SHOULD YOU BUY AN ELECTRIC CAR?

Posted Monday, Jul 25, 2022

Making the switch from gas-powered to electric vehicle is a huge step! We’ve broken down some important points before getting your dream EV!

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle? Maybe a Tesla?

Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in electric vehicles, and it’s now become more accessible than ever before. Several major automakers offer electric vehicles nationwide, and they’re no longer limited to luxury models. And according to surveys from Consumer Reports and Cars.com, at least two-thirds of American drivers would consider buying one.

But we know that making that transition from gas to electric is a huge step in your car journey. That’s why UR1Stop Auto Sales is here to help! We’ve rounded up some factors you need to consider before making that big decision!

1. Know What You Are Looking For

First and foremost, when buying a car, it’s important to do your homework. You also have to consider what you need from your car and how it fits into your lifestyle. Is it for basic transportation? Is it for economical and ecological reasons? Or is it an expression and extension of who you are and what your personality is? With different options in the market, it’s vital to understand what checks off your list!

2. Does It Have Enough Range?

After evaluating what you need, you’ll need to take a look at potential car options. The first and most important concern of an electric car shopper is whether it has range that fits well within your needs. “Range Anxiety” is a real thing that early adopters experienced, but ever since Tesla offered 250 up to 402 miles of range per charge, many automakers followed suit. Nowadays, you’ll see a lot of EVs in the market that range over 200 miles between charges. So now the question is, do you need that much range? Given that many factors impact this, it’s always safe to anticipate having less than the car’s EPA estimate. But if you’re travelling over 200 miles on a daily basis, then EVs might not be for you.

3. Consider Your Budget Constraints

It’s no secret that electric cars usually cost more than gas-powered cars. But Federal and State tax breaks, utility grants, and other savings can help make them more affordable. Regardless if the purchase price is comparatively higher than gas cars, electric vehicles are also more affordable to own because they require little maintenance. Aside from efficiency and environmental benefits, they also have lower energy costs.

Another alternative is to consider buying a used electric car. But be sure to double check the car you are buying, especially the quality of the battery because it degrades over time. Here at UR1Stop Auto Sales, we make sure to provide thorough inspections as well as updated carfax reports for full and ethical transparency. We want our customers to have the peace of mind, and get the best car-buying experience. You can check out used EVs and hybrids that we have available in our inventory here.

4. Does It Have Enough Passenger and Cargo Space?

Now that we’ve talked about price and range, you’ll want to choose a car model that has enough space for you to live with on your daily drive. You might also have to consider if there is enough back seat leg and headroom if you regularly have multiple passengers. And don’t forget to check the cargo room! You want to make sure that it can carry the usual number of grocery bags or bulky items you usually carry. It is worth noting that most EVs have both a trunk and a frunk – or a front hood trunk – given they don’t have a large motor to take up space.

5. Consider Your Charging Options

When making the switch to an electric vehicle, it’s crucial to have a charging plan. The easiest option is to charge it at home, but it’s usually slower, taking up to 24 hours to fully charge. To be able to have quicker “Level 2” charging times, you might have to install a 240-volt line and a wall mounted charger by an electrician. If you have an electric dryer outlet, it’s likely you already have a 240-volt outlet. Another option is to take note of public charging stations near you which can be more convenient as they offer it for free.

New vs. Used Electric Vehicles

Now that you’ve taken note of the things you need to think over, there’s the age old question: Should you buy new or used? Both have a set of their own advantages and disadvantages, and both can be great options! Typically, electric cars are expensive so buying used ones can save you a ton of money. This is because EVs tend to depreciate quicker due to tax incentives and limited demand. But if you’re considering Tesla, then great news! Tesla vehicles tend to hold their value better than most cars.

Meanwhile, buying a new electric vehicle also offers you peace of mind. There’s a guarantee of having full warranty, the longest range available, up-to-date technology and features. Plus, you can be sure that your battery is in excellent condition. However, if you’re looking to get EV federal tax credits and other incentives, those options won’t be available when you buy a used EV.

Whatever you decide, make sure it checks off everything from your list and your financial capabilities. Explore as many options available as possible, and don’t forget to do your research!

Get Your Next Car At UR1Stop Auto Sales

When it comes to providing full transparency and ethical service, you can count on UR1Stop Auto Sales as your trusted full-service dealership! We make sure that every car you buy from us has gone through a 150-point inspection, complete with updated carfax reports. But our services don’t just stop at the showroom. Whether your car needs mechanical or body service, our full service center is available to make sure that your car stays in excellent condition.

View our Full Inventory to get your next dream car!