EV Buying Tips 2023

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【Summary】This article provides seven key insights to consider before buying an electric vehicle (EV). It emphasizes that there may be a learning curve for using the touch screen in EVs, and road trips require careful planning to locate charging stations. The cost of electricity should be considered, especially with added fees at public charging stations. Cold weather can reduce an EV's range by up to 50%, and tires may wear out 20% faster compared to gas-powered cars.

FutureCar Staff Aug 14, 2023 4:44 PM PT

If you're considering switching from a gas-powered or hybrid car to an electric vehicle (EV), there are a few important things you should know. First, the touch screen in EVs can be confusing at first. It may take some time to adjust to navigating all the features, so be prepared to spend some time with the vehicle's manual and ask for demos from salespeople.

Next, road trips require more careful planning with an EV. While you can charge your car at home, you'll need to find EV stations while on the road. Make sure to look up charging stations along your route and note that some stations offer faster charging options.

When it comes to cost, EVs save on gas expenses but use electricity. The average price of electricity in the US is 16.32 cents per kilowatt-hour. Charging at home is cheaper, especially overnight when electricity usage is lower. However, some public charging stations may have additional fees.

Cold weather can affect the range of an EV. In tests, EV models have shown a 25% drop in range in cold weather conditions when driving at 70 mph. Short trips with frequent stops and cabin reheating can reduce the range by as much as 50%.

Tires on EVs wear out faster compared to gas-powered cars. The acceleration of electric vehicles generates strong instantaneous power, causing tires to wear 20% faster.

It's unclear exactly how long EVs last compared to gas-powered cars. While gas-powered cars can last up to 300,000 miles with regular maintenance, the lifespan of EVs is still uncertain.

Finally, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500 if you buy a new, qualified plug-in EV or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV). To qualify, you must buy the EV for personal use, primarily use it in the US, and meet certain income requirements.