Increasing fuel prices and an increased public desire to be more environmentally conscious are driving a surge in EV sales. Switching to an EV can be overwhelming, however, especially with so many great choices available on the market. Although buying a new car is essentially a very personal experience, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to make it easier for you to pick the best EV to suit your personal needs.
What Does Your Budget Look Like?
Typically, an EV is priced much higher than a gas-powered car with similar performance features. It should therefore come as no surprise that the biggest consideration when buying your first EV, is the cost associated with the purchase. There are a few things to keep in mind when establishing your budget. It may cost more to buy an EV, but you will end up saving money on fuel and maintenance. Various federal tax incentives also have to be factored in. In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act upped the incentive for new EV purchases to $7,500 while a $4,000 incentive is available for used EVs. If your budget allows for it, an outright purchase will cost you less in the long run. Alternatively, you can pay for your new car in installments or even opt for a rental car.
Where (and When) Will You Charge?
One of the biggest challenges impacting the future of EVs is the need for an expansive charging infrastructure. Having access to suitable, effective charging options is also a huge consideration when buying your first EV. Despite there being more than 140,000 public charging stations scattered across the USA, more than 80% of all charging still takes place at home. If you need charging facilities at home, you need to keep a few things in mind including where you are going to place your charging, how quickly you need to be able to recharge, and how often will you be driving on routes that do not have any public charging stations.
What Are you Going to Use Your Car for?
Before buying a car, whether it is powered by gas or electricity, you need to establish exactly what you will be using it for. If you are a single city-dweller who only drives with passengers on occasion, there is no need to invest in a big and costly SUV-type EV. Instead, look at more compact options that will be a better fit for your lifestyle. If, on the other hand, you have a big family or large circle of friends that you need to cart around, or regularly have to transport bulky cargo, an SUV will be a better-suited option than a smaller hatchback. Other things to consider include where you live, where you work, and what time of the day you do most of your driving.
Buying your EV can be both daunting and exciting. By asking yourself a few important questions, you will be able to establish what type of EV is best for you.
