Electric vehicles are steadily growing in popularity.  Helped by the infrastructure of companies like Tesla and the benefit of tax credits and general renewable energy subsidies, we’re looking forward to a continued increase in the number, type, and quality of electric vehicles available in the near future.  It’s easy to find articles and evidence for how electric vehicles are cleaner over their lifespan, as opposed to past cars.  And while it’s important to remember that it’s only a benefit if you upgrade when you need to, rather than dropping an efficient car simply to have a newer vehicle, the decision to switch isn’t what this article is about.  Instead, with so many vehicles available today, let’s highlight a few things you should be watching for when you do decide to make the switch.  Besides, if you’re looking for reasons to purchase an EV, Consumer Reports has a great writeup on why you should or shouldn’t purchase an electric vehicle.

Support Structure

We’ll get to the specifics of vehicles in a moment, but first I’d like to address something that’s not considered usually: infrastructure.  When it comes to vehicles, one of the reasons we have such freedom in travel using vehicles is the wealth of refueling stations and repair locations across the US.  Whether I’m driving a 1990 four-cylinder coupe with a manual transmission or a new truck with a V8 engine, I can refuel and repair any damage as I go.  This level of infrastructure is essential if you want to make the right call on your car.  True, if you don’t plan on leaving your city all that often, or you typically fly and rent vehicles, it’s less important, but the infrastructure of your vehicles company is important for ongoing support.

Established car manufacturers are going to have the support and distribution centers necessary to keep your vehicle in good repair with fast responses on part replacement.  You’ll also find that they’re a little more stable and less likely to run into occasional production hiccups over time.

Companies that only offer electric vehicles are, at the same time, a little more volatile but far more likely to put support for your vehicle first.  In the case of Tesla Motors, recharge stations are specialized and distributed across the nation for easy travel.  Most EVs have specialized plugs for recharging and must rely on a standardized plug at 3^rd party recharge stations (this is also true for Tesla if you’re recharging at a 3^rd party location).  The difference for distance travelers is that you’ll find more recharge stations devoted to your model vehicle if you go with an established brand as opposed to gaining the support and repair infrastructure of a standard dealer.

How Do You Use Your Vehicle?

EVs are being used all over the world for moving freight, as rental vehicles, and even as public transit.  It’s no longer a question of “is there a vehicle for me,” rather it’s a question of which vehicle is correct.  If you don’t drive that often, typically 15-25 miles in-town with large spans of time between drives, a plug-in hybrid is really all you need.  They’re slightly more affordable than a full EV and can handle long-distance journeys on their fuel-based engine (just be sure to drive them on that fuel every month or so to keep the fuel fresh enough to use).

If you are a traveler, how far do you like to drive?  Tesla Motors currently has the vehicle with the further range, with Chevy’s Bolt not far behind (bear in mind this is for their all-electric vehicles, not the plug-in hybrids).  Other vehicles top out at a little over 100 miles.  Again, if all you do is in town driving, and your place of work lacks a recharge station, it may be worth purchasing one of the more inexpensive models.  If you’re anything like me, you enjoy a long drive and need the range of the more expensive vehicles.

Which brings us to the final consumer choice: cost.  There’s no right answer here.  Purchasing a used EV comes with all the standard risks of any used vehicle but it will save you money on the initial purchase price.  If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and don’t’ want to spend a great deal of money, a cheaper vehicle is probably the way to go.  The one exception to this is in whether or not you want to spring for an at-home charging station.  If you plan to charge with regular house voltage (which will take a while) you should consider the more expensive vehicle to give yourself breathing room on mileage.  Otherwise, the final decision for which vehicle is the right choice, rests with you.

For the best in quality electrical repair work and installations, contact the professionals at Custom Electric!  Be sure to check back here each week for helpful advice, news, and guides or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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