With the increase in electric vehicle (EV) offerings from automakers, it’s getting harder to decide which one is right for you. Before making your decision, consider these factors to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Narrow Your Electric Car Search
The first step is understanding what your needs and wants are. Do you want something smaller and more nimble for city driving, or do you need something with a little more room and range for longer trips?
Once you have an idea of the size and type of car you’re looking for, research different makes and models to see which ones fit the bill. Make sure to check out customer reviews to get a feel for what other drivers think of the cars you’re considering. And don’t forget about important factors like safety ratings, charging capabilities, and range.
Make A Charging Plan
If you’re going to be primarily charging at home, consider installing a Level 2 charger, which will add about 25 miles of range per hour of charge time. If you’re going to be doing a lot of long-distance driving, look into DC fast chargers, which can add about 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes. No matter where you’ll be charging, always have a backup plan in case you can’t find an available charger when you need one. The last thing you want is to be stranded with a dead battery!
Know Your Range
All EVs have what’s called an “EPA-rated range,” which is the maximum distance the car can travel on a full charge under ideal conditions. But in real-world driving, things like stop-and-go traffic, high speeds, cold weather, and the use of accessories like heat and air conditioning can decrease that range pretty significantly.
So it’s always good to err on the side of caution and assume that your actual range will be less than the EPA rating. To get a better idea of what your car’s range is in real-world driving conditions, take it for a test drive or try out an online range calculator.
Maximize EV incentives
There are federal, state, and local incentives available that can save you thousands of dollars on your EV purchase or lease. Be sure to do your research so you can take advantage of all the rebates and tax credits you qualify for. And don’t forget to ask your automaker if they offer any EV-specific incentives—some do!
Conclusion
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing an EV, but if you do your research and plan ahead, you’ll be sure to find the perfect car for your needs. Narrow down your search by deciding what size and type of car you want, then research different makes and models until you find the perfect one.
Create a charging plan, so you know where you’ll be able to charge up when necessary, and always have a backup plan in case of emergencies. Keep in mind that your car’s EPA-rated range may not match its real-world range, so always err on the side of caution when planning trips. Finally, take advantage of federal, state, local, and automaker incentives—they can save you big bucks!
