Misc.
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Jan 17, 2020
Electric Car Buying: 5 Critical Things To Consider
Misc. |Are you interested in switching to an electric vehicle (EV)? Before you buy, explore our list of critical things to consider about electric cars!
1. The Car’s Operating Range
One of the first things a driver interested in an EV should consider is its most basic use, its operating range. The driving range of an EV is how many miles it can go on a single charge—200, 300, or 400 miles.
An EV’s driving range depends on its size, the manufacturer, how new it is, and more. Drivers should also consider what they’ll be using the EV for and if that range is large enough. Will your new EV be an everyday vehicle, or do you plan on using it for road trips?
2. Local Charging Infrastructure
Along with the driving range, another key factor in buying an EV has nothing to do with the car but the surrounding EV infrastructure. Where’s the nearest charging station? Is there a charging station in your town and along common routes you take?
Public charging infrastructure is slowly growing around the country as more drivers switch to EVs, but some regions are still ahead of others. As a tire shop in Tucson, we know there are quite a few charging stations in the metro and surrounding area, but finding a charging station could be difficult if you live farther out of town.
3. The Car’s Charging Speed
Another critical consideration when buying an electric car is its ability to charge. While EV charging technology seems to improve every year, getting an older or used EV will likely take longer than the newest models.
Most EV owners charge their car at home when they’re not using it, so a garage and reliable power source are crucial for many EV owners. If you don’t have a charging station at home, consider asking the following questions: How fast can the EV charge at a public station? How many miles does half an hour or hour of charging provide? The answers can help you determine if buying an EV is something you should seriously consider.
4. Tax Incentives
One of the reasons more Americans are switching to EVs is because of the many tax incentives provided by state and federal governments. Arizona is one of many states that offer tax credits and rebates to ease the financial burden of owning and operating an EV.
Before buying, research the tax credits you’d qualify for to make your new EV more affordable to buy and maintain.
Pro Tip: The Inflation Reduction Act also extended the Federal EV tax credit to used EVs, so drivers can save even when purchasing pre-owned EVs.
5. Insurance
Every driver must consider insurance before purchasing a car, whether it’s gas- or electric-powered. For EVs, insurance premiums are typically costlier than regular gas cars because they’re usually more expensive.
Plus, it’s not like EV drivers can take their cars to a regular mechanic if there’s a problem. Talk to your insurance provider about a new EV’s costs before deciding if it’s the right car for you.
