The 5 Things to Check While Buying an Electric Car

HomeBuyer’s GuideThe 5 Things to Check While Buying an Electric Car

The 5 Things to Check While Buying an Electric Car

Buying an electric car (EV) means that you need to consider a whole new set of factors. We’ve put together a short guide to help you ask the right questions and pick an EV that’s suited to your requirements.

Range

This is the distance the EV can travel before you need to plug it in and recharge its batteries. The newest models can easily do about 200 miles before they need to be recharged. This means that most of us won’t need to adjust our usual driving habits. Before you head to the dealership, examine the distance of your daily commute and any other work-related travel that you need to do. Check how often you take road trips and their average length. If you drive to run errands, examine how much you need to drive.

Climate

Extreme climates adversely impact the performance of electric cars. If the temperature drops below 20 degrees, the range decreases by 41%, and if it rises above 95, and you’re using the air conditioner, the range decreases by 17%. Check if you live in an area prone to extreme temperatures and plan accordingly.

Charging

The easiest way to charge your EV is at home when it’s parked. See if this is an option for you or whether you can charge your car nearby. You can use the standard Level 1 110-volt outlet, but it will be slow. The ideal option is to install a Level 2 220-volt charger. Consider the installation cost and if there are public charging stations on your route. Public Level 3 chargers can reach 80% in under one hour.

Battery

EV batteries are covered under an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty as per federal regulation. Certain brands and models extend that warranty and even replace the battery if its capacity decreases between 60-70% under warranty. Some protect against total failure.

Incentives and Rebates

Federal tax credits range between $1875 to $7500 for new all-electric or plug-in hybrids that lower your total cost. The tax credit amount depends on the battery capacity and the total units sold. You may also be eligible for state incentives and rebates. Check the AFDC page to see what’s available.