Are you thinking of replacing your diesel or gasoline vehicle with an electric vehicle? If you are, you need to consider some major factors when buying an electric car, in addition to the standard risks inherent with purchasing a new automobile.

You might be concerned about the environment, or you may merely want to save money on gas; the grounds for electrification are numerous. Whatever your motivations might be, these considerations will help you grasp and then weigh the pros and drawbacks of owning an electric car.

electric-car-charging

Your daily average driving distance

The first question to ask yourself is how far you typically drive in a day. This will help determine what type of electric car would be best for you. If you only commute a short distance and don’t do much driving on the weekends, then you may be able to get by with a small battery-powered city car. However, if your daily driving distance is longer, you will need a car with an extended range.

Every electric vehicle has different battery-life ranges which you should consider before buying one. The Nissan Leaf and Fiat 500e have ranges of about 80 to 100 miles per charge, while the Tesla Model S gets close to 300 miles per charge, depending on the model.

Your charging options

The next question to ask yourself is what kind of charging infrastructure is available where you live. Not all electric cars can be plugged into the same type of outlet, so it’s important to make sure your chosen car will be compatible with the outlets and chargers in your area.

There are three types of standard electric-car charging plugs: Type-I, Type-II, and CHAdeMO. If you’re not sure which type of outlet is prevalent in your area, it’s best to check with an electrician or the manufacturer of your chosen car.

Your electricity bill in the future

Charging your electric vehicle at home means you’ll be paying for your electricity usage. Most electric-car owners charge their vehicles overnight, so you won’t have to worry about extra costs during the day.

However, if you want a fast charger installed at home for emergencies or longer trips, that means more energy consumption and higher bills. If you live in an area with low electricity rates, your bill may not be a major concern. But if you live in an area with high electricity rates, it’s best to look for the most affordable charging options.

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The car maintenance and charging costs

Electric cars don’t require the same type of maintenance as gasoline or diesel vehicles. However, there are still some costs associated with owning and charging an electric car that you should be aware of.

For example, most electric-car owners need to have a home garage in order to install a charger. If you live in an apartment building or are considering buying a condo, you need to make sure the parking garage has electric outlets for charging vehicles.

If your car does run out of power, you may be able to call roadside assistance if you have an emergency situation and need help getting back home or to a charging station. Some rental companies also offer electric cars with extended-range batteries, so you can still take road trips without worrying about finding a charging station.

The electric vehicle resale value

One final thing to consider before buying an electric car is the resale value. Electric cars have not been on the market as long as gasoline or diesel vehicles, so their resale values are not yet established. However, it is likely that electric cars will retain more of their value than traditional combustion engine vehicles because of the growing popularity of electric transportation and the decreasing price of batteries.

The electric vehicle resale value may be more important than you think, particularly if you are considering leasing an electric vehicle instead of buying one outright. Leasing is a great option for people who want to drive the latest and greatest cars without having to worry about paying extra money when it comes time for repairs or upgrades.

Electric cars may be more expensive than traditional ones, but they may also save you money in the long run by reducing fuel costs and maintenance expenses down the road.