5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying An Electric Vehicle
While gas-powered engines still hold the majority of consumer choice, the growing interest and powerful momentum behind green energy has allowed many drivers to find a stylish and alternative mode of transportation. Enter: the wondrous act of buying an electric vehicle.
As opposed to years ago, you can now find a variety of family-friendly EV’s on the market. The stereotyped “tiny electric car” is now a thing of the past, with many buyers clinging to the hysteria of owning a Tesla. Even public transportation has taken an initiative towards electric power, with multiple companies already pioneering a future of electric public transportation.
The name of the game is an all-electric future, the question is: are you ready? Take a look at the 5 questions to ask yourself before becoming the proud owner of an electric vehicle.
1. Will an EV operate sufficiently for my needs?
If you commute to work or spend your weekdays hustling back and forth from soccer practice, school, gym, and repeat, then it’s likely you spend a lot of time in your car. Thanks to advancements in battery life, many EV drivers can enjoy up to 200 miles on a single charge, making electric driving a breeze for those who remain local.
That said, many factors can affect how long your battery life will last. Environmental elements, like summer conditions and frigid winters, can take a toll on your electric vehicles’ performance abilities. Highway speeds and constant braking remain the top contributors to range inconsistencies as well.
While keeping in mind how your EV can operate, there are plenty of joys to driving electric! Here are just a few:
2. Where will I charge after buying an electric vehicle?
A stronger interest in EV buying has resulted in more mobile charging stations popping up globally in small towns and big cities alike. This is great news for drivers who need peace of mind when away from home, knowing they can find a place to charge their car without the possibility of running out of power.
The European Union should set binding targets for one million public charging points for electric vehicles by 2024, and three million by 2029, to give consumers the confidence to switch to the new technology, the region's car lobby said on Thursday https://t.co/xAEB9h6LBw
— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) February 11, 2021
The most convenient and economical option remains residential charging. By designating a space to charge your EV, usually a garage or covered carport, you can safely leave your car plugged in to charge overnight.
Using a Level 1 electric supply equipment will provide sufficient charging capabilities, but it can take up to 24 hours to charge. For a more advanced and speedy charge, it is recommended for EV drivers to invest in a Level 2 EVSE. With a 240-volt charge, you can power your ride in as quickly as four hours.
3. Are there public charging stations near me?
Unlike the gas stations you see on every corner, mobile charging stations require a little more research. Since mobile charging stations are located near shopping plazas and dealerships, this requires drivers to map out their nearest station in case your electric vehicle needs an added boost. For some drivers this may be a turnoff, but there are certain technologies that help improve this setback.
Drivers can utilize smartphone applications like Plugshare to research how many mobile charging stations are available close to your home, work, friends, and family. You’ll want to make sure that while you’re on the road you have the opportunity to add some voltage to your ride without complicating your schedule.
The good news is public charging stations continue to grow, making it easier for EV drivers to fuel up.
4. How much does insurance cost when buying an electric vehicle?
Like any vehicle, the price of driving a car comes with the expense of car insurance. Typically, EV drivers experience higher insurance rates due to their costly price tag and expensive repairs. However, there are tax credits that can help offset the resulting higher premiums.
The best method for determining how much your EV insurance cost is through comparison websites. By shopping for car insurance online, you can assess the best insurance rates for hybrid and electric cars currently on the market. Depending on your driving history, you may find some great rates that won’t put too much damage on your wallet.
5. Do I still need a gas-powered vehicle?
This question remains subjective and often comes down to your lifestyle. If you travel frequently out-of-town or hit mileage beyond your car’s range, then you might want to have a backup option for convenience. Consider a hybrid or gas-powered model as your secondary form of transportation, specifically for those times when you need to embrace the open road without the fear of range anxiety.
Ready to charge up for buying an electric vehicle?
Buying an electric vehicle is a valiant step towards a greener plant. Who can deny that most EV drivers feel the positive impact of their vehicle of choice. But it doesn’t necessarily mean an electric vehicle can be your full-time transport, at least for now.
According to a Cox Mobile Evolution of Mobility Study, the leading impediment for electric adoption remains battery life and charging anxiety. Of the participants studied, among 83% of them cited battery life and charging anxiety as the hold up, ultimately prohibiting drivers from making the switch from gas-powered to electric driving.
Although there are still obstacles that hinder us from an all-electric automotive world, these questions will help many drivers to determine whether an EV fits their lifestyle both now and in the future.
Would you make the switch from gas-powered to electric charge? Tell us what you think below.
What is your reaction?
I will get an electric car when I either make a decent amount of money, or when they become very easy to get.
Interesting read. Electric cars aren’t quite the way for me, but glad they are catching up.
Good article. Want an electric someday!