John Paul M. Joaquin Auto 05.20.2022 09:May AM EDT

Here Are the Things You Should Consider When Buying Your First EV

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a lifesaver in this day and age when gas prices are so high that to escape them, the government is pushing companies to produce chips and batteries, so people start buying EVs.

However, picking a new car, even if it's an EV with all its government subsidies, as Electrek shows, is still a large drain on your finances. As such, it's understandable that you want to make your first EV count.

Here are some things for you to keep in mind and look out for when you're choosing an EV in your nearest dealership:

Check Its Vehicle Range

An EV needs a battery charge like an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle needs gasoline. When charged or filled to the brim, they give you the maximum mileage the car can provide.

However, if you're going to use an EV for a 32-mile round trip, then getting a car with excessively high mileage is quite the overkill as you won't need the extra mileage.

But that's what you're looking for.

According to My EV, even if you don't need the extra mileage or range, having it won't hurt you down the line. This excess is appropriate because those ranges you see in dealerships are probably estimates, meaning you get more or less than the mileage presented, and that will vary due to several factors.

These factors include the distance needed to cover to get to the location of your choosing, and the EV's heat. Simply put, the farther and hotter the EV is, the more battery charge it uses.

Check Its Passenger Room and Cargo Space

A car is more than just a transportation device for yourself, it's also for others, such as your family, friends, and items like groceries, bikes, and tools. As such, you should always check for passenger and cargo space when getting any kind of car, regardless if it's an EV.

A car with too tight a space for your passengers or a car that can only seat you and one other passenger when you need to seat three other people is a no-go. Similarly, if you're in need to bring a lot of tools, and all the things you can fit in the trunk of the car you chose is a toolbox, and some hazard signs when you need more are no good either.

Make Sure You Can Charge The EV At Home

There are a lot of EV charging stations in the US, some of them even have some cool features such as fast charging. These charging stations are a lifesaver when you near one, but you can't leave your brand new EV there overnight.

According to 21 Oak, an EV needs a 240-volt electric outlet that allows for Level 2 charging to get fully charged overnight. As such, check with your local electrician if you can check your EV at home with the outlets you have, or have them install one for you to do so.

Check The Incentives You Can Get With Your Chosen EV

As previously mentioned, EVs have government-mandated subsidies. This inclusion is because the US government wants you to buy one instead of a regular ICE car.

These subsidies come in the form of tax credits that, unfortunately, you can take advantage of on your next federal income tax return. As such, you'll still have to pay for the car's full price upfront. But as soon as April of the current or next year comes in, the government will return $7,500 to you as a tax credit for choosing to buy an EV than an ICE vehicle.

As such, check with your dealership if the EV you're planning on buying is covered by the said subsidy.

Know Your EV's Maintenance Schedule

An EV is substantially cheaper to maintain than an ICE vehicle due to the former having fewer moving parts, according to Evan Shalshaw. However, regular maintenance is still needed to get the most out of your newly-bought EV, especially if you bought a second-hand one.

Once you have your EV, be prepared to follow the maintenance schedule required by your manufacturer because the validity of its warranty depends on how well you maintain your EV.

You wouldn't want to get your EV in its manufacturer's service center for a battery replacement only to find out you can't because you failed to install the necessary software or firmware updates, voiding your car's warranty.