Is Buying an EV Right for Me?
The electric vehicle (EV) has come a long way. Since the Toyota Prius Hybrid took the car world by storm in 1997, the evolution of electric vehicles has been exponential. Now, almost every maker has some sort of electric option. Whether you’re inspired to purchase an EV because of environmental reasons, or simply looking to save money on gas, an EV could be a fantastic option for your next vehicle purchase.
Should You Buy an EV?
Here are a few things to consider when determining if an EV is right for you:
Fully electric or hybrid
There are a few options when it comes to EV type, but you’ll likely be choosing between the two most common possibilities: battery electric or hybrid. With battery electric vehicles, you’ll need to plug the vehicle in to recharge the battery. There is no internal combustion engine here andno gas is used in this type of vehicle as power comes exclusively from the battery. Hybrids can come as a standard or plug-in. The standard (like the original Prius)has an internal combustion engine to help charge the battery or power the car if the battery runs out. A plug-in hybrid allows for the use of an internal combustion engine, but also the capability to plug in to charge the battery instead. A third option, which is less common,is the Fuel Cell EV which uses hydrogen for fuel.These are still making their way to the market. However, if a Fuel Cell is right for you, you’re in luck as they are most commonly found in California.
Desired range
One of the major things to consider when choosing an EV is the mileage range you need. Many EVs today offer around 200 miles per charge, which should be plenty for most drivers’ needs. Once you find an EV you like, take a look at your commute and regular schedule and see how many days you’ll get out of the range your potential EV offers. If you do more than 200 miles a day (or more than your EV’s range), make sure that there are appropriate charging stations on your route.
A place to charge
While being able to skip the pump is appealing for both the environment and your wallet, it’s important to make sure you’ll have a place to charge your vehicle for plug-in options. With standard Level 1 charging from a wall outlet, you’ll get about 4 miles of charge per hour. EV owners that go the plug-in route may want to consider installing a Level 2 charging station which kicks that number up to 25 miles per hour. Before purchase, confirm with an electrician that you will be able to install a Level 2 outlet outside your home, or alternatively that there is a convenient charging station nearby.
Performance
An EV will also give you a somewhat different driving experience than a gas-powered engine with a few advantages you might find appealing. You’ll find most EVs incredibly responsive when accelerating, and you won’t feel a jerk as the car shifts gears. Additionally, EVs are very quiet, so your ride will be tranquil with only the sound of the road and your surroundings (or your music/podcast).
Time to Buy an EV
Making a vehicle purchase is an important investment, so it’s understandable that you’d want to choose the right fit. An EV is a wonderful option as it offers some performance advantages while also being easy on the environment and lets you skip trips to the pump.
Find your new or pre-owned EV
Contact any of our dealerships to learn more about their new and pre-owned EV options.