Owning an electric vehicle (EV) gives you a chance to join the charge for a change for good. With an EV, you can cut down on your dependence on non-renewable energy sources, making the switch to green energy.
For those who are passionate about living a carbon-free lifestyle, buying an EV is the perfect next step. Before you dive into the EV life, you might have a few questions about the process of choosing an EV. If so, we are here to help. We’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to decide which EV to buy.
Purchasing an EV is similar to purchasing any vehicle. Before you begin the process, you’ll want to take the time to consider what style of vehicle will meet your personal preferences and needs.
Just like a gas or diesel vehicle, EVs are available as sports cars, sedans, hatchbacks, pickup trucks, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and more.
In some cases, you might have a specific style of vehicle in mind. In other situations, you might be open to a few different options. Either way, narrowing down the type can help you sift through the vast number of EVs on the market today.
Another important consideration when comparing EVs is to decide whether you want to opt for a full EV or a hybrid.
A hybrid uses both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. It has two batteries, one dedicated to the ICE and one to the electric motor. Hybrids still require the use of fuel. They switch between the ICE and the electric motor during use, dramatically lowering the usage of gasoline. There are two styles of hybrids, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), which does not plug into a charging station but relies on fuel to create energy, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which can use energy from either fuel or electricity from being plugged-in.
An EV, however, only has an electric motor and a battery. These vehicles, also called battery electric vehicles (BEVs), always operate in full-electric mode. BEVs are plugged into a charging station between use to “refuel.”
Any style of electric vehicle will help reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. However, BEVs are the best choice for those looking to ditch a visit to the fuel pumps for good.
One of the biggest challenges that the EV market faced in the early days was the range an EV could travel between charges. At the start, BEVs could only go a distance of around 80 miles before needing to be recharged. This cut down on the practical uses of an EV.
However, as there has been an increasing focus on moving away from fossil fuels to green energy, a vast amount of money has been spent on improving BEV technology. Today, BEVs are reaching ranges of 250+ miles, with Telsa announcing a vehicle capable of traveling 600 miles between charges.
As you compare different EVs, think about your EV mileage needs. For short commutes around town, you might be able to spend less on your EV upfront, opting for a shorter range between charges. However, if you have a long commute, you might want to invest in a BEV capable of long-distance travel or an HEV or PHEV, which can switch between electric and liquid fuel for power.
Finally, once you have an idea of the type of vehicle you want and the range it will need to travel between charges, it is time to create a list of add-ons you would prefer. EVs today come equipped with all the bells and whistles. From backup cameras to driving assist, you can find an EV with any technology or feature upgrade you desire.
As you compare options, make a list of must-have features and the ones that are nice-to-haves. This will help you narrow down your options and can help you choose something within your budget.
Now that you have an idea of what you are looking for, use the Compare EV Cars Tool (Electric Vehicle Comparison) to see a line-up of vehicles side-by-side. With this handy tool, you can choose up to three vehicles at once to compare. From here, you can read over a summary of the three vehicles, contrast their technology, and compare their safety features. You’ll see an estimated price for the vehicle as well, helping you explore which options are ideal for your budget.
You can also click through to read more details about each vehicle type or check out the Find the Right Car Tool to discover new options through a questionnaire.
Are you ready to purchase an EV and join the charge to save the planet? If so, don’t forget to sign up to subscribe to our newsletter. We are here to help you learn more about EV living and how you can transition away from fossil fuels. Be sure to also follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Published November 3, 2022 3:14PM
Eveelife is an eco-oriented lifestyle platform that helps consumers make more purposeful choices about how they live and what they consume. We do it by curating content and products that help them make more conscious, carbon-free choices while amplifying their EV ownership experience.
