Electric cars have risen in profile in recent years, and many manufacturers are rushing buyers with many models. There has never been a better time to switch to electric cars. However, before you drive off the car lot with an EV, it is important that you understand what electric vehicles are all about.
This article is your complete guide to buying an electric car.
What are electric cars?
They are cars that run on electric motors powered by a battery instead of an internal combustion engine. This means your car comes without an engine or a gas tank. However, some electric models combine an ICE with an electric motor, known as hybrids.
Where can you buy an electric car?
You can buy them through dealerships, just like you buy your ICE car. You can also scour used car lots to find more affordable EVs.
There are exceptions, like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid. They sell directly to the customer, cutting out middlemen. You can place an order online and pick it up at the nearest showroom.
How much does an electric car cost?
The right question is how much you are willing to spend on your electric car. Like their counterpart ICEs, EVs come at different price points, and the model you get depends on a combination of your budget and what you expect from the car. For example, you can get models in the luxury or performance range, but you will pay more. You can get more affordable models that will meet your needs.
Indeed, EVs generally cost more than gas-powered cars due to the high costs of batteries. However, you will spend less in the long run due to a combination of less charging and maintenance costs.
Electric vehicles usually have long waiting lists. Why?
That is because demand is much more than what EV manufacturers can supply. These companies are still building out their manufacturing capabilities. Older automakers have to retool their production plants while startups build them from scratch. Both categories also have to get a supply of batteries which could be tricky, given the volatile supply chain.
How do I charge the battery, and how long does it last?
It is easy to charge your EV battery. You can simply connect to a home socket with the charger supplied by the carmaker. However, if you want to charge faster, you need to install a home charging station.
You can charge your car in public using DC fast chargers provided by third parties, but you will pay a fee.
Some people think of EV batteries like those found in electronic devices like smartphones or tablets, which last a few years. However, the battery in your car can last more than a decade and still be serviceable. It is advisable to use less DC chargers to make your battery last longer.
What is driving an EV like?
The first thing you will notice is the quiet operation, something many users appreciate. EVs also accelerate quicker, and ICEs will wonder what kind of machine you drive.
EVs allow one-pedal driving, which can help to top up the battery when you brake.
Are electric vehicles less reliable than ICEs?
The answer is no. As already mentioned, you will do less maintenance because EVs do not have as many parts that can break down as ICEs.
