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A recent survey found that nearly 66% of Americans are open to purchasing an electric car, motorcycle or truck, or an “EV.”
If you’re one of the millions of Americans concerned about your carbon footprint, purchasing an EV is a great way to help the planet and also drive in style.
EV popularity is so strong that GM plans to manufacture nothing but EVs by 2035, and a recent wave of clean energy tax credits has made the incentive for buying an EV more affordable than ever.
With that said, choosing the right electric vehicle can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best electric car based on these seven essential factors.
EVs cost less to fuel monthly, and with a solar panel hookup in your house, you can theoretically fuel up your EV for almost $0 monthly.
Almost every car company, from Honda to Hyundai and GM, has begun rolling out their all-new EV models to compete with bigger brands like Tesla and Toyota.
While brand recognition may be more alluring for some drivers, ultimately, choosing the best electric car for your household comes down to five crucial factors.
Battery size and range are the most important factors when choosing an EV. Therefore, we always recommend purchasing the biggest battery you can afford because that is where the value lies.
For example, the 2023 Tesla Model S comes with a battery range of 405 miles that can get you across your local state without having to fuel up. Comparatively, the affordable Chevrolet Bolt, with a range of 259 miles, is not as well suited for long-distance travel.
While you could theoretically complete a road trip in a Chevy Bolt, you will need to make almost double the re-charging stops of a longer range EV. Furthermore, cars like the Nissan Leaf, with a minimum range of 149 miles, will be sufficient for running errands around town but not as convenient for driving long-distances.
This leads us to our second consideration, which is charging ubiquity. EVs like Tesla benefit from the Supercharger network, which is the largest among EVs nationwide.
However, while many Superchargers are adapting to universal chargers, some EVs may still be outdated.
There are generally three types of chargers you should be aware of:
Determining whether local charging stations have the proper charger for your EV is key.
Likewise, many new charging stations are using SAE Combo chargers, quickly making early-use CHAdeMO chargers obsolete.
While installing a charging station at home circumvents many of these problems, having an EV with a compatible charger for any Tesla Supercharger or public network should be researched before purchasing an EV.
Budget is obviously a huge consideration as it will limit your choices on the market.
The good news is EVs are quickly becoming cheaper, with many new models, like the Bolt and Leaf, being priced under $30,000. Also, Tesla recently significantly lowered prices, increasing accessibility and demand. Plus, the EV tax credit theoretically makes these more affordable, though you’ll have to wait until tax season to claim the benefits.
Balance sticker price with tax incentives and perceived features.
Again, we recommend purchasing an EV with a larger battery and minimal features for the best bang for your buck.
Features are an important consideration when buying any new car, and EVs are notorious for being cutting-edge in this field.
Some of our favorite features that improve the longevity and performance of your EV include:
Each brand also comes with its own specific features, such as Porsche’s Home Energy Management system, Rivian’s overlanding capabilities, and Tesla’s Sentry Mode.
Decide which features matter most to you and fit your driving style.
Speaking of driving style, finding the best electric car should also be a function of how well it drives. Fortunately, many drivers prefer the easy glide of EVs, the quiet cabins, and even the acceleration and horsepower of many modern models.
Test drive a few EVs to see which ones feel right to you before purchasing one you read about online.
Many of the same considerations come into play when purchasing a new or used EV. However, in many cases, a used EV will be more affordable than a new one by several thousands of dollars and allow you to access an EV.
We should note that used EVs decline in range anywhere between 5-10% over five years. Furthermore, estimates range on the longevity of EVs, as some are rated to last anywhere between 8-12 years before major service—although some last well over 200,000 miles.
Additionally, used EVs come with a lower tax credit of only $4,000 federally–if the car is purchased from a lot and worth under $25,000.
Nevertheless, a used EV can be a great purchase, especially if you find a good deal and an EV in good condition.
Choosing between an EV and a hybrid also comes down to budget and performance. Hybrids tend to be higher priced than traditional gasoline-powered cars and don’t have the same fuel benefits as a full EV.
Plug-in hybrids can operate solely on electricity and offer a good middle ground between EVs and hybrids; some even apply for the $7500 federal tax credit, if you’re opting for a hybrid, we recommend the plug-in version.
However, EVs provide the most long-term benefits, though the upfront cost will be steeper.
In summary, buying the best electric car for your household requires several different considerations, the most important of which are battery range and budget. But we’re confident you’ll be satisfied with any EV you purchase and will notice the benefits to your lifestyle immediately.
Driving the clean energy movement one step at a time and making a positive impact on the environment.
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