What Car Buyers Should Know Before Going Electric
Each and every year, we’re getting closer to the full transition to electric vehicles and hybrids in the automotive industry. However, those who haven’t jumped on the bandwagon just yet might find the shift from gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs quite intimidating. Here’s the good news, swapping out your car for a battery isn’t as bad as it may seem. Let’s explore a bit more just how these green cars will affect your lifestyle.
Cost
As with any vehicle, the cost of an electric car depends on various factors, such as how many there are, the body style, and the amount of swanky features.
It’s also important to take into account that cost is dependent on where you live. Those who live in areas that aren’t too populated or even slightly deserted may only have access to a single mechanic that works on EVs, which means that they might charge a bit more. Even a simple fix for your infotainment system could seriously put a dent in that monthly expense.
You should also consider the cost of installation for your charger. Level 1’s may be priced around $750, and even more so for those who prefer something more powerful, even as much as $10,000. Certain states include tax credits and even incentive systems for utilities that help in bringing down the cost, but that still depends on your location.
Range
Determining your range is even more important in an electric car, and the best way to do that is tracking your current mileage. By keeping a record of your weekly mileage and even accounting for how far that you’re willing to travel on a long road trip.
If you find you’re able to handle most or even all of your daily drives on a single charge. This metric should also take into account whether the workplace has charging stations or if the chargers that are within your reach is a Level 1 or 2.
The Effects of Location
As previously mentioned, where you live has an impact on car maintenance, even when it comes to the temperature. Areas that are prone to having extreme weather conditions such as hot waves or blizzards, this is guaranteed to take some toll on the range, and even more so if you live in the mountains.
According to Geotab, electrics experience peak performance or reach above the expected range when temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, however, if you’re living in places where temperatures typically reach either below 50 degrees or above 90, you’ll see a loss in range. This is because the car has to make more effort in regulating its battery temperatures, as well as the frequent use of either the air conditioning system or heater.
If You’re Still Unsure
All in all, it’s okay if you’re still not ready to fully rely on electrics, but those who are at least open to the idea can at least opt for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). PHEVs offer the benefit of an electric vehicle but without the full commitment of one. These cars allow you to do most of your daily driving on electricity, before finally switching to its gas engine. Many shoppers prefer these types of vehicles, because it eliminates range anxiety or just the utter shock of going from a full-gasoline engine to a full electric one.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for an electric or PHEV for an affordable price, Driver’s Auto Mart has plenty of options at their disposal. Simply view our online pre-owned inventory and chat with a representative for further assistance.
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