3 common mistakes to avoid when buying an electric vehicle
Purchasing an electric vehicle is a responsible decision, as they are much more environmentally friendly than vehicles that run on gas. Studies show that those who drive electric cars have considerably reduced CO2 emissions. So those who want to buy one may need to do a bit of research and understand the kind of incentives they may or may not get. They should also avoid making a few common mistakes, such as the ones mentioned below:
1. Buying new EVs
The high price is one of the biggest reasons people usually do not purchase electric vehicles. Electric cars and SUVs are several times more expensive than their standard counterparts. These vehicles have powerful and pricey batteries, a drivetrain, and other incredibly expensive components. Due to this, the starting price of electric vehicles is already high, and after including various warranties and insurance into the mix, the price rises even further.
This is why purchasing a new EV at this price point is not the wisest thing to do. One can consider buying a used EV in good condition, a solution that is just as good, if not better, than buying a brand-new EV.
2. Expecting a full range
Usually, an electric vehicle’s marketing team presents its range as a specific number. For example, the buyer’s manual of an electric hatchback may show its range to be 600 miles. However, when driving the car in the real world, owners realize that its range is somewhere closer to 530 to 540 miles on a full charge. The manual often includes the range of the vehicle when it is being tested in an ideal environment. The variables are often excluded. This is why the car may give a 600-mile range figure in a lab-based testing scenario. Essentially, one must factor in other variables that can affect the range of an electric vehicle on a single charge.
3. Failing to factor in tax credits
Electric vehicles come with several tax benefits. Giving owners of electric vehicles tax credits and other benefits is the government’s way of acknowledging and appreciating such buyers for playing their part in making the environment more sustainable. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of these benefits when they purchase a new electric vehicle.
Some other mistakes include not doing enough research on EVs and taking an expensive auto loan to fund the purchase.
