So you’ve decided to buy your first electric car. Whether you’re interested in the concept, environmentally conscious, or just looking to try an alternative model, there are a lot of factors to consider. But don’t worry. We are going to take you through some of the first steps you need to consider to have the car best suited to you.
Matching the Driver with the Right Mileage
Some drivers don’t really do much travelling on a daily basis, often sticking to their local areas and covering about 50 miles. If that’s the case, an electric car would be ideal for you. You can cover all your travel without it becoming too taxing and the electric charge should help. But if you often see yourself on the open road doing your fair share of commuting, that would narrow down your choices and could force you to up the spending price. You’d also have to do a bit of research as to where you will find a charging port on your travels.
Lengthy Battery Lifespan
The time it takes to charge an electric car battery could be as little as five hours or as many as twelve. With this, you could cover up to 50 miles a day. But every electric car battery comes with a shelf life. If you plan on taking your car out for a regular spin over a five-year period, then the maximum charge will start to dwindle. When getting ready to sign on the dotted line, it would help to make sure there’s no gray area and you are fully aware of your battery’s lifespan right from the get-go. That way, you can consider moderating the usage as well as finding out what kind of support the warranty affords.
Speaking of moderation, your chosen model should could with a range meter; letting you know how much mileage you can cover post-charging and will be a frequent reminder to you throughout your travels. The last thing you want is breaking down on a busy road without warning.
Second Chance for an Old Model?
Depending on how familiar you are with electric cars, and how much money you’re willing to spend, you may want to hold back on buying a brand new model and take your chances with a used edition. This isn’t a bad idea if you’re an infrequent driver. However, a used car means used parts, so you could find yourself lumped with a battery that has seen better days. Find out what kind of maintenance is needed and how frequently it is needed. You should also make sure the licensing and documentation for the vehicle is up to speed.
Utilities and Time of Use Rates
Make sure your utility knows you are looking at an electric vehicle and find out about the costs that come with a full charge. Bear in mind that there is some room for flexibility. You may find that they will charge you less if you charge the car during off-peak times (usually midnight).
With these points in mind, you should take a look at
some electric car reviews and
see if they match up with your needs and preferences.