What Every New EV Buyer Should Know
Electric vehicles are the future, but some drivers are slow to adopt the new technology because they don’t know much about it. Start learning the basics about how to get started with your first electric vehicle.
These days, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer niche products. Drivers across the United States and beyond are embracing emissions-free vehicles, and automakers are expanding options yearly.
If you’re planning on buying an EV for the first time, there are a few things to be aware of. Read on to learn the basics of EV ownership, including how to choose an EV and what to expect when charging and driving it.
BEVs vs. PHEVs
First-time buyers sometimes ease into owning an EV by purchasing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) rather than a battery electric vehicle (BEV). BEVs offer much longer driving ranges and are zero-emission vehicles, which makes them great commuter cars.
PHEVs combine electric motor and battery systems with gas-powered engines, offering extra flexibility. They’re not zero-emissions vehicles, and the battery-only range tends to be much smaller. Consider this option if you’re concerned about access to charging stations or frequent road trips.
How to Charge Your New EV
Whether you purchase a BEV or a PHEV, you’ll need a plan to charge it.
Homeowners and long-term renters typically have level 2 charging stations installed in garages or driveways. These chargers require specialized installation, but they can usually be used to top off a battery overnight. You can also find this type of charger in many apartment complexes.
Level 3 chargers are only in public charging stations. Also called DC fast-chargers, they can add up to 250 mi of range per hour. They can also reduce battery capacity if used exclusively over time, so drivers should only use them when necessary.
Come up with a plan that combines fast charging with home charging using either a level 2 or a level 1 charger. Level 1 chargers plug into regular wall outlets but are the slowest charging option.
Peculiarities of Driving EVs
New EV owners will have a few differences to get used to that extend beyond paying attention to battery state of charge instead of fuel levels.
Most modern EVs use one-pedal driving using only the accelerator, which can take some getting used to. This system also allows for regenerative braking, which enables the car to recapture some charge when going downhill.
EVs are heavier than gas-powered cars, accelerate faster, and produce less noise. For most drivers, those are benefits rather than drawbacks, but they can take some getting used to.
Is It Worth Making the Switch?
Now is a fantastic time to make the switch to an electric vehicle. Federal and state incentives are in place to help buyers cover the cost, and the infrastructure to support EVs is becoming more robust daily.
At the same time, the cost of purchasing a new or used EV is coming down. Buyers should still expect to pay more for a new EV than they would for a similar gas-burning vehicle, but they’ll find far more options available at lower price points than they would have several years ago.
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