the planet too. As the EV market grows, switching to electric driving is getting easier and more attractive.

Across the world, governments and businesses are putting a lot into making EV ownership common. Better batteries, more places to charge, and cheaper electric models are making driving electric better. Choosing an EV means less pollution and getting to use the latest car tech. It's a win for the Earth and for you.

FAQ

What factors should I consider when choosing an electric car?

When picking an electric car, think about how you use it, your money, and how many people and things it can carry. Look for places you can charge it at home and work.

How do I determine the right driving range for my electric car?

Think about your usual drive between charges. Remember, weather and how you drive affect the actual range. Guessing wrong can make you worry about running out of power.

What are the different charging levels for electric vehicles?

EVs have Level 1 (uses your home's regular outlet), Level 2 (needs 240V), and DC fast charging (the quickest option). Level 2 and DC fast charging are much faster than Level 1.

How do maintenance costs for electric cars compare to gas-powered vehicles?

Electric vehicles are often cheaper to maintain because they have fewer parts that can break. But, you might need to replace the battery and motor after a few years.

What financial incentives are available for buying an electric car?

When you buy an electric car, you might get help from the government or your state with tax breaks and cash back. This can make buying and charging the car cheaper.

Do electric cars have enough space for passengers and cargo?

Electric cars range from small to large, offering different amounts of seating and storage space. You'll surely find one that fits your passenger and cargo needs.

How do I find public charging stations for my electric car?

Use apps like Electrify America and ChargePoint to discover public charging spots. They show if they're free and how much they cost.

What advanced technologies do electric cars feature?

Electric vehicles have systems to manage their batteries better and can even get power back when you brake. Some also have systems that make them more efficient in how they drive all their wheels.

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Top Tips for Buying and Owning an Electric Car