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So you’re ready to buy an electric car. Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for a while, or perhaps something recently triggered the desire. Whatever the reason, buying an electric vehicle is a great decision. Electric cars are kind to the environment, and manufacturers are producing some fantastic models with innovative features. There are plenty of reasons to buy an electric vehicle and ditch that gas guzzler today. Read on to discover everything you need to buy an electric car. This guide covers everything from engine types and battery technology to charging costs and maintenance needs and some pros and cons of buying an electric car.

Research: Is an Electric Car Right for You?

Before you start shopping for a new car, you should make sure an electric car is right for you. You’ll want to consider your driving needs, the cost of purchasing, owning and charging an electric car, and how long you’re planning to keep the vehicle. Electric cars generally cost more than gas cars; it is good to plan how much you can afford to spend on that snazzy new set of wheels. Make sure you have a plan and do your homework by working out exactly what you can afford; many websites have handy car finance calculators to work out car finance options and monthly payments. So you have a clear idea of what you will have to pay. Driving needs: If you regularly drive long distances, an electric car might not be the best choice. Most electric cars have a range of 80 to 250 miles per charge, which is significantly less than the average gas car. This might not matter if you only drive short distances and can charge the car at home, but it’s something to consider. Cost of owning: Buying an electric car will initially be more expensive than a gas car. However, they are cheaper to maintain. Electric vehicles don’t require oil changes, which saves you time and money in the long run. You’ll also save money on gas and car insurance. Long-term plans: You should consider how long you plan to own the car. Electric cars have a longer lifespan than gas cars, but you’ll need to replace the battery after about eight years. This can be expensive, but it will cost less than buying a new car. While you’re looking at buying an electric car, you should keep in mind that technology may improve in the future and make it cheaper to replace your battery.

Battery Technology

Electric cars run on batteries, but not all batteries are the same. You’ll want to consider the type of battery used when buying an electric car. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH): NiMH batteries were popular in the early days of electric vehicles but are now rare. They are cheaper and less energy-dense than lithium-ion batteries but can be fast-charged and helpful for electric cars. Nickel-cadmium (NiCad): NiCad batteries were used in the first generation of hybrid vehicles, but they are now rare in electric vehicles. They are less energy-dense than NiMH batteries but can be fast-charged. Lithium-ion (Li-ion): Li-ion batteries are the most common in electric cars today. They are more energy-dense than NiMH batteries and can be fast-charged.

Electric Car Engines

Some electric cars come with a gas engine to extend the range of the car. The car will automatically switch to the gas engine when the battery runs out. After that, you’ll start to use gas instead of electricity. All-electric: These cars don’t have a gas engine at all. They use an electric motor powered by a battery. Hybrid: Hybrid cars use a combination of gasoline and electricity. They have an electric motor and a gas engine, which generate extra power when the battery is low. Fully electric: These cars use batteries to generate power, and they don’t use a gas engine at all. You may also want to consider calculating how much fuel you may use with a gas or hybrid car; handy calculators like the one here are great for working this out.

Where to Buy an Electric Car

Most car manufacturers produce electric cars so that you can buy an electric car from almost any car dealer. You’ll want to find a dealer near you, as you’ll likely need to test-drive the car before you buy it. You can also buy an electric car online, although you’ll want to make sure the car comes with a warranty. You can also borrow or rent an electric car to see what they’re like to drive.

Deciding on a Brand

When you’re ready to buy an electric car, you should decide which brand you want to go with. You can select a brand based on the car model or brand name you like or narrow your options based on features. You can also go with a Tesla, a completely different type of car. Brand name: If you want to stick with a traditional brand, Ford, Chevrolet, and Nissan produce electric cars. More luxury car brands, like Audi and Mercedes-Benz, also manufacture electric vehicles. Features: You can also select a car based on specific characteristics. For example, you may want a car that has a large trunk for hauling items or a car with extra seating for family vacations. Tesla: Tesla is an entirely different brand that produces fully-electric cars. Tesla cars have a sleek design and are marketed as high-end, luxurious electric vehicles.

Essential Feature to Look For When Buying An Electric Car

Battery range: The first thing you’ll want to look for is the battery range – how far the car can drive on a single charge. The average electric car ranges from 80 to 250 miles per charge, and some can go even further. If you regularly drive long distances, you may want to consider a car with a larger battery. Type of charger: You’ll also want to look at the car’s charger. All-electric cars come with a Level 2 charger that can be connected to a regular outlet. Some cars also come with a DC fast charger that can recharge the battery in a shorter amount of time. You’ll want to make sure your car comes with a fast charger. Battery technology: The type of battery the car uses will affect how long it lasts and how much it costs to maintain. Li-ion batteries are the most common, but some older NiMH or NiCad batteries may be found. High-end features: Finally, you may want to add some high-end features to the car. Some electric cars have WiFi and can be controlled remotely with an app, while others come with autonomous driving features.