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Things to consider before purchasing an electric car

Things to consider before purchasing an electric car

With the rising prevalence of eco-friendly and sustainable vehicle options, the demand for electric cars has been on the rise in the last few years. With zero tailpipe emissions, significant cost savings, and improved battery capacity, these cars may soon become the norm. However, before investing in electric cars, one must consider their benefits, features, cost, and popular brands or models. Keep reading to learn more about eclectic cars and their advantages.

Overview of electric cars

As the name suggests, electric cars are fueled by an electric motor and a battery pack instead of an internal combustion engine that burns gasoline or diesel fuel. These cars can be recharged by plugging them into an electrical socket or charging base, using either a standard household outlet or a dedicated charging station.

Electric cars come in many different brands and models, each with unique features and benefits. Some popular electric car brands include Tesla, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, GM, and BMW.

Financial aspects of owning an electric car

Despite their surging popularity, many customers are still hesitant to invest in electric cars due to concerns over the cost. However, it’s essential to consider the upfront and long-term costs and benefits of owning an electric car to make an informed decision.

  • Regarding upfront costs, electric cars are more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. However, there are several factors to consider. For example, many governments offer incentives and tax credits for electric car owners, which can help offset the initial cost.
  • In terms of ongoing costs, electric cars are typically much cheaper to operate than gasoline cars. Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline, so owners can save significantly on fuel costs over time.
  • One of the most significant benefits of owning an electric car is the savings on fuel. According to a few reports, the average cost to fuel an electric car is $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, compared to $2.50 per gallon for gasoline cars. As a result, on average, electric car owners save $1,000 annually on fuel costs.
  • Besides fuel savings, charging an electric car is significantly cheaper than filling a gas tank. A 60-kilowatt-hour (kWh) EV that can cover more than 230 miles will cost less than $8 to charge at home. It is much less than filling up a gas tank for a gasoline car with the same range.

Overall, while the initial cost of purchasing an electric car may be higher, the savings on fuel and charging make it a wise long-term investment.

Advantages of owning an electric car

Some of the features and practical considerations of owning an electric car are listed below.

  • Despite concerns about their driving range, most modern electric cars can travel 200 miles or more on a single charge, which is enough for most daily commutes and many long road trips.
  • Many electric cars have instant torque and can accelerate faster than their gasoline counterparts. However, the top speed may be limited on some models.
  • The number of public charging stations is increasing rapidly, and most electric cars can also be charged at home through a standard outlet or a faster Level-2 charging station. Some newer electric cars can even be charged up to 80% in an hour using a Level-3 charging station.