Electric cars are here to stay, with most major manufacturers releasing new makes and models within the next five years.
And, there’s no question as to why. Electric vehicles come with a long list of benefits, including reducing pollution, limiting our dependence on oil, and even providing more customization thanks to technologically-advanced software.
But, is an electric vehicle right for you?
In just a few years’ time, it’s likely the electric vehicle market will take over a large portion of the road. In 2019 alone, over 2 million EVs sold across the globe, and that number is bound to increase as more people understand the benefits and want to practice a more sustainable lifestyle.
So, if you truly are considering one as your main method of transportation, that’s great! But, there are a few things you should consider before taking that plunge and making an EV purchase.
Let’s go over a few of them, so you’ll be better informed to make the right choice that fits your needs.
1. What’s the Range?
The range of electric vehicles is advancing all the time. But, it’s still important to know specific ranges on vehicles so you can determine if it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.
For example, if you do mostly city driving and don’t log many miles in a day, a car with a low range is probably going to suit you. But, if you have a long commute or do more rural driving, you’ll want to know how much range your vehicle will get on a single charge.
If you’re unaware of the range or you’re “cutting it close”, you could experience anxiety every time you get behind the wheel. That’s the last thing you want when you’re driving. It should be an enjoyable experience. So, if you have a few EVs in mind, make sure you’re researching their ranges.
2. What is the Cost of Electricity?
In addition to doing something good for the planet, one of the biggest reasons people go with EVs is to save money on gasoline. With gas prices on the rise, electric cars are likely to become more popular than ever – very soon!
But, charging an electric car isn’t free. It’s important to consider the cost of electricity when you’re considering an EV. Most electric companies charge a certain percentage per kilowatt-hour. The cost will vary depending on your location, so make sure you’re aware of how much it will cost, on average, to fully charge your car.
From there, go ahead and compare the cost of electricity to how much it costs to fuel your current car on a regular basis. The comparisons might shock you. Depending on where you live, it might be cheaper to stick with a gas vehicle. At that point, you will have to consider the other potential benefits of going electric.
3. Is it Easy to Charge Anywhere?
Thankfully, because electric cars are becoming more prominent, charging stations are widely available in larger cities and urban areas.
But, if you live in a rural area or far away from a city, it’s important to consider that there may not be charging stations available everywhere. So, you’ll either have to make sure your car is fully charged before you leave the house, or learn the locations of any nearby charging stations that are available to the public. This is also another reason why it’s so important to know the range of any car you’re interested in.
With that being said, it doesn’t mean you should avoid getting an electric vehicle if you live in a rural area. As they continue to grow in popularity, more public charging stations are bound to pop up. Until then, a little planning ahead can keep you safe if you’re out and about.
4. Is it Good for Longer Trips?
Again, this is all about the range of your car, and whether or not you’ll be able to charge it somewhere along the way if you’re going on a long trip.
On one hand, electric vehicles are great for longer trips and even cross-country road trips! It’s a fantastic way to know you’re not harming the environment while you’re on the road. It can be a fun idea to determine how much energy you’re saving, and how much you might be saving on fuel!
But, understanding how often you’ll have to charge your vehicle should be a key component. If you plan on taking a lot of long journeys, a bigger EV with more power could be necessary.
5. Are EVs Hard to Maintain?
This is an interesting factor to consider because it again depends on where you live. Because electric cars are going to become more popular over the next several years, it would be wise for mechanics to learn how they work and how to keep them properly maintained.
But, the reality is that it will probably be harder to find someone to “fix” your EV than a traditional car.
As far as regular maintenance you can do on your own, however, it couldn’t be easier! If you do run into any issues with your EV, it will likely be from the software used inside the vehicle.
Thankfully, the dealership where you purchased the vehicle or the manufacturer should be able to take care of it for you.
6. Are Electric Cars Fun to Drive?
Let’s face it, safety, functionality, and practicality are all important when it comes to choosing any car. But, it’s just as crucial to make sure you enjoy driving whatever car you choose – even an electric one.
Thankfully, one of the reasons so many people love electric vehicles is because of all the technology attached to them. Many of them are highly advanced and able to be customized to your liking.
Plus, since so many popular car manufacturers are jumping on board, you’ll soon be able to find a lot of “classic looks” to many EVs.
You can always customize your car to fit your personality with things like Private Number Plates, special tires, colours and interior materials, and so much more.
Main image by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
