Close X
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
ADVT 
Reviews

Edmunds answers the most asked questions from first-time EV buyers

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Sep, 2023 09:41 AM
  • Edmunds answers the most asked questions from first-time EV buyers

As sales of electric vehicles continue to grow, so do the number of questions curious shoppers have when considering making the switch to a fully electrified car, truck or SUV. Undoubtedly, the experience of driving and owning an electric vehicle is different from the traditional one for a gas-powered vehicle. To help first-time EV shoppers, the automotive experts at Edmunds address the most common concerns car shoppers have about going electric.

SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT RANGE ANXIETY?

It’s true, no matter its price tag or performance, every EV only travels so far before the driver needs someplace to charge the vehicle’s battery. Thankfully, more and more EVs have enough range to satisfy a wide range of buyers. Consider how many miles you drive on an average day. Chances are, it’s well below what a new EV is capable of. Many models are now capable of driving more than 300 miles on a full charge. As long as you’re not somebody who drives a car until it’s sputtering on its final remaining drops of fuel, you should be fine.

The trickier issue is range while making longer highway trips of hundreds of miles. These can potentially require multiple stops to charge. Range still won’t likely be an issue as long as you plan ahead, but the extra time required for stopping and charging can be a hassle compared to the convenience of fueling a gas-powered vehicle.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO CHARGE MY EV?

An EV owner’s home, where a dependable and well-maintained charge point is ready and waiting, is typically the best place. Having a dependable recharging spot takes away much of the stress car shoppers have about EVs.

There are different levels of charging. The most common method is what is sometimes referred to as Level 2 charging. It uses a 240-volt power source, similar to what operates large appliances like a stove and clothes dryer. Level 2 can usually fully charge an EV battery overnight.

EV owners who don’t have access to a home charger will have to rely on public charging stations. It’s much less convenient but it’s still possible to do. In this case, Level 3 charging, or DC fast charging, is the quickest means of juicing up an EV. It can take less than 30 minutes to get a sizable recharge using this method. Tesla’s vast nationwide network of Supercharger stations is an example of Level 3 charging.

HOW LONG DO EV BATTERIES LAST?

The battery pack in an EV does have a limited working life, though it’s longer than what many shoppers might think when considering an electric. At a bare minimum, a federal mandate requires every new EV to have an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, and many experts say they will last longer.

You can loosely think of an EV’s battery as being similar to the one in your smartphone. Over the course of hundreds or even thousands of charging cycles, a battery’s maximum capacity, and therefore its maximum range, eventually takes a hit. Even so, the loss in range is manageable. One analysis found that the average rate of range decline for a battery is about 2.3% per year. Certain techniques, such as limiting your EV battery charging to 80% or 90% capacity for routine driving, can help maximize battery life.

WHICH EVS QUALIFY FOR THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT?

Many EVs are eligible for tax credits, but the formula used to determine this has gotten more complicated. Navigating the fine print takes time and, in some cases, the EV you’re considering won’t be eligible for any federal tax credits at all.

First, know that federal EV tax credits max out at $7,500 for new vehicles and $4,000 for used. For the full $7,500 credit, a new EV’s production location has to be within the U.S. Additionally, a certain percentage of the car’s battery components must be sourced either in the U.S. or from a country with a free-trade agreement with the U.S. Only a handful of EVs fully qualify under these rules. However, some automakers are using leasing as a means to pass along the credit on their EVs. You don’t get the tax credit, but these automakers will bake the price reduction into the lease offer.

There are also eligibility limits set for the vehicle’s price and the vehicle purchaser’s income. Confused? You’re not alone. Luckily, Edmunds has a list of every rebate eligible vehicle currently on sale.

EDMUNDS SAYS

Owning an EV for the first time can be a bit daunting at first. People have had their whole lives to get used to driving gas-powered vehicles, and EVs are basically brand-new. But once acclimated, drivers will find there are many enjoyable aspects to driving an electric vehicle. As sales of electric vehicles continue to grow, so do the number of questions curious shoppers have when considering making the switch to a fully electrified car, truck or SUV. Undoubtedly, the experience of driving and owning an electric vehicle is different from the traditional one for a gas-powered vehicle. To help first-time EV shoppers, the automotive experts at Edmunds address the most common concerns car shoppers have about going electric.

MORE Reviews ARTICLES

In a battle of electric SUVs, the Nissan Ariya takes on the Ford Mustang Mach-E

In a battle of electric SUVs, the Nissan Ariya takes on the Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Nissan Ariya is an all-new electric SUV for the 2023 model year. However, it’s also going up against many recently introduced SUV competitors, one of which is the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Which one of these small electric SUVs is the better buy? Edmunds compared them to find out.  

In a battle of electric SUVs, the Nissan Ariya takes on the Ford Mustang Mach-E

Edmunds: The best affordable performance cars

Edmunds: The best affordable performance cars
Inflation and price creep have pushed many desirable models out of reach, but fortunately, a handful of automakers remain committed to offering thrill-making machines with wallet-friendly price tags. Edmunds’ car experts have rounded up six of the best with starting prices under $33,000.

Edmunds: The best affordable performance cars

Edmunds: Best used electric vehicles under $25,000

Edmunds: Best used electric vehicles under $25,000
To help you decide what options you have for a used EV, the car experts at Edmunds highlighted their top five picks for a used EV that can be purchased for less than $25,000. We based our list on Edmunds ratings when they were new and on their current availability. The average pricing we've listed is based on Edmunds July sales data. 

Edmunds: Best used electric vehicles under $25,000

Edmunds: These cars will be gone after 2023

Edmunds: These cars will be gone after 2023
To assist potential buyers, Edmunds' experts have highlighted the most notable models that will be phased out this year. This list is sorted by the manufacturer's suggested retail price and includes the destination charge. 

Edmunds: These cars will be gone after 2023

Edmunds compares: 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. Honda CR-V

Edmunds compares: 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has consistently been one of the most popular small crossover SUVs on sale in America. The Mazda CX-50 is a new competitor that boasts distinctive styling, a classy interior design, and a strong turbocharged engine option. Which one of these SUVs is the better buy? Edmunds compares them to find a winner.

Edmunds compares: 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. Honda CR-V

Edmunds: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS vs. 2023 BMW i7

Edmunds: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS vs. 2023 BMW i7
BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS sedan. These two all-electric sedans are among the most expensive, technologically advanced and luxurious electric vehicles on the market. But which one most successfully represents the pinnacle of EV design? Edmunds compared the i7 and EQS to find out.

Edmunds: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS vs. 2023 BMW i7

PrevNext