Buying an EV (electric vehicle) might feel daunting, especially when you don’t know a perfect deal regarding the tech and what you need to look for.
This is because there is a lot that you must consider, and this includes specs measured in kWh. So if you live in private residential buildings under the EHSS scheme, be sure to consider the following tips in this guide:
- Think of Charging at Home
Many PHEV and EV owners can charge at home whenever they can as per the EHSS scheme. Because of their small battery packs, in general, PHEVs can be charged overnight through a 120-volt outlet. Charging this way can only add around three miles of range per hour.
However, since most PHEVs provide fewer than 30 miles, most can be topped up by the time you consider going to work.
You may want to upgrade the home charging situation if you drive a full PHEV or EV with a substantial battery pack, like Toyota RAV4 Prime or Honda Clarity PHEV.
Qualified electricians may install a level 2 charger on the exterior of your home or in your garage, which drastically speeds up the charging time. This charger uses a 240-volt connection and may add between 13 and 38 miles of electric range per hour.
Usually, the range per hour depends on several factors, like the battery size, the output of a charging station, and the capacity of the onboard charger.
- Choose Between Used or New
Whether to purchase a used or new EV depends on what you are looking to use the vehicle for. Most use their cars for their daily commute, whereas others use them for frequent long-distance travel and to run errands in town.
As electric vehicle technology continually improves, used EVs are likely to have a lower electric range compared to new ones. A new EV may have a range of more than 200 miles, enough to cover many road trips.
However, on average, an American drives around 30 miles every day. So used cars with a range of about 100 miles can fit all your needs.
- Know the Best EV to Buy
In different ways, it becomes more difficult to choose the best EV you can buy, not to mention the models that come on the market. A few years ago, the decision was based on whether you went in with an expensive Tesla Model S or opted for an affordable and more practical car with 100 miles or less.
Now with the range being less of a concern, buyers may choose electric vehicles depending on something more interesting, like how it drives or looks.
New electric vehicles, such as the Volkswagen ID.3, combine amazing packaging and styling with a very exciting performance.
On the other hand, mini EVs, including Fiat 500 EVs, make a perfect runabout in towns and cities. And for individuals seeking driving prestige and excitement, soon enough, there will be many premium electric vehicles you may purchase from prestigious brands, such as:
- Jaguar
- Mercedes
- Tesla
- Audi
- Go for a Dry Run
Driving EVs require you to get used to it. If you are driving it for the first time, you will notice a complete and total lack of noise. Plus, you may notice that even the slowest electric car catapult away as if it has dropped from a greater height, then you may try stopping.
Usually, all-electric cars are equipped with braking systems that normally harvest energy lost while slowing down.
So if you lift off the car’s accelerator, it will lose speed faster than normal vehicles. Most will allow you to adjust the regeneration amount, while others may turn it off altogether. But don’t do this.
- Determine the Cost
Generally, electric vehicles have a higher buying cost than diesel and petrol cars. Though lower running costs, like maintenance costs, tax, and fuel, are significantly cheaper.
- Evaluate the Range You Want
It is hard to determine the range amount you want. You may not require as much as you thought or end up requiring more than you anticipated.
Ideally, your home will become a gas station. So each night, you will have to plug in the charger so that you can recharge your car to begin the day with the range replenished.
Many reports show that an average driver travels between 30 and 40 miles per day. This means you will be in great shape without variation in your everyday habits, given that the standard driving range of 2022 EV models is about 250 miles when fully charged.
- Pay Attention to the Performance
Vehicles powered by electricity usually perform differently than those powered by fuel. Although they work as traditional vehicles, their acceleration is different due to the electric motors they come with.
Unlike powered cars by gas, which takes more time to build to maximum torque and power, electric motors usually reach their peak power once you press an accelerator pedal.
This gives EVs a lively performance, with several models being able to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds. Extreme performance, of course, comes at a cost, and car models with quick acceleration are more expensive in the market. Though even the most affordable electric cars have good performance.
- Put Battery Size into Consideration
As the size of the battery increases, you will no longer require the biggest battery on the market. If you may get away with 24kWh batteries mostly, then why not opt for 50kWh or 40kWh options.
Bigger batteries cost more cash. Plus, you will be forced to carry the weight around even if you don’t require them. Technically, determining the battery size you require is similar to deciding the fuel type and engine size of a vehicle depending on your needs.
The Takeaway!
Electric vehicles play an important role when it comes to future mobility. EVs are not just eco-friendly. They are also economical and convenient.
