Do You Buy Electric Cars?
Buying electric cars can be exciting and confusing. Think about what kind of car you want and where you need to charge.
The appeal of electric cars has never been stronger than it is now. GM plans to sell only electric vehicles by 2035. Volkswagen's goal is to make it cheaper than gasoline-powered cars. The survey shows that at least two-thirds of American drivers are willing to buy electric vehicles. However, many people are still worried about the costs, choices, and charges of electric vehicles, but these obstacles are falling rapidly. The government hopes to speed up this process and provide tens of billions of dollars of incentives.
For those who want to buy electric cars, this can be overwhelming and exciting. Here's how you should consider whether electric vehicles are suitable for you.
What are you looking for? Electric cars are fast, fun to drive, require little maintenance and produce no exhaust emissions, which are the main cause of climate change. But even if you're sure you want one, there are many options. That's why it's important to understand what you're looking for.
"Is this a basic means of transportation?" Or an expression of yourself and your personality, Said Matt DeLorenzo, senior executive editor of Kelly's blue book“ The car is a statement to the buyer. If not, there would be no Mercedes Benz. "
Tesla. Of course, the company produces powerful, modern, and fast electric vehicles. But Tesla's appeal is also related to its evaluation of car owners. Buying one means buying an early collector community and, to some extent, the views and vision of Elon Musk, the company's charismatic and arrogant CEO. Therefore, many car lovers either like Tesla or hate it.
Some electric vehicles, such as Hyundai IONIQ, Nissan LEAF, or mini cooper se, start at about $30000 and are economic and ecological alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles. Other models, such as Porsche day can, GMC's upcoming giant electric Hummer, and the luxury Mercedes Benz EQs, are boutiques priced at about $100000.
What is your charging plan? The charging infrastructure in the United States may be developing rapidly, but anyone who wants to turn to electric vehicles should have a charging plan.
The first step is to determine where you usually charge. Most people do it at home, which is the easiest. But as new electric cars and trucks can travel 200 miles or more when fully charged, some drivers choose to replenish fuel when needed in the workplace or public charging stations. It is reported that some urban residents start long cables from apartments or families to provide power for vehicles parked on the street.
If you plan to charge a new electric car or truck at home, there are some pitfalls to pay attention to. Although electric vehicles can be charged through a typical household socket, the charging process is very slow and takes up to 24 hours or more to be fully charged. Many car owners choose to install faster 220 to 240-volt power outlets, as used in clothes dryers, which usually require hiring an electrician.
Alistair Weaver, editor in chief of edmunds.com, said: "you are basically installing something unique for electric vehicles - it costs."
He should know. After buying a new house, Weaver realized that his electric panel needed an expensive upgrade to power his wife's Tesla Model 3.
Anyone without a simple charging method should pay special attention to the driving distance of the car in the real world and its possible changes under different conditions. For example, cold weather can greatly reduce the vehicle's mileage.
But don't be too nervous. Experts say that although the fear of power failure, which is often called distance anxiety, is real, it is often exaggerated. In fact, many electric car owners don't charge every day because they don't need it at all.
Should I buy a Tesla? When it comes to electric vehicles, we can't help mentioning Tesla. Tesla is the leader in the U.S. electric vehicle market for a reason: Although Tesla's car is not without problems, it is still popular.
Tesla has attracted many people who are just looking for future technology or sports cars, and even something deeper. I think people like Elon Musk.
As a market leader, Tesla has some advantages. Tesla's cars and technology last longer than electric vehicles produced by other carmakers, and Tesla has an easy-to-use charging network for its own cars. But the situation is changing rapidly. The choice of electric vehicles is really proliferating. Everyone is pouring into the market. The turning point has come, and all the brands you are familiar with will provide really useful and multifunctional alternatives to electric vehicles in the next two or three years.
At the beginning of 2021, several new electric vehicles started on the road, including Ford's Mustang mache, Volkswagen's ID4, and Volvo's xc40 recharge. Carmakers are expected to launch more cars this year and next. The models eagerly awaited by car lovers include Audi Q4 e-Tron SUV, BMW I4 sedan, Hyundai IONIQ 5 SUV, and Nissan ariya SUV. Several other start-ups are also expected to start selling cars, including the lucid air sedan, Vivian's r1t pickup, and R1s SUV.
What can you afford? Tax credits may help. Yes, electric cars are more expensive than similar gasoline-powered cars, but the price tells you so much. Federal and state tax breaks, utility grants and other savings can help offset costs.
The federal government provides a $7500 tax credit for electric vehicles. Although Tesla or general motors have run out, they can still be used in many other electric vehicles. Take Nissan LEAF as an example. A new basic model costs nearly $32000, but after the federal tax credit, the price fell to less than $25000. States, cities, and even utility companies provide incentives to buy electric cars or install chargers at home.
Electric cars are also cheaper. A recent study by the consumer report found that, compared with the average owner of a gasoline-powered car, the average expenditure of electric vehicle drivers on providing power for a car, truck or SUV has decreased by 60%, while the expenditure on repair and maintenance has decreased by half - there is no need to change the oil.
Buying a used car may be a cheaper way to buy an electric car, but carefully evaluate the quality of the car you buy, especially the battery, because it will deteriorate over time. In other words, a used electric car may be the perfect choice for a second car on business, commuting, and other short trips.
Although owning an electric car may be exciting, it may not be suitable for everyone. Many families and individuals cannot afford electric cars that meet their needs - for example, there are few three-row electric cars, and they are often expensive. Others have difficulty charging at home or nearby. That's why Delorenzo and Fisher recommended plug-in hybrids.
If you're interested but not sure if you're willing to invest, these plug-in hybrids are away. For many people, plug-in vehicles such as Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan or RAV4 prime SUV can be effectively used as all-electric vehicles. Toyota said the RAV4 prime could drive 42 miles before switching to gasoline, while Chrysler said Pacifica could drive 32 miles on a full charge. If these cars are mainly used for short commutes and town travel, they rarely use gasoline. Both cars and other plug-in hybrids are also eligible for the federal tax credit. As long as you plug it into an ordinary socket on the wall and charge it all night, you can feel what it's like to have an electric car. Maybe your next car will be a pure electric car.
Of course, gasoline-powered cars have become more and more efficient. If you want to upgrade from an old car, choosing one wisely will help reduce emissions. However, many people buy cars based on what they think is attractive and attractive. 'if you admire the function and design of electric vehicles, you may find that nothing else can satisfy you,' Mr. de Lorenzo said. This is a different experience.
