If you’re shopping for a new car, you should know that electric vehicles are no longer a niche option. Today, they represent a viable alternative to traditional cars, and for good reason. In this guide, you’ll learn why EVs continue gaining popularity, the various types of EVs available, valuable tips for buying a used EV, and more.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
If you’ve always owned a gas-powered car, you may wonder why you should consider going electric. Here are several compelling reasons to make the switch:
- Lower refueling costs: Electric vehicles can be “refueled” at a fraction of the cost of gasoline. Your exact savings depend on electricity and gas prices and your driving habits, but the typical EV owner saves $800 to $1,000 a year on fuel.
- Reduced maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, resulting in less wear and tear. Say goodbye to oil changes, spark plug replacements, and timing belt adjustments, cutting your vehicle maintenance costs in half for an average lifetime savings of $4,600.
- Tax incentives: Buying an EV in the United States may qualify you for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Some states, including Maine, offer additional incentives, further reducing the overall cost of EV ownership.
- Environmental benefits: While the monetary savings are great, the benefits of EVs don’t end there. Electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions, making them incredibly eco-friendly, especially if charged with electricity generated from renewable sources.
Types of Electric Vehicles
If you’ve started shopping for an electric car, you’ve probably seen various abbreviations to describe the different types. Here are the top examples:
- EVs, or electric vehicles, describe any car primarily powered by electricity.
- BEVs, or battery electric vehicles, are fully electric with no gasoline engine.
- HEVs, or hybrid electric vehicles, combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor. They can’t be plugged in but are more fuel-efficient than traditional gas vehicles.
- PHEVs, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, strike a middle ground between BEVs and HEVs. They have a rechargeable battery but also feature a gasoline engine for longer trips.
- FCEVs, or fuel cell electric vehicles, use hydrogen gas to power an electric motor. While less common, they offer fast refueling and long ranges.
Electric Vehicle Ranges
The typical range of an electric vehicle largely depends on the type of EV and the specific model.
- BEVs typically offer ranges of 150 to 370 miles. The most advanced models can reach 400 miles on a single charge.
- PHEVs can typically travel 15 to 50 miles on electric power alone, with a total range (including gasoline) of 300 to 600 miles.
- FCEVs provide ranges comparable to traditional vehicles, often exceeding 300 miles.
EV Charging
Charging an EV is less time-consuming than you might think, especially with recent advancements in charging technology.
- Level 1 charging uses a standard 110V outlet. While it’s the slowest method, adding two to five miles of range per hour of charge time, there’s no need to install a special charging station.
- Level 2 charging requires a dedicated 240V circuit, like a clothes dryer outlet. It’s faster than Level 1, adding 10 to 20 miles of range per hour, and is commonly found in public places like office buildings, grocery stores, and shopping centers. Homeowners can also install Level 2 charging stations in the garage or driveway.
- Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, is the quickest method, typically found at dedicated charging stations. Level 3 can charge 60 to 80 miles of range in just 20 minutes.
Tips for Buying a Used Electric Vehicle
Interested in buying a used EV? Here are some key considerations:
- Battery life: Just like cell phones and laptops, EV batteries degrade over time, reducing their range. Check the battery’s state of health (SOH) through the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system or via a third-party inspection to learn about the battery’s capacity to hold a charge.
- Warranty: Check the warranty details, especially for the battery and the electric powertrain, an EV’s costliest components. Many manufacturers offer eight-year warranties on these parts, but terms may vary.
- Maintenance records: As with any vehicle, maintenance records are crucial when purchasing a used EV. Regular maintenance checks indicate that the previous owner took good care of it.
- Charging equipment: Ensure the necessary charging equipment comes with the purchase. Most EVs include a Level 1 charger, but you may want to invest in a Level 2 charger for faster charging times.
- Test drive: Never buy a used EV without testing it out. Monitor the vehicle’s range, responsiveness, and comfort. An EV should offer strong acceleration and smooth, quiet operation.
Test Drive a Ford Electric Vehicle in South Portland, ME
Ready to drive a cleaner, greener, more efficient car? Yankee Ford supplies quality
used and
new electric vehicles from our dealership in South Portland. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through the buying process and answer any
questions about EV ownership. In addition to our superior customer service, we offer competitive prices and
financing options to ensure you
get the best deal on your electric vehicle purchase. Call us at (207) 799-5591 or
contact us online to schedule a test drive today. Currently eligible for $3,750 in potential
Federal Tax Credits. Also, take advantage of the
State of Maine Electric Vehicle Rebates.
