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6 things to consider when buying an electric car

6 things to consider when buying an electric car

Electric cars have become popular, as they require little maintenance and offer cleaner emissions than their gas-powered counterparts. The electric vehicle (EV) industry is in its nascent stage, but both luxury and budget automakers have been experimenting with this new, efficient technology. Electric cars come with many advanced and attractive features. Here are a few factors to consider when buying an electric car so that one can choose an EV that meets all their requirements.

Battery life
Electric cars run on batteries under the floor of the car. A battery pack, which can last up to 20 years, is an important part of an EV, and replacing it can be costly. Some factors may determine its lifespan. For example, a hot climate or charging a car at a Level 3 station may result in overheating the car. Most automakers offer protective measures like thermal management systems to ensure the battery’s longevity. However, despite protective measures, a battery slowly degrades over time, with an average capacity loss of 2.3% per year.

Charging options
Level 1 and level 2 charging outlets are suitable for electric cars, and Level 3 outlets are fast charging stations. They are comparatively expensive and may not be suitable for all EVs. One should know their vehicle capacity before choosing a charging station. Level 1 is the standard 120-volt wall outlet. Considered the slowest of the three, Level 1 station can take many hours to fully charge a car. Level 2 station with a 240-volt charging capacity is the most commonly installed outlet. Additionally, one should also use the right kind of connector that is compatible with the car, as they are not interchangeable.

Charging infrastructure
Electric cars can be charged at home. Most EVs can travel 200 miles or more on a single charge. Some may need a refill at one’s workplace or public charging stations. According to the Department of Energy, there are about 50,000 public charging stations across the country. Some people and businesses also install charging stations independently on their property, but the number is low compared to gas stations. So, those considering switching to electric cars should have a charging strategy.

Type of car
An electric car runs exclusively on a battery, while a hybrid automobile uses conventional gas and electricity. Larger battery packs and an automatic switch to fuel-powered driving are the key features of plug-in hybrids. Hybrids are more reliable but also costlier than all-electric vehicles. So, depending on the requirement, one can opt for a suitable EV.

Price
EVs are all priced differently based on their specifications, but compared to the industry average, they carry a $10,000 greater upfront cost. The price of an EV can be comparable to a base-model luxury car. However, the government provides new electric car owners with tax incentives from $2,500 to $7,500, making it a desirable option.

Maintenance cost and warranty
An electric car battery has an average warranty of 8 years or up to 100,000 miles. So a crucial buying tip is to look up the warranty coverage of the electric car. Some companies may offer a 10-year battery pack coverage, while others offer a lifetime warranty. One should also consider battery replacement cost, which can be $5,000 on average and go up to even $15,000.

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