Tired of skyrocketing gas prices? We all are. The best and most convenient solution is to switch to an electric vehicle. However, it requires thorough decision-making and good planning. You first have to understand your needs, then explore the available models and then go through the purchasing and registration process to make sure you can find an EV that suits your exact requirements, lifestyle and budget.
Here’s a detailed guide with 4 crucial tips on how to buy an EV and help you make the best choice.
Start with the analysis of your daily driving habits and needs first. If your usual daily commute is around 40 miles, then an EV with a range of 150-200 miles would be enough. If you drive more frequently or take longer trips, then consider models that can offer more than 250-300 miles on a single charge, for example Ford Mustang Mach-E or Kia EV6.
The next step is to think about your charging options. If you have a garage at home, a more practical choice is to install a Level 2 home charger. Initially, the cost of a home charger installation may cost anywhere between $800 and $3000 (including all the service fees), but various utility companies provide rebates to help reduce expenses. If home charging isn’t an option, then you can use apps such as PlugShare to identify the public charging stations near your house, workplace and other common destinations you frequently drive to.
According to an EV researcher Russ Mitchell, who writes in Los Angeles Times, the US federal government has planned to invest $5 billion by the end of 2026 to install around 500,000 EV charging stations countrywide. Some states like California are also pitching in with additional $3 billion investment to improve the charging infrastructure.
This makes EV ownership more convenient than ever. So if you like to take long trips, take note of all the charging stations around your destinations and on your route to avoid any charging hassles.
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Once you have identified your needs, the next step is to research and finalize your preferred vehicle from the wide variety of EV models available in the market. Various websites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports have detailed reviews on EVs and statistics comparisons so you can make the right choice.
Focus on key areas of an EV such as battery range so the vehicle meets your daily driving requirements, efficiency to make sure you get higher miles per kWh and fast charging ability so you don’t have to wait for hours while your EV is recharging.
If you are looking for a vehicle in a low budget, EVs like Nissan LEAF can offer over 200 miles per charge. For those who want a combination of luxury and advanced technology, the Tesla Model 3 provides impressive range options and access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.
Although electric cars might have a higher upfront cost, fuel savings, maintenance, and even tax incentives can make them cost-effective in the long run. You can use online tools like the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare the costs of EVs and traditional vehicles.
Browse our long-range EVs and take the first step toward a greener, more efficient drive!
When you have shortlisted your favorite EVs, the very first thing you should do is to visit the dealerships and take each one out for a test drive. While driving, focus on features like regenerative braking which can vary from one model to another. According to Alistair Weaver, a former road tester for Autocar and the host of CarCast podcast, the market is now exploding with options and all the top brands will introduce more useful and versatile EVs that appeal to a majority of users within the next few years.
Even though discounts on EVs might be limited due to high demand, you can still try to negotiate the price or ask about other closing deals such as financing options, trade-in values, and dealer-specific incentives. Lease is another option to opt for if you want to upgrade your EV later as the technology evolves.
Before you buy an EV, also make sure you have a charging infrastructure. If you are going to install a home charger, then you should consult a certified electrician. Some of these companies like Pacific Gas and Electric offer charging services at a reduced price: up to $500 for a Level 2 charger or $2000 for electric panel upgrade to support your EV charging. If you opt for public charging, sign up for the subscription plans of different networks like ChargePoint and EVgo to help reduce the charging costs further.
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Electric cars have numerous benefits, but it is also crucial to think through a few downsides as well. Charging can be an issue because you would have to plan your routes to go through charging stations. Also, charging takes a long time, which is less convenient than filling up the tank in a gasoline car.
Even though EVs have a higher initial cost, a good deal on charging and maintenance can offset the high cost in the long run. While electric cars have fewer moving parts, their complex electrical systems and thus more significant repair costs can be an issue. In addition, a battery also deteriorates and gradually holds less charge over time and may require a costly replacement.
Also, according to some experts, EV cars are less reliable than gasoline cars. A survey by Consumer Reports in 2023 shows that electric vehicles have 79% more problems than gas-powered vehicles. According to Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, many automakers are either still new to EV technology or are new to car manufacturing business, which can lead to initial reliability issues.
Such issues might be resolved as technology evolves with time and makes EVs a much more reliable option than before.
Looking for your dream EV? Find premium, luxury models with thrilling options here.
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