Electric vehicles are what anyone can talk about right now. You can get the idea of popularity by the soaring numbers, with over 600,000 pure-electric cars on UK roads at the end of October 2023 and more than 1,000,000 plug-in models.
People are now becoming more responsible towards the planet and preferring greener and more energy-efficient options. So, it is understandable why you would want to invest in top electric vehicle brands and get yourself an electric ride.
However, simply exploring the electric vehicles list is not enough. You need to do your research as EVs are an expensive purchase. From buying costs to maintenance and upkeep, there is a lot to consider. To help you, today we bring you the top seven things that you should keep in mind when buying an electric vehicle.
7 Things To Consider Before Buying An Electric Vehicle
The craze for EVs is growing at such a pace that you can easily find electric vehicles for sale near you. Electric vehicles are not only ruling the brand-new market but, surprisingly, the used car market as well.
You can find anything from a compact electric car to a full-family-size SUV per your preference. But to ensure you are getting what you desire, there are a few things that you should know.
Thus, before plunging into the automotive market to buy your next electric ride, take a look at the seven crucial things you should be aware of as a buyer.
1. Different Types Of EVs
The foremost thing you, as a buyer, should know is the different types of electric vehicles. Generally, there are three types of electric automobiles: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).
These vehicles differ not only in their names but also in their basic working and driving experience.
Each of these EVs is available in the market, offering new innovative electric vehicle technology like regenerative braking, one-pedal driving, and more.
2. Considering Your Lifestyle & Preference Is A Must
When it comes to what type of electric vehicle you need, you need to consider your lifestyle and preferences. A vehicle will only be a good purchase if it serves you the way you desire. Thus, you can not simply choose just any electric vehicle available in the market.
For Example, if you often travel around towns and cities, BEVs may be the best option for you. However, if you want to avoid the inconvenience of finding a charging station or waiting for your electric vehicle to power up, then an HEV is a no-brainer.
3. High Prices
Electric vehicle prices are quite high compared to gasoline-powered rides. If you were able to buy a good gasoline-powered SUV for around $30,000, it would be impossible to get an electric SUV at such a low price. So, keep in mind that if you are going to buy an electric ride, it is going to cost you more than the regular rides.
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4. Availability In New & Used Car Market
Electric vehicles are getting so popular that they are in high demand not only in the brand-new market but also in the used car market. Many people want to get their hands on EVs, but high prices are preventing them from doing so.
Thus, they are diverting their search to the used car market, where EVs are now becoming highly available. If you can not afford a brand-new model, you can look for an affordable model in the used car market.
However, there is not much difference in the prices in new and used car markets. You can expect only a $1000 to $3000 price difference from the original market price of a model. So, do not completely rely on the idea of getting cheap car deals in the used car market.
5. Regular Maintenance Is A Necessity
If you wish to keep your electric car for a long time, you need to ensure proper maintenance to it. Your electric car needs to be serviced regularly. You need to pay keen attention to your car tires for wear and tear, do windscreen wiper replacement, change brake fluid when required, and more.
You’ll be happy to know that servicing and maintaining electric vehicles is simpler and more cost-effective than fuel cars. With no oil to change or an engine to manage, having an electric car can lead to long-term savings.
However, the electric vehicle battery is its most crucial component. Thus, ensure the car battery never dies and you have a professional inspect your ride at least once every five months.
6. You Get To Enjoy Incentives & Perks
With green technologies being a priority around the world, different countries offer various incentives for owning an electric car. Many countries offer bonus payments or grants that encourage people to buy electric vehicles as they work towards a cleaner and healthier future.
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The UK government, in particular, is working on a strategy aimed at ending the sale of fossil-powered vehicles by 2040. They hope to achieve this by using policies that boost the use of low-emission vehicles, such as electric cars.
Currently, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles offers four grants to help fund electric cars, including the Plug-in Car Grant.
7. Car Charging
One of the best parts of an electric car can also be its largest limitation. After all, what good is your electric car to you if there isn’t anywhere nearby to charge it?
You will either need to locate an electric vehicle charging station in the regions where you usually go or have one installed in your house. Until you have figured out where and how you will be charging your electric vehicle daily, buying one does not make sense.
Top FAQs About Electric Vehicles List
How much incentive can I get to buy an electric vehicle?
The perks and incentives you could get differ from country to country and state to state.
But one thing is sure: you are going to enjoy more benefits than the person buying a gasoline ride.
These perks are offered by governments to encourage people to opt for electric vehicles and contribute to protecting the environment by going green.
Are there electric vehicle bikes?
YES. The electric power revolution is not limited to four-wheeler automobiles. Today, you can just as easily find a bike and motorcycle as you can find a car or SUV.
So, if you want to go on mountain explorations and want a powerful partner that is also eco-friendly, an electric or e-bike is the right choice.
Who are the top EV manufacturers in the USA?
If you wish to know who the biggest EV manufacturers are in the world’s biggest EV industry, then top car brands Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, Ford Motor Company, Lucid Motors, and General Motors are the leading names.
Almost every one of these companies has a global presence. Apart from the American continent, they have huge markets in Europe and Asia.
So, it does not matter where you live; you can get your hands on the EV models of these brands without any issues.
How long do electric cars last?
The length of any vehicle to last depends on its owner and how well they take care of it.
Generally, as per current industry expectations, EV batteries are aimed to last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, meaning around 15 to 20 years.
And with good overall care and maintenance, you can do better for sure.
What is the cheapest electric car to buy in 2024?
If you wish to own an electric car but money has been a huge issue for you, some automakers are trying to make the availability easy for their buyers.
This year has some great EV models for car lovers that are labeled as the cheapest electric cars in 2024, and we agree.
Check out all the cheap electric vehicles you can get your hands on in 2024:
- Citroen Ami
- Renault Zoe
- Nissan Leaf
- Smart EQ Fortwo
- MG ZS EV
- Mazda MX-30
- Vauxhall Corsa Electric
- MINI Electric
- Fiat 500 Electric
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Citroen e-C4
- MG5
- MG4
- Ora Funky Cat
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are the future of the global automotive industry. If you do not wish to stay behind and get mocked for being old-fashioned and ungrateful towards the environment, right now is the time to make the change.
EVs are great rides. However, there are certain things that you must know before buying one. This article covers seven crucial things an EV buyer should keep in mind before making a final purchase.
