There’s no denying that electric vehicles are gradually becoming a popular alternative to more traditional cars, mainly because they’re fast and fun to drive. However, one thing that draws many drivers to these vehicles is that they’re easy to maintain and very friendly to the environment since they don’t produce any tailpipe emissions that significantly contribute to climate change.
The market of electric vehicles is filled with several options you can choose from. So, if you’re a beginner who happens to be looking for guidelines on how to choose the best electric vehicle, then you can continue reading for more.
The Different Types Of Electric Vehicles
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
These are all-electric cars that are powered by a large battery. They don’t use any petrol or diesel but are filled using electricity only. They’re the most ideal for the environment of all the other options and are perfect for drivers who prioritize saving on fuel.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
These electric vehicles blend between being electric and having a traditional ICE engine. They’re powered by a petrol or diesel engine and a medium-size battery, so you can use petrol, diesel, or electricity to fill them up. If you charge it daily, this can help save you on fuel and its environmental impact.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
These electric vehicles have a traditional engine and a tiny battery. Because of the size of the battery, these vehicles can only receive a limited amount of support from the battery, meaning that they would need to be powered by a petrol or diesel engine.
You can only fill the vehicle with diesel or gasoline, making these electric vehicles have significantly few environmental benefits. Drivers can also expect to save very little on fuel when choosing this vehicle.
What To Consider
Each type of electric vehicle works differently; therefore, choosing one that suits you will depend on your lifestyle and what you believe in most. As you go about picking the right electric vehicle, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is convenience a big priority for me?
- What does my monthly budget look like?
- How do I feel about my decision’s impact on the environment?
Cost And Potential Savings
Buying an electric vehicle will mean paying a higher purchase price than your more traditional vehicles that run on petrol or diesel. However, you save a lot on fuel, maintenance, and tax.
Therefore, depending on your budget and what’s more important to you regarding monthly expenses, you can choose the type of electric vehicle that will suit you best.
Range
Choose an electric vehicle with an operating range exceeding your needs. These types of cars don’t operate the way traditional vehicles do, and you’re likely to drain your battery a lot quicker when driving motorways instead of choosing to, for instance, go around town.
This makes it very important to have an excellent understanding of an electric vehicle’s driving capacity. That’s why selecting an option that suits your lifestyle and surroundings is crucial.
Charging
Depending on where you stay, you can get charging points installed to charge your vehicle at an affordable tariff. You might need a full tank of electricity each morning to start your days at the maximum range.
Still, if you are low on electricity, you can use public charging points available at restaurants, car parks, supermarkets, and other spots.
The process of doing so is super easy- You simply take your charging cable along and top it up wherever there’s a charging point to do so. If you are taking a long trip, you can stop at a service station or rapid-charging port to load your vehicle.
Preference
Regardless of any vehicle you intend to purchase, always take a thorough test drive. This ensures that it’s comfortable, has all the necessary accessories, and is in good working order, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.
