Is Buying an Electric Car Right for You?
Car manufacturers are starting to drive the market towards more electric vehicles (EV), they now last longer, charge faster, and the price range is starting to come down. Some states are offering tax credits for those people to decide to purchase, and as more makes and models of vehicles roll out, electric cars are starting to appeal to more people. There are a few factors to consider before you go to your dealer to purchase an electric vehicle, find out if the switch is right for you.
The Sticker Shock
As stated above, electric cars are starting to come down in price. However, that doesn’t mean that they are cheap. Most of the cost of an electric vehicle is the up-front cost; you save every year on fuel costs because you don’t have a bill for gasoline. While you might qualify for federal, state, or other local government credits, it will only cut the cost marginally.
What are Your Lifestyle Choices?
Before purchasing an electric car, you should evaluate your lifestyle choices. Ask yourself do you have a place that you can charge your new electric vehicle? Every day there are more public charging options. However, most electric car owners find it more convenient to install a home charging station. You can charge an electric vehicle by plugging it into a regular 120-volt outlet; it is a slow charge, but it is possible. Some owners decide to pay the added cost of installing a 240-volt charging station; this cost could be high depending on the area that you live in and your electric breaker. If you live in an apartment, you might have to wait to purchase an electric car due to the availability of charging options.
The other lifestyle choice that you should consider is how far you typically drive during a day. Most electric vehicles have a mileage range between 200 – 250 miles on one charge. If you intend to drive more than the mileage range during a day, then an electric vehicle might not be the best option for you. However, in 2018, the US Department of Energy released a study that stated that most one-way vehicle trips that Americans take are roughly six miles. If you have a two-vehicle household, you may want to consider one electric vehicle and another that is gas for longer trips.
Performance
The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV features now include 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds; anyone familiar with a high-performance vehicle will tell you 6.5 seconds is slow; however, the time is comparable to other gas-powered vehicles. Experts state that electric cars have an immediate response at the pedal and have great low-end acceleration, specifically at the 0-30 MPH area.
Time
Overall electric cars take less time to care for them on a day-to-day basis. You save time refueling because you can plug in the vehicle at home and walk away. Electric cars also have lower maintenance issues to include no oil changes. Electric cars have fewer moving parts, so fewer parts can break down with extended use.
