Buying an electric vehicle requires considering different factors than purchasing a gas car. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to evaluate before making your purchase.
1 Range Requirements
How far do you typically drive in a day? This is the most important factor.
Questions to Ask:
- • What's your daily commute distance?
- • Do you take regular long trips?
- • What's your longest typical drive?
- • Do you need range buffer for cold weather?
Rule of Thumb: Choose an EV with 2-3x your daily driving range. If you drive 40 miles/day, a 200+ mile range EV is plenty.
2 Charging Access
Can you charge at home or work? This dramatically affects EV ownership experience.
Home Charging
Ideal scenario. Wake up with full charge daily. Lowest cost charging.
Work Charging
Great supplement or alternative to home charging. Often free.
Public Only
Workable but less convenient. Higher costs. Requires planning.
No Access
EV ownership very difficult. Consider PHEV instead.
3 Budget & Total Cost
Consider Total Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: EVs may cost more upfront but...
Incentives: Federal tax credit up to $7,500 + state/local rebates
Fuel Savings: $800-1,500/year vs gasoline
Maintenance Savings: $500-1,000/year vs gas cars
Insurance: Often similar or slightly higher
5-Year TCO: Many EVs cost less to own than equivalent gas vehicles when factoring in all costs.
4 Vehicle Size & Type
What size vehicle do you need? EVs now come in all shapes and sizes.
Compact/Sedan
Best efficiency, lower cost, city-friendly
SUV/Crossover
More space, family-friendly, versatile
Truck
Towing, hauling, work capability
5 Local Infrastructure
What's the charging infrastructure like in your area?
Check:
- • Number of public chargers within 10 miles
- • DC fast chargers on your common routes
- • Charging networks available (Tesla, Electrify America, etc.)
- • Workplace charging availability
- • Shopping/dining locations with chargers
Tools: Use PlugShare app to map chargers in your area
6 Climate & Weather
How does your climate affect EV performance?
Cold Weather
- • Range reduced 20-40% in extreme cold
- • Preconditioning helps significantly
- • Heat pump equipped EVs perform better
- • Factor in extra range buffer
Hot Weather
- • Range reduced 10-20% in extreme heat
- • AC use impacts range
- • Battery thermal management important
- • Less impact than cold weather
7 Features & Technology
Important EV-Specific Features:
- • DC Fast Charging Speed: 50 kW minimum, 150+ kW ideal
- • Heat Pump: Better cold weather efficiency
- • One-Pedal Driving: Convenient regenerative braking
- • Preconditioning: Warm/cool car before driving
- • Route Planning: Built-in charging stop navigation
- • Over-the-Air Updates: Software improvements remotely
8 New vs Used
New EV Advantages
- • Full warranty (8-10 years battery)
- • Federal tax credit eligible
- • Latest technology
- • Longer range options
Used EV Advantages
- • Lower purchase price
- • Less depreciation
- • Still has warranty remaining
- • Proven reliability data
Your EV Buying Decision Framework
EV is Great If:
- • You can charge at home or work
- • Daily driving under 200 miles
- • Good local charging infrastructure
- • Want lowest operating costs
Consider PHEV If:
- • Limited charging access
- • Frequent long trips (300+ miles)
- • Want transition option
- • Need maximum flexibility
Wait on EV If:
- • No charging access at all
- • Very remote area with no infrastructure
- • Need frequent long-distance towing
- • Budget extremely tight (consider used)
Final Checklist
✓ Calculated my range needs (2-3x daily driving)
✓ Confirmed charging access (home/work/public)
✓ Researched total cost of ownership
✓ Determined size/type needed
✓ Checked local charging infrastructure
✓ Considered climate impact
✓ Reviewed available incentives
✓ Test driven preferred models
