There are many reasons why switching to an electric car may inspire someone to move forward with the purchase. They are better for the environment and now are becoming more available and less expensive.
Electric vehicles have superb efficiency, cheaper energy costs, less maintenance, and better overall performance. However, making the transition from gas to electric is a big step. Before you take the plunge, be sure to do your homework and ask the right questions. We’re here to answer these questions for you.
Q: Does The Car Have Enough Range?
A: Most electric vehicles today offer over 200 miles of range after one charge. There are still some out there that offer more or less, so make sure to ask your car dealership exactly how many miles a single charge will provide when purchasing your electric car. Tesla is currently the only automaker that offers over 300 miles of range.
If you are using your electrical car for brief trips to the grocery store or daily work commutes you won’t have much to worry about. Keep in mind that the range varies depending on your driving habits. This includes speed, weather conditions, and the car’s climate control. If you often travel over 200 miles on a daily basis, an electric vehicle may not be very beneficial or cost-effective for your everyday use.
Q: Can I Charge My Electric Vehicle at Home?
A: Yes! One of the most convenient aspects of owning an electric vehicle is being able to charge it at home. At the end of the day you simply plug the car into your charging station and when you wake up in the morning, it is ready to go! This means no more standing in the cold to pump gas, and no more pulling your car out of your garage to warm it up.
With that being said, there are other things to consider. You can charge your electric car using a standard 110-volt wall outlet, but this is going to take some time. Th
is charging station will add about four miles of range per hour. If you don’t use many miles of range each day, this should work for you. However, if you deplete a full 200 miles of range it will take several days to recharge.
Most electric car owners hire an electrician to install a 240-volt outlet in their garage. This allows for a higher level of charging and can add 25 miles of range per charging hour.
Q: Is The Service At Your Home Able to Handle Your Charging System?
A: Figure out if your home can handle a charging station. You may require an upgrade, especially if you are considering buying more than one electrical vehicle. When moving forward with this purchase, we highly recommend having an evaluation of your home’s electrical system.
Q: Where Will You Keep Your Charging Station?
A: The most convenient place to keep a charging station is in your garage. However, if you do not have a garage you can plug in outside. If you have a 240-volt outlet installed outside, make sure it is up to code and that your charging cord or station is designed for outdoor use. It is crucial that you have an electrician come to check that everything is working properly.
Q: How Much Does Electricity Cost?
A: Similarly to gasoline, the price of electricity varies depending where you live. The average price of electricity in the U.S. is 13.28 cents per kilowatt-hour. Regardless of where you live or where you charge your electric vehicle, electricity will cost a significant amount less than what you would be paying for gasoline.
While some Public charging stations may be free, most often charging at home is cheaper than charging in public. It is less expensive to charge your vehicle overnight or on the weekends than it is to charge at peak times like weekday afternoons or evenings.
Q: Are There Public Charging Stations?
A: Charging at Home is often the most convenient way to recharge your electric vehicle. However, there may be a point in time where it is necessary to charge your car on the road. The public charging stations will often be level 2 stations and many offer DC fast charging. This will allow you to charge your electric car up to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
There are many factors involved in charging your vehicle in the public domain. Make sure you check to see how many miles you can expect to add in a given time. In addition, take the time to find all the charging stations in your area. You can use resources such as Plugshare.com and PluginAmerica.org.
Q: Can I Take My Electrical Vehicle on Road Trips?
A: Any electric car is capable of road-tripping. Whether it’s convenient or doable comes down to your route and your car’s range. If you think about road trips, there comes a point where you’ll have to stop for snacks or a bathroom break. This is probably around the time when your car will be low on battery. That being said, make your trip easier by mapping out your route and making sure there is a charging station every three hours or so.
Q: Should I Buy a New or Used Electric Car?
A: If you are looking to save money on your electric car, buying a used electric car will save you a decent amount of money. All new electric cars are pricier than new gas-powered cars, but many used electric cars are much cheaper than most used gas cars. Buying a new electric car will have a full warranty, and up to date tech and safety features. Buying new will give you the peace of mind that your battery is in tip-top shape.
Q: What Do I Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Maintenance?
A: In general, electric vehicles often require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles. There are virtually no fluids to change and the friction brakes last longer since regenerative braking assists with stopping the car. An electric vehicle’s battery and motor have the potential to last longer than the life of the car.
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Insure an Electric Car?
A: Insurance tends to cost more for electric cars than traditional cars. This has nothing to do with safety, but rather the vehicle’s price to stay charged. Electric cars are more expensive than gas powered cars when it comes to insurance because insurance companies take into account the high cost of battery packs. If an accident causes damage to the pack, and it needs to be replaced, it is one of the most expensive repairs insurance companies will have to cover.
After Purchasing Your Electric Car
Now that you are aware of the process of owning an electric car, you can begin to move forward with installing your car charger in your home. As experienced electricians this is something we can help you with. We can install your electric car charger in your home and it will be cheaper than doing it with the dealership. Visit our website to contact us with any further questions about electric vehicles and we can help you get started!