The Range Is Very Important
With a gasoline-power vehicle, also called an ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle, you can consider how many miles to the gallon you get, or how far you can drive on a tank of gas. The range on an electric car is basically the same thing. It’s how far you can go on one full charge of the battery. However, just like gas mileage, range can be affected by a variety of things. The weather, if you’re towing anything, and whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway all matter.
For example, if you buy an EV with a 300-mile range, but you live in a very cold climate, you’re not going to that much range from the battery. The batteries used in EVs simply can’t handle cold weather the same way a gasoline engine can, so you can expect to have a lower range if you’re driving in freezing temperatures. The same is true if you’re towing, or if you’re on the highway where you won’t use your brakes very much. Braking helps regenerate power, giving you more range.
Charging Is a Factor in Your Purchase
Where and how long you’ll charge your EV matters, as well. If you install a home EV charging station, you can charge at home overnight, and that can make your commute or other adventures much easier. You’ll still need to charge outside your home if you take a longer trip, of course, but you can typically drive around and handle all your normal errands without the need to stop for a charge. You may even go several days without needing to charge at home.
Consider Your Basic Driving Habits
Your driving habits are going to be an important part of deciding if an EV is right for your needs. Someone who travels around their town, and who doesn’t drive more than 100-200 miles at a time, will likely enjoy an EV more than someone who drives much further. If you’re a digital nomad, a traveling salesman, or otherwise put a lot of miles on your vehicle all the time, you may not want the time commitment of stopping to charge away from home during your travels.
Cost Isn’t Something to Ignore
Some EVs are very moderately priced, while others can be more expensive. They typically cost more than ICE vehicles of the same type, especially if you’re choosing a truck or a luxury brand. Only you can decide whether it’s an affordable expense or something that’s worth it to you, but it’s important to be aware of the price difference you might experience before making a purchasing decision.
Shopping Around Can Help You Choose
When you shop around for an electric car you like, and that fits your budget and driving habits, you give yourself the best chance at finding a vehicle you’ll be happy with. There’s a little bit of a learning curve with charging and other adjustments, but that doesn’t take long to get used to. With more people switching over to EVs, there are also more options for vehicles and more charging stations available. That gives you a wider array of ideas and a stronger charging network to choose from.