Fancy An EV? Here’s A Guide For Choosing One

Electric vehicles or EVs are the future of automobiles. With the alarming threat of global warming, EVs allow people to reduce their environmental impact while also protecting them against the rising cost of fuels.

However, with more and more EVs coming onto the market, it can be hard to know exactly what to look for. This simple, yet informative article shall help you in choosing an electric car that meets your lifestyle needs.

Types Of Electric Vehicles

EVs, BEVs, HEVs, PHEVs, MHEVs—you’ll find a lot of acronyms describing electric vehicles which can be confusing for the first-timers.

In a nutshell, there are only three types of electric vehicles— those that are purely electric, the ones using gasoline, and those that are somewhere in between.

BEVs

Short for battery electric vehicles, BEVs are what most people think of when talking about electric cars. These vehicles don’t have conventional engines, relying on electricity from large battery packs which should be recharged by plugging the car in.

One of the cheapest BEVs you can find is the MG ZS. It offers simplicity, good value, and is an effective emissions-free transport. To learn more about this car, check out this MG ZS EV review.

PHEVs

Plug-in hybrids are the intriguing halfway point between regular cars and EVs. They offer both an electric battery pack that can be recharged and a gasoline engine. In general, PHEVs use electricity first and switch over to the gas engine if the battery ran out of juice.

HEVs

The hybrid electric vehicles feature gasoline-powered engines paired with electric motors. However, unlike PHEVs, HEVs can’t be plugged in. Thus, they’re typically called self-charging hybrids. The point of HEVs is to deliver big improvements in fuel economy.

Choosing the type of electric car will depend on your lifestyle and beliefs. Do you need convenience? Minimize your impact on the environment? Or lower your monthly cost?

Driving Range

Unless you have driven for long stretches through a remote part of the country, you probably haven’t had to think about your driving range in a diesel- or gas-burning car. You simply need to stop at the next filling station, and you’re set.

However, since EV is still at its early stage, EV charging stations can be few and far between. This means that it can take a while for your car to charge once you plug it in.

Thus, it’s important that you consider how far you’re driving every day. Most EVs today are in the 150–300-mile range in a single charge. Meanwhile, high-end EVs can go up to a staggering 400 miles in ideal conditions before recharging. If you drive a lot of miles, then you need to pick an EV with a longer driving range. However, if you’re doing short distances and commutes, you can choose any EV you like.

Ideally, the best EV driving range capacity should be further than the distance that you typically travel when fully charged.

Charging Stations

The global charging infrastructure may be growing fast. However, anyone looking to switch to EVs should have a charging plan. Consider where you’ll charge your car. For most people, buying an EV also means installing charging stations at home.

Take note that if you’re charging EVs with typical 120-volt household outlets, this can take up to 24 hours or even days, especially for those with longer driving range. Fortunately, you can opt to install a 240- or 220-volt outlet with the help of an expert electrician. This can replenish a drained 200-mile EV battery in just 9-13 hours.

In addition to home charging, you also want to consider public charging. This might not be an issue in major cities; however, most municipalities and towns still don’t have charging infrastructure for EVs. So, research if your locality has enough charging points spread in various areas, particularly in fuel stations, car parks, and shopping centers.

Your Budget

EVs cost more than similar gas-powered vehicles. But it’s not just the car’s price—owning and maintaining an EV is far more expensive. With EVs, you’ll have to factor in the price, installation and maintenance of a charging station, battery replacement, electricity bills, car insurance, and public charging station costs. These expenses can quickly add up, making it way more expensive than owning traditional cars.

Fortunately, these costs and expenses can be offset with subsidies and rebates. The amount of savings you can get will depend on which state or country you live in. Some rebates can help you save thousands of dollars while others only exempt you from stamp duty. Make sure to check your local government and see if you qualify for these incentives and subsidies.

Conclusion

The allure of EVs has never been stronger. And there’s no better time to invest in an electric car than now. If you’re considering getting an EV, make sure to follow the guide above so you can make an informed buying decision.

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Libby Austin

Libby Austin, the creative force behind alltheragefaces.com, is a dynamic and versatile writer known for her engaging and informative articles across various genres. With a flair for captivating storytelling, Libby's work resonates with a diverse audience, blending expertise with a relatable voice.
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