Electric vehicles are widely touted as the vehicles of the future. Despite the increasing availability of this type of car today, for many drivers, electric vehicles are still a novelty. That means buying an electric vehicle for the first time is a new and unique experience.
Tesla electric vehicles may be the most visible electric cars on the road today, but most major automakers, including Nissan and Chevrolet, also produce them. That means car buyers now have more electric vehicle options than ever before, which can make the process of buying an electric car more exciting, but also more difficult. Narrowing down an ever-increasing number of options may not be easy for first-time EV buyers, who can keep these tips in mind as they begin this exciting journey.
Get an idea of the accessibility of charging stations in your home. The number of public charging stations is increasing, but there is still a lot of work to be done in this area. In fact, McKinsey & Company research indicates that nearly half of consumers in the United States cite battery or charging issues as their top concern when purchasing electric vehicles. The automotive resource Auto Trader notes that most electric vehicles have enough battery range to cover more than the average daily commute in the United States. But drivers hoping to use their electric vehicles as their everyday cars to get them to work and help them run errands and get around town need to confirm that there are enough public charging stations to make that possible.
Look at the subsidies. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy notes that all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars purchased new in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal tax credit that could be as high as $7,500. State and/or local incentives may also apply. The Canadian Automobile Association reports that the Government of Canada offers point-of-sale incentives of up to $5,000 for drivers who purchase or lease an electric vehicle. These subsidies can help significantly lower the cost of owning an electric vehicle and are worth exploring as drivers decide which electric car or truck to buy.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative