By Martin Banks
The automotive industry has shifted gears toward electric vehicles (EVs), leading some consumers to trade in their gas-powered daily drivers. An EV can provide benefits like no tailpipe emissions and more torque, but is an EV right for you? Buyers shouldn’t take this purchase lightly, so research is pivotal before heading to the dealership.
Due diligence is critical because you must understand the practicality of an EV before purchasing one. Ask yourself these questions before signing the paperwork.
1. What Battery Range Do You Need?
Consider how much driving you do on an average day. How far do you travel to work and other errands? Experts say Americans drive about 42 miles daily or just over 200 in five days.
EVs typically have a shorter range than gas-powered cars, so you must be conscious of your typical routes. The Environmental Protection Agency says EVs have improved to a median range of 270 miles — a sharp increase from the last decade’s electric cars.
A 270-mile range should get you through a five-day week on a single charge, but you also need to account for emergencies, road trips and other instances where you may need to plug in. Give yourself flexibility by choosing a car with a powerful battery.
2. Do You Have Local Charging Infrastructure?
Owning an EV is easier if your city has enough infrastructure to support you and your neighbors. The U.S. has over 170,000 public charging ports and the federal government aims to increase that number to 500,000 by 2026. However, the availability of chargers depends on where you live.
One 2023 study examined the strength of charging infrastructure in U.S. cities and states. The researchers say San Francisco is the most EV-friendly city, whereas Louisville has the fewest chargers of the country’s top 50 metro areas.
The northern Kentucky city only has 412 chargers, making it harder for EV owners. Vermont drivers have plentiful access to chargers, whereas Mississippi residents are in the state with the least-friendly EV infrastructure.
3. Can You Install a Charging Station at Home?
If your area doesn’t have a lot of charging stations, your other option is to install one at home. Do you have a garage or a safe location to place your system? Most houses have an electrical system that supports EV chargers, but it depends on how many volts are in your electrical outlets.
Level 2 chargers are the standard devices in housing and public stations. These systems use 240-volt chargers, and require between four and 10 hours to charge your EV. The fastest chargers on the market are the direct current (DC) fast-charging systems. DC chargers can have your vehicle ready to go in under an hour.
Level 1 chargers are the least expensive option, but they can take a long time to charge. These take 40 to 50 hours to help your EV reach an 80% charge from empty.
4. What Is Your Budget?
One hesitancy buyers have with EVs is the sticker price. Cox Automotive says the average transaction price for an EV was $53,469 in July 2023 — $5,000 more than gas-powered vehicles. Some automakers offer electric cars at cheaper prices, rebates and other incentives.
Regardless, it’s crucial to determine your budget and how much you can pay each month. Try using an online calculator to make the math easy, as they consider your down payment, loan term and maximum monthly payment to determine how much you can spend on a vehicle. Knowing your financial strengths and weaknesses will help when negotiating at the dealership.
5. What Tax Incentives Can You Get?
While the price of an EV can be high, you can alleviate the burden with tax rebates, depending on the state you live in. For example, Colorado residents get a $5,000 tax credit on a new EV with a price tag of up to $80,000. You may find the best EV incentives on the East Coast, as Connecticut offers up to $7,500 for residents buying or leasing a battery-electric vehicle.
Other states and municipalities have indirect incentives like utility rebates when installing charging stations at home. For instance, Los Angeles residents receive a $1,000 rebate for installing a level 2 charger or $250 for an EV meter at home.
Asking Essential EV Questions
EVs have become more prevalent in the automotive industry as manufacturers use them to achieve sustainability goals. These cars have defined benefits like reduced emissions and less maintenance, but research is critical before purchasing one. Use these five questions to gauge whether you should buy an EV.
Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more.
Editor’s Note: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the National Motorists Association.
