Image Courtesy: Tesla
In terms of the future of mobility, electric vehicles will play a critical role. As Electric vehicles are the future of mobility, and we all know how beneficial they can be to our planet. Cleaner emissions mean less pollution, and less pollution implies a more environmentally friendly atmosphere.
Buying an electric car can be difficult due to the EVs' complex technical language. Before purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle, there are numerous variables to consider. Every factor influences your decision, from the price of the car to the charging infrastructure.
This Article will shed light on the factors you should think about before purchasing an electric vehicle.
1. Price
Electric vehicles are good for the environment, but saving the environment comes with a cost! Electric automobiles are more expensive than traditional counterparts due to the complicated electric drivetrain and expensive battery packs. So, before you decide to buy an electric automobile, consider your budget.
2. Utility
As with any sort of vehicle, you should conduct some research to ensure that the electric car you're contemplating has enough inside space for you and your family. Make sure there is enough cargo capacity for weekly grocery trips, sports equipment, strollers, and other child-related items. Choose a model that is within your price range and has all of the features you desire. And, as usual, take any vehicle you're thinking about for a thorough test drive to determine if it drives to your liking, is comfortable, and has easy-to-use controls.
3. Specifications
Electric cars are equipped with a variety of electric motors and battery packs of varying capacities. You must select an electric vehicle with specifications that meet your needs. Driving an underpowered electric vehicle might be aggravating. Before purchasing an electric vehicle, thoroughly research its technical specifications.
Image Courtesy: Mercedes Benz
4. Torque and power
The mechanical output generated by electrical energy is measured in horsepower (hp) in an electric car. The torque indicates the EV's acceleration and is determined by the power of the electric motor. Better torque and power figures improve the driving experience.
5. Charging Solutions
Though the number of public charging stations is increasing, charging an EV at home is significantly more convenient — not to mention cheaper. Level 1 charging is as simple as plugging the vehicle into a conventional 110-volt wall socket, but it can take anything from eight to nearly 24 hours. A better option would be to have an electrician install 240-volt service in your garage to allow for Level 2 charging, which can recharge an EV battery in as little as four hours. You don't even need an enclosed garage, though if you plan on charging an EV outdoors, you'll probably need to buy a special charging equipment and have it professionally installed.
6. Public charging station accessibility
Even if you choose one of the longer-range models on the market, there will be occasions when you want to give your EV a boost of volts while you're away from home. Typically, public charges are put in public parking garages, retail parking lots, new-car dealerships, and even on select city streets. Tesla maintains its own network of Superchargers that are only available for its vehicles. Chargers, on the other hand, are often limited to urban and suburban areas with higher EV penetration. While the majority of public units are of the Level 2 sort, some offer Level 3 charging. Also known as DC Fast Charging, it can charge an EV's battery to 80 percent capacity in 30-60 minutes.
Several websites, like PlugShare.com and PlugInAmerica.org, as well as apps from charging networks such as ChargePoint and EVgo, include interactive maps that indicate the locations of public charging stations, the type of charge they support, and even whether or not they are currently in use.
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7. Energy Consumption
To measure the efficiency of an electric vehicle when compared to a regular car, the amount of power consumed by an EV must be considered. The cost of running an electric car is also determined by its energy usage. When compared to IC engine vehicles, electric cars often have very low operating costs.
8. Battery Life
One of the most crucial parts of an electric vehicle is the battery pack. At the same time, the battery is one of the most expensive components of an electric vehicle. Replacing an electric vehicle's battery pack might put a dent on your wallet. So, before purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle, always verify the battery life. Longer the battery life, lesser the maintenance expense.
9. Battery Warranty
A battery pack is one of the most expensive parts of an electric vehicle. Typically, manufacturers provide a warranty on the battery pack in terms of driving distance or time. As a result, constantly check the battery pack's guarantee period.
10. Maintenance Cost
One of the most crucial components of having an electric vehicle is maintenance. The EV may not work well if it is not properly maintained. As there are fewer moving components in an EV, they are typically fairly easy to maintain. However, in the event of a failure, the repair fees can be exorbitant. In addition, spare components are excessively expensive as compared to a typical car. Furthermore, there are only a few EV mechanics accessible, and you must deal with the manufacturer for any servicing or repair work.
11. After-sales Service and Support
After purchasing an electric vehicle, the ownership experience might be positive or negative depending on the manufacturer's after-sales service and support. Most EV manufacturers now provide several years of warranty on battery packs and will also install a wall charger in your selected location. The electric car will be serviced by trained personnel at the service centres. So, for a nice ownership experience, always choose a brand that provides good after-sales service.
Image Courtesy: Flickr
12. Used Electric Cars
If purchasing a brand-new electric car is out of your price range, consider purchasing a used one. Because EVs have few moving parts, purchasing a used electric car can be an excellent alternative. However, before purchasing a used EV, make sure to examine the remaining battery performance/warranty, the state of the electric motors, the condition of the tyres, charging alternatives, and the car's mileage.
13. Cost of Car Insurance
Since electric vehicles are expensive, the cost of insuring one is higher. The higher the vehicle's value, the higher the cost of insurance. Car insurance for electric vehicles is more expensive than for conventional automobiles. Consider the higher car insurance costs before purchasing an electric vehicle.
14. Leasing an Electric Car
If you do not intend to keep the EV for an extended period of time, leasing it may be a smart option. Leasing also lowers the overall cost of ownership because maintenance packages can be purchased for the lease. You will also avoid the headache of reselling the vehicle because you can return it at the conclusion of the lease term. Even car manufacturers now offer leasing alternatives, so leasing may be a better option than purchasing an electric vehicle.