{"id":6895,"date":"2022-07-21T20:35:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T01:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/american-insurance.one.zysites.com\/blog\/10-questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-an-electric-car\/"},"modified":"2022-08-17T15:47:56","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T20:47:56","slug":"10-questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-an-electric-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/blog\/10-questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-an-electric-car\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy an Electric Car"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If You’re Considering an Electric Car, Be Sure to Do Your Homework
\n<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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Just a few years ago, many people may have never seen an electric
\ncar in person, unless they lived in a place like California where
\nelectric vehicles are popular and readily available. Now, several
\nautomakers offer compelling electric vehicles (EVs) nationwide.
\nToday, it’s not uncommon to see a Tesla Model 3 regardless of where
\nyou live.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

As electric cars become less expensive and widely available, more
\npeople are interested in buying them. There are many reasons – aside
\nfrom the environmental benefits – to switch to an EV, such as superb
\nefficiency, cheaper energy costs, less maintenance, and better
\noverall performance. However, making the transition from gas to
\nelectric is a big step. Before you take the plunge, be sure to do
\nyour homework and ask the right questions.<\/p>\n

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most important considerations for
\npotential EV owners, listed in the form of questions. While some
\ninclude complete answers, others depend on various factors,
\nincluding which EV you choose, where you live, and how you plan to
\nuse the car.<\/p>\n

Read through the following information to decide if electric car
\nownership is something you’re really serious about. If you decide to
\nmove forward, be sure to get all of your questions answered before
\ncompleting the transaction.<\/p>\n

Read on to learn if picking up an EV is the right choice for you.<\/p>\n

1. Does the Car Have Enough Range?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many of today’s EVs offer over 200 miles of range on a charge,
\nthough there are still some that have much less.
\nTesla
\nis currently the only automaker that offers EVs with over 300 miles
\nof range. The<\/a> Tesla Model S
\ncurrently holds the record, with up to an EPA-rated 402 miles per
\ncharge. <\/a><\/p>\n

With 200 miles of range, most people aren’t going to experience
\nrange anxiety during their daily commutes. Keep in mind that range
\nvaries regardless of the EPA’s estimates. Many factors impact a
\ncar’s range, such as your speed, your driving habits, the weather,
\nand the car’s climate control. It’s wise to anticipate having less
\nrange than the car’s EPA estimate, just to be safe. If you travel
\nover 200 miles on a daily basis, you may want to steer clear of most
\nEVs.<\/p>\n

2. Can I Charge My Electric Vehicle at Home?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the most convenient aspects of EV ownership is charging at
\nhome. At the end of the day, you simply plug the car in. When you
\nwake in the morning, it’s ready to go. This means no more smelly
\nhands from pumping gas, no more standing out in the cold, and no
\nmore pulling your car out of your garage to warm it up.<\/p>\n

With that said, there are several important considerations. You can
\ncharge your EV using a standard 110-volt wall outlet (Level 1
\ncharging), but it’s going to take some time. Level 1 charging adds
\nabout 4 miles of range per hour. If you don’t use many miles of
\nrange each day, this may work for you. However, if you deplete a
\nfull 250 miles of range, it will take several days to recharge this
\nway.<\/p>\n

Most EV owners hire an electrician to install a 240-volt outlet in
\ntheir garage. This allows for Level 2 charging, which can add 25
\nmiles of range per charging hour. Make sure to find out how much it
\nwill cost to add 240-volt service at your home.<\/p>\n

If you don’t have a garage, you can plug in outside. If you have a
\n240-volt outlet installed outside, make sure it’s up to code, and
\nthat your charging cord or station is designed for outdoor use.<\/p>\n

Learn more about charging an EV at home \u00bb<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

3. How Much Does Electricity Cost?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Just like gasoline, the price of electricity varies depending on
\nwhere you live. The average price of electricity in the U.S. is
\n13.28 cents per kilowatt-hour. In Louisiana, you’ll pay 9.5 cents,
\ncompared to 19.79 cents in California. Regardless of where you live
\nor where you charge your EV, electricity will still cost you much
\nless than gas for a competitor in the same segment. According to the
\nEPA, fuel costs for a
\nBMW 3 Series
\nare over three times more expensive than charging a
\n<\/a>Tesla Model 3. However, there are details you should know in order to save the
\nmost money. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Charging at home is typically cheaper than public charging, though
\nsome public charging units are free. Electricity prices can vary
\nbased on the time of day. It’s usually much less expensive to charge
\novernight or on the weekend than it is to charge at peak times, such
\nas weekday afternoons and evenings. Your local utility company can
\nbreak it all down for you. Some utility providers even offer special
\nplans to accommodate EV owners.<\/p>\n

4. Are There Public Charging Stations Nearby?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While home charging is the most convenient way to juice up your
\nelectric car, you’ll probably need to charge on the road at some
\npoint. Some public charging stations are Level 2, but many offer DC
\nfast charging, which allows you to charge your car rapidly. Some EVs
\ncan be charged to 80% in less than 30 minutes at a fast-charging
\nstation. However, there are many factors involved.<\/p>\n

Make sure you find out if the EV you’re planning on picking up is
\ncapable of fast-charging, as well as how many miles you can expect
\nto add in a given time. In addition, you should locate the charging
\nstations in your area and on your typical routes, and then determine
\nwhat type of charging they support.<\/p>\n

There are many resources available, including PlugShare.com and
\nPlugInAmerica.org. Charging networks, such as EVgo, ChargePoint, and
\nElectrify America also have their own interactive maps. Tesla owners
\nhave exclusive access to the Supercharger network, which includes
\nfast-charging stations strategically located nationwide.<\/p>\n

5. Can I Take My EV on Road Trips?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Any electric car is capable of road-tripping. Whether it’s
\nconvenient or viable comes down to your route and your car’s range.
\nIf your EV offers 200 or 300 miles of range, you’ll probably be
\nready for a bathroom and snack break by the time you’re getting low
\non battery power.<\/p>\n

There shouldn’t be an issue mapping out your trip and making sure
\nthere’s a charging station every three hours or so – especially if
\nyou’re traveling on major highways. However, you may have to diverge
\nfrom the usual route to make sure you can DC fast-charge at each
\nstop. Otherwise, your travel time will be extended significantly.<\/p>\n

6. What Electric Vehicle Incentives are Available?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The federal U.S. government offers electric car buyers a
\n$7,500 tax credit. The full amount only applies to new, fully electric cars. Plug-in
\nhybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are also eligible for the credit,
\nthough it reduces based on the size of the car’s battery. Longer
\nrange PHEVs like the
\n<\/a>Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
\nand
\n<\/a>Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
\nqualify for the full tax credit, but the <\/a>Toyota Prius Prime
\nand <\/a>Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
\nare only eligible for about $4,500.
\nNot all EVs qualify for the tax credit. The incentive phases out
\nin increments after an automaker sells 200,000 electric vehicles.
\nFor example, Tesla and GM EVs are no longer eligible. It’s also
\nimportant to note that not everyone’s tax situation will allow
\nthem to take advantage of the credit. Before buying an EV, be sure
\nto talk to a tax professional to make sure you’ll get the credit.
\nYou can’t get the credit if you lease an EV, but the dealership
\ncan get it and apply it to the lease discounts. However, that’s
\nnot always the case. If you plan to lease, find out if the tax
\ncredit is applied or if the dealership is planning to pocket the
\ncredit.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
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States and cities also offer credits and incentives in addition to
\nthe federal tax credit. Make sure to do your homework to find out if
\nyou can get a local discount, financial assistance for a home
\ncharging system, or any other local incentive for purchasing an
\nelectric car.<\/p>\n

7. Should I Buy a New or Used Electric Car?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Electric cars are expensive, so buying used will save you money.
\nInterestingly, all new EVs are pricier than new gas-powered cars,
\nbut many used EVs are much cheaper than most used gas cars. This is
\nbecause most EVs depreciate more rapidly than traditional cars due
\nto the tax incentives and limited demand. However, this isn’t true
\nof Tesla’s vehicles, which tend to hold their value better than most
\ncars. Many used electric cars also have low mileage due to being
\nrelatively new and having range limitations.<\/p>\n

Buying new guarantees your car will have a full warranty, the
\nlongest electric range currently available, and up-to-date tech and
\nsafety features. While batteries don’t degrade quickly, buying new
\nstill gives you the peace of mind that your battery is in tip-top
\ncondition. Finally, the federal EV tax credit and other electric car
\nincentives aren’t available on the purchase of used EVs.<\/p>\n

Many of the same pros and cons of buying a new or used gas-only
\nvehicle applies to EVs, too. Read our guide on choosing between a
\nnew or used model
\nto learn more. <\/a><\/p>\n

8. Is it Better to Buy or Lease an EV?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you’re in the market for a new EV, you’ll have to decide whether
\nto buy or lease. EV leasing is much more popular than buying since
\nelectric cars are so expensive. While buying a car, especially with
\na low interest rate, is generally a more sound financial decision,
\nit’s not a good idea if you can barely afford the monthly payment.<\/p>\n

A $40,000 car loan with zero APR over five years will set you back
\nalmost $700 per month. You can often lease that same EV with a
\nmonthly payment that’s half that. Moreover, new electric cars are
\ncoming to market regularly, and current models are getting better
\nevery year. Many EVs get new technology and more range with each new
\nmodel year. Leasing assures that you can take advantage of the
\nnewest technology or swap your car for an even better EV every few
\nyears. If your tax situation won’t allow you to get the federal
\nelectric car tax credit, you may benefit from the dealership
\napplying it to your lease as a discount.<\/p>\n

In the end, you have to ask yourself how long you plan to keep
\nyour electric car. Will you eventually pay off the loan? If you
\nplan to sell it, realize that EV resale value may work against
\nyou. However, leasing means having a monthly car payment for a
\nlong period of time. Also, exceeding the car’s mileage
\nrestrictions or damaging the car may end up costing you when it’s
\ntime to turn it in.<\/span > <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
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Choosing to buy or lease an EV is similar to any vehicle. Our
\narticle on
\nbuying versus leasing
\ncan provide you with more information. <\/a><\/p>\n

9. What Do I Need to Know About EV Maintenance?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Overall, electric cars require less maintenance than gas-powered
\ncars. There are virtually no fluids to change, and the friction
\nbrakes last longer since regenerative braking assists with stopping
\nthe car. An EV’s battery and motor have the potential to last longer
\nthan the life of the car. In the rare event that an EV’s battery
\nneeds replacing, it can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $16,000,
\nand that doesn’t include labor. For comparison, replacing the engine
\nin a gas car can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the
\nsize of the engine and the hours of labor.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, federal regulations require that automakers cover an
\nelectric vehicle’s battery for eight years or 100,000 miles. Keep in
\nmind warranties can be packed with exceptions and exclusions, so
\nmake sure you understand exactly what’s covered.<\/p>\n

10. How Much Does it Cost to Insure an Electric Car?<\/strong >
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Insurance tends to cost more for electric cars than traditional
\ncars. However, it has nothing to do with the vehicle’s safety.
\nInstead, it’s because EVs are more expensive than gas-powered cars.
\nMore expensive cars typically cost more to repair. In addition,
\ninsurance companies take into account the high cost of EV battery
\npacks. If an accident causes damage to the pack, and it needs to be
\nreplaced, it’s one of the most expensive repairs insurance companies
\nwill have to cover.<\/p>\n

On average, you’ll pay 23% more to insure an electric car than a gas
\ncar. Some insurance companies are more forgiving than others, and
\nrates vary widely depending on many variables. For example, State
\nFarm’s rates don’t seem to increase much for electric cars, but
\nAllstate charges a hefty premium. Regardless of the car you drive,
\nbe sure to shop around for the best insurance rate. Our
\nauto insurance guide<\/a >
\ncan help you find the best options to insure your EV. <\/a><\/p>\n

By Steven Loveday
\n<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n
\n
\n
September 22, 2020<\/span > <\/span><\/div>\n

https:\/\/cars.usnews.com\/cars-trucks\/questions-before-buying-an-electric-car<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If You’re Considering an Electric Car, Be Sure to Do Your Homework Just a few years ago, many people may have never seen an electric car in person, unless they lived in a place like California where electric vehicles are popular and read…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":null,"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_analytify_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6895","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6895","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6895"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6895\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}