An electric car is the future of the automotive industry. Global electric car sales have been increasing, with the number expected to grow. Plus, governments globally put legislation in place, resulting in a ban on the sales of EVs running on fuel to deal with the impacts of climate change.
With the number of electric cars expected to be more than petrol or diesel-powered cars in the future, it is clear that the revolution for EVs is bound to happen. As electric vehicle sales increase, the following are some of the key factors to consider when buying an EV:
1. EV Driving Experience
Regardless of what kind of car you want to buy, whether used or new, electric or gas, you might want to take a test drive before you sign a bill of sale. It is important to make sure the car is comfortable, with every accessory in good working condition. Importantly for people who have never handled an EV before, you may notice there is somehow a different driving experience involved.
Because there is no exhaust or engine, an EV is whisper quiet, which you may put off if you want. An electric vehicle delivers 100% of its power immediately, which may make a higher-powered model feel twitchy until you know how to modulate accelerators.
EVs usually use one-speed transmissions. That means there are no sensations of gearshifts. Plus, the car’s regenerative braking function that helps to recover energy, which would otherwise get lost through braking and decelerating, might be pronounced depending on the vehicle’s model. Exploring the key factors to consider when purchasing an electric vehicle is essential, and you might also find value in the electric vehicle tow awareness course at the provided link.
2. Charging
Does your home have a parking spot, or are there public charging points just nearby? These are among the first questions you must ask yourself when buying an EV.
If you may just park your vehicle at home and safely charge it overnight, rest assured you can have more coffee the following morning. All you need to do is plug your car into a wall socket to do the trick.
Another option is to consider investing in one of the best electric vehicle chargers with the features you need. The charger needs a professional electrician to install it as it normally runs on its circuit breaker.
3. Range
The range of an EV’s battery is one of the newest features you need to consider. The modern EV’s come with a battery range from 100 miles to around 300 miles. An average US commuter is over 26 minutes each way. That means a 100-mile range can be enough for an average person to go for days without recharging their EVs mid-day.
But if you need to run an AC or heater, you might want a battery range with a substantial drop. On a cold day, when the temperature drops below 22 degrees Fahrenheit, the range may decrease as much as 40%. So it is vital to know how much you may need to drive every day and how the weather affects range.
4. The Manufacturer
Irrespective of whether you are buying an EV or one featuring an internal combustion engine, it is important to put much thought into the model and make you really want it.
Understandably, if the model has a history of dependability issues, then you might want to avoid it as much as possible.
In terms of electric car manufacturers, you may rest assured that if you consider a mainstream name like Nissan or Tesla, the results you will be left with are nothing short of uniqueness and greatness.
5. Software Updates
Electric cars are usually equipped with advanced technology and complex powertrain, and manufacturers often get to improve EVs with modern technological advancements through rolling out software updates.
So ensure you get a regular software upgrade after you purchase an electric car. Some manufacturers regularly provide free improvements to EV software, whereas others charge owners for those updates.
6. Maintenance Schedule and Warranty
Among the many ways electric cars save owners cash is by requiring a less expensive and rigorous maintenance schedule compared to regular vehicles. But electric cars are basically not maintenance-free.
So before you purchase your first electric car, get prepared to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule since the warranty’s validity might rely on it.
Many batteries for electric vehicles are normally covered by a generous 100,000-mile/8-year warranty, all thanks to government regulations, which need manufacturers to provide such coverage.
Though there are exceptions related to EV maintenance, which might void the warranty. And you don’t want to get stuck paying for battery replacement whose warranty got voided because you didn’t update the firmware or install the software.
7. Acceleration
Most electric cars accelerate faster than diesel/petrol vehicles, making driving thrilling. A good EV sedan often outperforms a combustion supercar in a straight line.
And unlike fuel-based vehicles, EVs maximize the efficiency of driveline, giving you an instant response if you push the pedal.
But know that pushing those vehicles to their maximum performance comes at the expense of shorter battery life.
This is why it is advisable to pick a vehicle, which matches your driving style, and if performance is what you’re after, then it will be best to purchase a sport electric car with an 800V system.
8. Ownership Cost
Cost of ownership is one of the factors you shouldn’t overlook when purchasing your first electric car. An electric vehicle doesn’t come cheap.
But regardless of its high price, owning one is more affordable compared to a fuel-based car. For beginners, an electric vehicle doesn’t have the same maintenance requirements as its fuel-based counterparts.
The cost of fuel is another major concern. Even as the prices of fuel continue to decrease, it may still cost you more than $120 to fill your fuel tank.
In contrast, it will only cost you as low as $10 to fully charge your EV at home or at a public charging point. Plus, it is expected to be much cheaper as public charging stations become widely available.
Closing Remarks!
Buying an electric car is equally complicated as purchasing a fuel-based vehicle. There are many factors to look at which may affect your final decision. But the right tools and research, alongside these factors, will always ensure you make the right decision.
