Is an EV right for you?
Posted by Stacie Nielsen on January 20, 2020
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, it can be hard to know if one is right for you. There are many factors to consider before purchasing an EV. Here are a couple ways to help determine if an EV is right for you.
How far is your daily commute?
There are several affordable EV models that have a range of 250 or more miles. Most people commute much less than this per day, in fact 250 miles may even be more than you commute all week. As technology continues to progress, the range on EVs will continue to rise. Check what the “range-per-charge” is, because it can vary significantly between models.
How often do you take road trips?
Currently, long road trips can present challenges for EVs as the charging infrastructure and battery technology is still improving. As a result, long trips still require planning ahead to locate charging stations along your route.
How many cars do you own?
EVs are a great opportunity to save money and improve the environment for people with more than one car. It’s easy to use the EV as a commuter vehicle and a gasoline-powered vehicle for longer distances.
Where do you park at home?
Plug-in EVs need to be charged, which is typically done at home with a standard 120V outlet or 240V (Level 2) charging station. The Level 2 charging station can be installed in a garage or driveway and charges much faster than a standard outlet.
An EV may NOT be the correct choice for you right now if…
- You travel more than 300 miles in a day.
- You do not have off-street parking.
- You take long road trips regularly.
However, if a Battery EV (BEV) is not right for you now, you might also consider a Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV). PHEVs do still use gasoline, but many models have an all-electric range that meets daily commuting mileage needs.
Overall, it’s important to remember that EV technology is advancing and the range is increasing, so while a BEV may not be right for you now, in a couple years, it may be perfect!
Source: Energy Wise MN
