More people are shifting from conventional gas-powered cars to electric vehicles as part of the global goal to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, In the first half of 2022 alone, 4.3 million battery-powered electric vehicles were sold all over the world. However, if you are new to EVs, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming. Thankfully, just like shopping for a conventional car, it only takes a few key indicators to find the perfect EV for you.
The Right EV for Your Lifestyle
There are three different kinds of EVs– battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The distinctions between these types of EVs are still relatively unknown, so choosing which one works for your lifestyle can seem daunting. Simply put, BEVs run entirely on their battery packs. On average, a newer BEV model can travel around 200 to 300 miles on a single charge, so this would work perfectly for you if your driving needs fall within the average 35m miles per day. On the other hand, both PHEVs and HEVs both have combustion engines and battery packs. As such, if you need more range and flexibility, either PHEVs or HEVs would work well for you.
Buying Options
It’s no secret that EVs are on the more expensive end, especially when you have to consider the upfront costs. On average, the purchase price of a brand new EV is $10,000 higher than the industry average. However, if you are seriously considering shifting to an EV, buying a brand-new vehicle is not your only option. You can consider buying a pre-owned EV from a reliable seller instead. Keep in mind though that buying a used EV does not entitle you to the federal tax credits available to most EV buyers. The good news is that some local governments and utilities do offer incentives for used EVs, too. Meanwhile, if you are still unsure about fully shifting to an EV but would want to experience driving one, leasing may be an option for you.
Charging Options
Finally, shifting to an EV entails being aware of how you can recharge your vehicle. Almost all EVs come with a level 1 charger that can plug into any standard outlet. The issue with level 1 chargers is that they take around 40 – 50 hours to charge an empty BEV battery. This is why it’s highly recommended to have a home charging station installed in your garage. These home charging stations are equipped with level 2 charging equipment that can charge a BEV in 4 – 10 hours. You can also check for other charging stations available in your area. If you’re lucky, there may be an establishment that has direct current fast charging equipment (DCFC), which can charge your BEV to 80% in one hour at most.
EVs are slowly becoming more common, and transportation experts expect for them to become the standard vehicle in a few years. Hence, it would be prudent to get used to driving EVs as early as now. Looking for the right EV should be easier as long as you focus on these three considerations.