Are you planning to buy an electric car? 8 rules to follow when buying one
Electric vehicles are environmentally friendly and cheaper to maintain, so more and more drivers are switching to this type of transportation. In line with this trend, most of the world's leading automotive companies are building their production and sales strategies.
The SSPDaily website writes: "Nowadays, few people doubt the prospects of electric vehicles. And if you're planning to buy an EV, here are 8 important things you should know.
Range.
To understand how much range you need from an EV, estimate your average monthly travel needs. According to the current generation of battery technology, most budget electric vehicles can provide a range of about 300-500 km.
If you have easy access to charging, you may want to consider a model with a relatively shorter range. If such charging is not available, it is better to choose an electric vehicle with a long range.
Battery warranty and battery life
In percentage terms, the battery is the largest component of the cost of an electric vehicle. Depending on the model, the cost of the battery can range from 20% to 40% of the price.
You need to read the warranty terms and conditions to clearly understand what is covered and what is not. Many component manufacturers provide free battery replacement in case of certain problems during the warranty period.
Tip: The longer the battery warranty, the lower the overall cost of maintenance in the long run.
Security features
There are many viral videos that show electric vehicles engulfed in flames. Even the best brands, such as Tesla EV, have not escaped such incidents. Probably, the problem lies in the existing battery production technology, which is not able to control the situation with thermal discharge. Lithium-ion cells can ignite on their own, without the participation of oxygen.
Tip: When buying an electric car, discuss the safety aspects of the car and focus on the best ones.
Technological features
Electric vehicle technology is constantly improving. You need to choose an EV that is designed to support the updates available in the future. Many EVs support OTA updates, which allows users to access new features. In some cases, automakers have even been able to increase the range with OTA updates.
Charging options
Most modern EVs offer standard and fast charging options. The latter are usually more expensive and the buyer may be asked to pay an additional price. However, a fast charger can be extremely useful.
Compared to a standard charger that may take several hours to charge the battery, its fast counterpart will do the same in less than an hour. This is very convenient during long trips
Charging infrastructure
If you don't have the ability to charge your car at home, you'll have to rely on charging stations in public places.
Tip: Check what kind of charging infrastructure the device manufacturer offers. You can also ask how many new charging stations will be installed in your city or neighborhood in the coming years.
After-sales service and support
EVs are perceived to be easier to maintain. This is due to the fact that electric vehicles have fewer moving parts compared to cars with an internal combustion engine. However, an EV will still need regular maintenance and repairs.
Keep in mind that, compared to cars with an internal combustion engine, EV problems cannot be fixed at a regular service center. You will need special skills and equipment. That's why EVs require good after-sales service and support.
Price
Electric vehicles are usually more expensive than their internal combustion engine counterparts. However, EVs are becoming cheaper as their production is constantly increasing.
In addition, the higher price you pay for an EV will automatically pay for itself through lower operating costs. And an electric car can reduce fuel costs by up to 50%. So there is no problem in paying a little more for it.
